Gervan Fearon

President of George Brown College

Cultural Connectivity Panel: Promoting Blackness through successful entrepreneurship

Dr. Gervan Fearon is President of George Brown College, An accomplished economist scholar and teacher, he brings his vision for the transformative impacts of education to leading one of Canada’s most culturally diverse, urban post-secondary institutions. Recognized for his ability to inspire and move teams toward positive and constructive change, Dr. Fearon collaborates across the college to support career-focused programs, advance applied research and innovation, and promote community development.

Dr. Fearon has an esteemed record of progressive leadership position in higher education. He served as the president and vice-chancellor at Brock University in Ontario and Brandon University in Manitoba (where he also served as provost and vice-president, academic) Prior to his presidential appointments, he was dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Toronto Metropolitan University, associate dean at York University’s Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies (where he also held a faculty position) and was a visiting scholar at the University of Washington. Dr. Fearon began his career as an economist and policy advisor in government.

Improving social and economic mobility through education is one of Dr. Fearon’s areas of expertise, and he shares his insights around the world. He currently chairs the external reference group for the federal government’s Supporting Black Communities Initiatives which is advancing Canada’s commitment to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, and is a board member with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Health and Ingenium – Canada’s museums of science and innovation. He also co-founded the Canada Caribbean Institute with Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor, The University of the West Indies. His work has been recognized with the Order of Ontario, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum and Diamond Jubilee Medals, and the Michaëlle Jean Foundation Influencer Award, among other honours.

Dr. Fearon earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario (now Western University) and received his master’s and bachelor of science degrees in Agriculture Economics from the University of Guelph, He holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation (CPA,CGA) and an Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D).

Black Opportunity Fund (BOF)

Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) is a community-led registered Canadian Charitable organization, that supports a  prosperous, healthy and thriving Black Canada by challenging anti-Black racism in two ways by:

  1. Responding to long-standing underinvestment in Black communities 
  2. Working nationally to strengthen collective actions by Black organizations and leaders, helping them to create new and more impactful ways to support and advocate for our community. 

 

BOF prioritizes initiatives around education and youth, health, women and gender, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts, culture and recreation, and food insecurity, that impact the quality of life in Black communities across Canada.  

Upcoming events to highlight:

  • BOF x ByBlacks National Restaurant Week: we are a lead sponsor for the ByBlacks National Restaurant Week, Spring edition 2024 which runs from May 20 to 26, 2024.  ByBlacks Restaurant Week (BRW) is a semi-annual national food festival. During this event, Black-owned Canadian restaurants, caterers, pop-ups, and food trucks offer a Prix Fixe (special) menu or a $10 special discounted by up to 25% for seven days. Join us in this week-long celebration of culinary diversity! There are a number of restaurants in Western Canada participating so check it out: https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek

 

  • BOF x DoorDash #BlackFoodEnergy grant program: BOF has confirmed funding for the #BlackFoodEnergy grant program for Black Restaurants across Canada for the next 4 years. #BlackFoodEnergy celebrates, amplifies and supports Black Chefs and Black-Owned restaurants and the amazing things they are serving up in neighborhoods across Canada. The funding commitment for the extended agreement will be announced in June 2024 along with the launch of the #BlackFoodEnergy grant

Juno

Juno develops a compact, discreet and wearable device that eliminates menstrual pain instantly and over long periods.

Work and Chill Games

Work and Chill Games is a platform that helps companies find and book fun activities for their employees. It makes it easy for companies to plan engaging experiences that boost team spirit and productivity. With Work and Chill Games, employees can enjoy memorable activities that make work more enjoyable and build a positive work culture.