First-of-its-kind summit for Black professionals held in Halifax

Black human resources professionals met in Halifax for a summit.

An inaugural summit for Black professionals in the human resource sector brought dozens to downtown Halifax on Tuesday.

The day offered roughly 40 employees, executives and entrepreneurs a chance for fellowship, while strategizing ways to advance equity, leadership and innovation in the workplace.

“As Black professionals, we are often siloed, and the opportunity to bring all of us together in one room as human resources professionals is a dream that I’ve had for many years,” says Miriam Mutale Simmonds, founder of Black HR Professionals Nova Scotia. “It’s so important to have events like this because we are already one in a crowd of many, and having the opportunity to have a safe space where we can share our stories, learn from each other, and also do a little bit of professional development.

“We have had workshops and panel discussions ranging on strategic HR, how to advance your career, AI and HR, networking, sponsorships and advocacy as well.”

Nick Beynon, CEO of Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Nova Scotia, says he jumped on the opportunity to help sponsor the event.

“Our profession has historically trended towards white females, and we are a big believer that having different backgrounds brings very different perspectives,” says Beynon. “And this is an audience that brings a very different background and different perspectives.”

It was the kind of event Shantia Russell Stubbs never knew she needed. After seven years in human resources, it’s one she never thought she would see.

“I’m coming into today with joy, excitement. And so far today has been very informative,” says Stubbs. “Having spaces like this is reassuring and comforting. Recognizing that some of the same challenges I’m having as a professional is something that is also shared with my fellow colleagues that are here today.”

April Howe, CEO of Crayon Strategies, agrees.

“I love the idea of convening HR professionals. There are so many experienced and new HR professionals out there, and there’s not really as much of an established network. So this creates that opportunity,” says Howe.

Especially in an industry where representation often falls short.

“Knowing that there is a broader community out there of likeminded folks that are dealing and grappling with a lot of the same challenges...this being a place to go to unpack all of that is perfect.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page