Black women from across Canada gathered this month for the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2022 awards ceremony. •⁠⠀ The national event was put on by Canada International Black Women Excellence on Oct.15, at the Oasis Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ont. •⁠⠀ Two Saskatoon entrepreneurs, Betty Mutwiri and Oyindamola Ajibola, were among the recipients at the ceremony. •⁠⠀ Mutwiri runs BM Leadership, Coaching and Consulting Incorporated, which offers inclusive leadership programs and coaching. "It's gratifying to know that the work that I have done in my career in the community matters to people and it has a positive impact," she said. •⁠⠀ Ajibola was recognized for her work helping immigrants thrive in Canada. She is the creator of the magazine Immigrant Muse, the Immigrant Connect conference, and an app that connects immigrants to programs and services. •⁠⠀ Both women agreed the gathering challenged the idea that there is only room for one Black woman in any organization, after meeting others who excel in their fields. •⁠⠀ "If you don't feel fully aligned with the organization because there is some agenda you want to push, and you feel like you're the only one, you can't push it alone," said Ajibola, noting that having more Black women in the workplace makes a difference. •⁠⠀ "That definitely created a very different dynamic from what I've been used to," said Mutwiri. "Being there was so energizing." •⁠⠀ Ajibola and Mutwiri are now collaborating on a book with hopes of energizing other Black women leaders. Their book will launch in February 2023 to coincide with Black History Month. •⁠⠀ Bernice Richard, the COO of Custom Agriculture Intelligence, a board member of the Friends of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and a children's book author, also made the Top 100 list. •⁠⠀ • • (Reporting: Heather Morrison; Photos: Submitted by Betty Mutwir and Oyindamola Ajibola) @cbcsask #beingblackincanada #black #canada #bbic #blackexcellence #saskatchewan