This past November, I had the profound honour of representing FIED Canada alongside Safa Boughattas, President of FIED Canada, at the International Forum for Enterprising and Dynamic Women (FIED Africa) in Burkina Faso. The forum was held under the esteemed patronage of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso—a powerful signal of the country’s commitment to advancing women’s and youth empowerment across the continent.

This experience was deeply meaningful on both a personal and professional level.

Being on the ground in Burkina Faso allowed me to witness firsthand the real and lasting impact of the work FIED Africa is doing to uplift and empower women and youth. From entrepreneurship development to leadership and economic empowerment, the initiatives led by FIED Africa are creating tangible pathways for women to thrive—not just for today, but for future generations.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the forum was the opportunity to connect with an incredible network of leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers from across Africa and the global diaspora. These were individuals who have achieved remarkable success and are now intentionally using their influence, experience, and resources to help shape the future of others. The energy, collaboration, and shared purpose in the room were truly inspiring.

Representing Canada on this global stage was a moment of immense pride. I was honoured to share examples of the innovative work being done in Canada to support women’s entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and inclusive economic growth. These conversations reinforced the value of cross-border collaboration and highlighted how much we can learn from one another when we create spaces for shared dialogue and partnership.

The experience was further enriched by the opportunity to be interviewed by two local news outlets in Burkina Faso. During these interviews, I was able to speak about the work of FIED Canada, while also highlighting the important role of the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA). I also had the opportunity to speak about Dufferin County and my Jamaican heritage—an experience that allowed me to show up fully and authentically, representing the many layers of my identity as a Canadian, a Caribbean woman, and a global community advocate.

A particularly memorable moment was our visit to the Presidential Place, where we had the distinguished honour of hearing President Ibrahim Traoré address the delegation. His remarks underscored the critical role that women and youth play in nation-building and reinforced the importance of platforms like FIED in driving sustainable and inclusive development.

On behalf of Safa Boughattas, President of FIED Canada, and myself as Vice President, this journey was an incredibly rewarding experience. We are proud to celebrate and support the exceptional leadership and vision of Djelika Yao, Founder and President of FIED Africa, whose dedication continues to open doors and create opportunities for women and youth across the continent.

This experience reaffirmed a truth I have long believed: when women are empowered economically, entire communities benefit. I return from Burkina Faso inspired, energized, and more committed than ever to advancing the mission of FIED—both in Canada and globally.

Thank you to FIED Africa for the opportunity to be part of this important work. The journey continues.

– Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson
Leadership Advocate | Resilience Strategist | Host of In Conversation with Alethia | Author, The Distinctive Leader
https://iamalethia.com