Jeanne Lehman: Leading the Way for Black Women Entrepreneurs
In light of Women’s History Month, we recognize the efforts of Black-led organizations that are actively empowering Black entrepreneurs in Canada, specifically those led by Black women entrepreneurs like Jeanne Lehman, who are creating positive change in their communities. Lehman is the founder and executive director of Black Canadian Women in Action (BCW) and Black Canadian Businesses in Action (BCB). BCW is dedicated to promoting the advancement of Black women entrepreneurs and inspiring young Black girls to become tomorrow’s leaders. BCB, on the other hand, is focused on increasing access to support and resources for Black-owned businesses.
Originally from Cameroon, Jeanne immigrated to Canada from France in 2000 and her accomplishments since then exemplify Black excellence. Lehman boasts an impressive academic background that includes a Bachelor of General Law and a Master of Business Law from Paris Nanterre University; a Master of African Studies from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne; and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from HEC Montréal. Her broad education fueled her passion for business and laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial and advocacy efforts. Under her visionary leadership, BCW in Action has emerged as a prominent, Black-led organization, with three chapters across Western Canada, including Edmonton, Calgary, and Regina. BCW has already serviced 300 businesses with 100 more in the pipeline, a testament to Jeanne’s immense impact on the Black business community.
Lehman has developed several initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in Canadian society, including BCW's Black Girls Leadership program, which nurtures leadership skills in young Black girls in grades 10-12 and connects them with mentors. Additionally, the organization hosts the Black Business Expo, an annual event for Black entrepreneurs in the Prairies that provides an opportunity for them to expand and grow their businesses. At BCW events, Jeanne explained that Black business owners and entrepreneurs often form long-lasting partnerships and collaborations. BCW’s career hub further empowers Black women on their professional journey by connecting them with a supportive community of peers that offer personalized guidance, training, and mentorship.
One of the key ways in which BEKH is supporting Black Canadian women entrepreneurs is by providing critical research and data on the experiences of Black entrepreneurs in Canada such as Jeanne. Alongside organizations such as BCW in Action, BEKH is collaborating to build a more inclusive and equitable business ecosystem. Overall, this support is instrumental in helping Black women entrepreneurs to access the funding and resources needed to grow their businesses and address challenges head-on.
Jeanne's commitment to empowering Black women entrepreneurs has made her a role model and beacon of hope for future generations. Her exceptional contributions to the community were recognized in 2022 when she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal. She is a shining example of how the power of entrepreneurship and community leadership can transform lives. Her dedication to empowering Black women and girls will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact for years to come. We must continue to honor her legacy by working together to ensure that economic opportunities and wealth ownership genuinely reflect the diversity of our nation, allowing Black entrepreneurs to soar to new heights.