The Black Leadership Launchpad is a 5-week leadership development and mentorship program designed for Black professionals who are ready to strengthen their leadership capacity and advance their careers.
Participants will develop the skills, confidence, and self-awareness needed to lead effectively, build strong workplace relationships, and navigate leadership opportunities with greater impact. Through leadership development, mentorship, and meaningful peer connections, the program supports participants in growing as leaders while expanding their professional networks.
Centered on Black affirmation, leadership excellence, and community, the program provides a supportive environment where participants can learn, connect, and thrive alongside other emerging leaders.
Program Overview
Who This Program Is For?
This program is designed for Black‑identifying leaders, you are:
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In your 1–24 months (under 2 years) of your first ever management or supervisory role in paid employment, or business owners / entrepreneurs who are building or leading a team.
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A Manitoba resident
Limited to cohort of 14 participants only
Program Components
1. Leadership Training Series (3 Weekly Sessions)
Interactive 7‑hour in-person sessions held Fridays, October 9 – October 23, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST
The training will cover:
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New Leader Transition
Learn how to shift from peer to leader, establish authority without over-control, set boundaries, and confidently lead former colleagues. -
Foundations of Inclusive Leadership
Explore leadership styles and how identity, power, and bias influence decisions, with a focus on building equitable, psychologically safe teams, while aligning inclusion with organizational goals. -
Building Trust, Credibility & Self-Advocacy
Build trust with teams and senior leaders while strengthening leadership presence, visibility, and self-advocacy as a Black leader. -
Delegation with Equity & Accountability
Develop clear, fair delegation practices that promote accountability, reduce burnout, and move leaders from doing to leading. -
Communication & Difficult Conversations
Gain tools to navigate feedback, conflict, and emotionally charged conversations with clarity, confidence, and care. -
Performance Management with an Equity Lens
Learn to manage performance fairly by setting expectations, reducing bias, and supporting growth through equitable practices.
2. Group Mentorship Session with C-Suite Leaders (October 30, 10:00AM – 1:00 PM CST)
Group mentorship sessions with six senior Black leaders from various sectors, focused on lived experiences navigating bias, leadership, advancement, imposter syndrome, as a Black professional in Canada.
3. 1:1 Mentorship Matching with C-Suite Leaders (Optional)
Participants may be matched with senior C-Suite leaders for optional one-on-one mentorship, providing personalized guidance, career insights, and leadership support tailored to their goals.
4. Access to Black Leadership Launchpad Network (Starting November 6)
A private online space for participants only, transitioning into community.
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Peer support and discussion threads.
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Weekly leadership tips, templates, and tools.
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A safe space to ask questions, share wins, and grow together.
What You'll Gain
By the end of the Black Leadership Launchpad, participants will be able to:
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Transition confidently into leadership roles with greater self-awareness and effectiveness.
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Apply inclusive leadership practices that foster belonging, equity, and team engagement.
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Build trust, credibility, and influence within diverse workplace environments.
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Advocate strategically for yourself, your team, and organizational goals.
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Delegate work effectively while promoting accountability, development, and fairness.
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Communicate with clarity, confidence, and professionalism across a variety of workplace situations.
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Navigate difficult conversations and workplace conflicts constructively.
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Use performance management approaches to support employee growth and team success.
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Strengthen leadership decision-making and relationship-building skills.
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Expand your professional network through mentorship and connections with senior leaders.
Program Timeline
Program Start & End Date: Oct 6 – Nov 6 , 2026
Meet & Greet session: Oct 6, 5:00 - 6:30pm
Leadership Training Series: Fridays, Oct 9 - Oct 23, 9:00AM - 4:00PM CST
Group Mentorship Session: Oct 30, 10:30AM - 1:00PM CST
Closing Ceremony: Nov 6, 10:00AM - 1:00PM CST
Transition to Online Community: Begins Nov 6
All sessions are delivered in-person
Why This Matters
High-performing employees are often promoted into leadership without the people-management skills needed to lead effectively.
Leadership requires new skills and support, not just technical excellence.
70% of team engagement is driven by the quality of the manager (Gallup).
Black professionals face systemic barriers and limited access to leadership development and networks.
The Black Leadership Launchpad Project provides early-stage, culturally responsive leadership development to strengthen retention and build an equitable leadership pipeline across Manitoba.
Before this program, I had received valuable advice and wisdom from seasoned Black professionals on career and professional development, which was incredibly helpful in its own right. However, what the Black Leadership Launchpad Workshop provided was something different, it gave me the language, resources, frameworks, and community needed to turn those insights into concrete actions that I could implement in the workplace.
The program also helped me become more self-aware of how I present myself professionally and how I engage with colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. It challenged me to reflect, grow, and lead with greater intention.
If you are considering applying, I encourage you not to hesitate. The learning, connections, and personal growth opportunities this program offers are truly invaluable.
Jude O.
The cohort expanded my professional network in a meaningful way. I now have a community of talented Black professionals that I can turn to for advice, perspective, and encouragement. Having access to peers who understand many of the unique challenges and opportunities we face as leaders has been invaluable. The relationships built through the program continue to be a source of support and inspiration.
Ebele N.
Knowledge is applied power. Take the leap! If you're beginning your journey as a Black leader, investing your time in a safe and supportive learning environment alongside talented people from your community is one of the best investments you can make in your career.
Corey P.
Ohloree Inc. is a management consulting company that specializes in leadership/management coaching/training and project management services for individuals and businesses in enhancing overall company health.