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WE ARE HERE TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE BY
Changing The Colour Of The Boardroom
KWOMAIS: A PLACE OF VISION
Kwomais is our boardroom and leadership program for youths and young adults to learn how to be better prepared for board and leadership opportunities. Through Kwomais Boardroom initiative, we aim to address the lack of colour in boardrooms by enhancing the skill set of participants through rigorous leadership and board governance training, seminars, events, and mental health workshops.
Sponsored by
In partnership with
This program is geared toward BIWOC with aspirations to work in high-level business positions. Specifically tailored to equip participants with the tools for success, this program will take your career blueprint to the next level. Preparation now ensures you are ready to level up when an opportunity presents itself.
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Odihi partners with Industry Leaders to deliver world-class leadership training in various career fields. This boardroom and leadership program will help BIWOC youth/young adults develop valuable leadership skills, spur professional growth, and successfully make impactful connections to land leadership roles. We provide access to the people, resources, and opportunities that will help ensure your success.
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Research makes it increasingly clear that companies with Black and Brown women in key leadership positions perform better financially. WOC have proven and earned their seats at the table; now it’s time to educate, equip, and empower them to fill them!
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This program runs once every year, so click the link below to join our 2025 Cohort.
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We are excited to welcome you to our next program!
What You Can Expect
We return this January 2025! Join us for virtual sessions covering the following topics:
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Date | Time | Topics |
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February 3 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM | Basics of Governance, Different Models, Decolonizing Roberts Rules |
February 10 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM | Roles & Responsibilities, Conflict of Interest, Risk Management & Board Financials |
February 17 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM | How to Get on Board & Mock Boardroom Sessions |
February 24 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM | Fundraising |
March 3 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM | Leadership Point of View (LPOV) & Communication Style/Success |
March 10 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM | Ask a Leader: Leadership interactive sessions from board leaders and Industry experts lead open discussions |
March 17 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM | Wellness Discussion (A Q&A conversation with a psychotherapist about healthy practices as a leader and individual in the boardroom/workplace) followed by Graduation & Certification of completion |
Additionally, gain mentorship from senior leaders supporting you throughout the program and beyond, with support securing board positions.
KWOMAIS Speakers
Meet your speakers for this year's KWOMAIS Boardroom and Leadership Training Program!
Trish Mandewo & Synergy Team
Coquitlam City Councillor | Founder & CEO, Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group | Speaker | Mentor | Author
Feb 3, Feb 10 & FEB 17 2026
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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Basic of Governance, Different models, Decolonizing Roberts Rules
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Roles & Responsibilities, Conflict of interest, Risk Management & Board Financials
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How to get on a board & Mock Boardroom sessions
Rowena Veylan
The New School of Fundraising
Founder & Lead Instructor
Tuesday FEB 24, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Fundraising
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Jenn Beverage
Consultant, Facilitator, Designer, &
Coach | Expert in Leadership, Team
Dynamics & Workplace Transformation
Tuesday March 3, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Leadership point of view (LPOV) & Communication style/success
Tina Strehlke
Chief Executive Officer
Minerva BC
Tuesday March 10, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Ask a Leader: Leadership
interactive sessions from board
leaders and Industry experts lead open discussions
Coming soon
Will be annouced soon.
Tuesday March 10, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Ask a Leader: Leadership
interactive sessions from board
leaders and Industry experts lead open discussions
Efe Fruci
TED & Mutilhyphenate Speaker, Consultant, Founder of The Bigger Ideas Conference™ & Odihi Foundation
Tuesday March 10, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Ask a Leader: Leadership interactive sessions from board leaders and Industry experts lead open discussions
Tricia-Kay Williams
Owner & Registered Clinical Counsellor of Metamorphose Counselling & Consultation Ltd.
Tuesday MARCH 17, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Wellness /Mindfulness and closing ceremony
Join us today for our transformative program designed to elevate your decision-making, sharpen strategic thinking, and inspire confident leadership.
Kwomais Boardroom Program Announcement
We’re excited to announce that registration for the Kwomais Boardroom Program is now open! Starting next year, we’ll be introducing an incredible opportunity for participants who complete our seven-week program to further grow and develop their leadership skills through two unique pathways:
Board of Directors Internship
One candidate will be selected to join our Board of Directors as interns for a one-year term.
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Benefits:
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Gain hands-on experience in governance and decision-making.
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Access to leadership mentors for continued growth.
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Build skills in organizational leadership and strategic planning.
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Future Potential: Upon successful completion of the internship, interns will have the opportunity to be considered for a voting position on the Board of Directors.
Leadership Team Role:
“Director Shadow”
One candidate will be selected to join the Leadership Team for a one-year term as a “Director Shadow.”
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Benefits:
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Learn the ins and outs of running and operating an organization or business.
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Gain leadership experience tailored to your strongest skills.
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Opportunity to take on a leadership position within our organization based on your strengths and aspirations.
​Development Focus: This role emphasizes fostering your current skill set while providing opportunities to elevate the skills you wish to master.
Previous Partners & Sponsors
