WHO WE ARE
Hey Black Girl! is a Black-led, feminist, climate-conscious non-profit focused on developing programs that allow young Black women & non-binary folk to grow. It was born through a yearning for a platform where individuals with shared lived experiences could inspire one another. Our programming is rooted in gender equity, intersectionality, climate-justice and cultural relevance. Hey Black Girl! creates an environment where communities can be comfortable in discussing their blackness, their identity and their professional ambitions.
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
TANAKA CHITANDA
Director of Development
Meet Tanaka! Her experience in youth engagement, research and grant writing aligns with her role of overseeing digital branding, revenue generation and strategic development. She is passionate about community building, sustainability and the advancement of marginalized communities. As a co-founder of HBG, her hope is to provide a digital platform where all Black women can enrich themselves - personally and professionally.
MARTINA MBADINGA
Director of Communications
Meet Martina! Martina currently works in Insurance Claims in Toronto. She obtained her Bsc in Law and Society and African Studies from York University. Martina is a strong believer in creating spaces for Black women to be themselves, and be surrounded by other Black women in order to uplift and encourage one another. In her current role, she brings substantial management experience for the role of Director of Communications. She oversees both external and internal communication, and manages staff who work in communications or public relations.
ANGELA OUMA
Director of Programs
Meet Angela! A third year law student at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law and BA (Hons) Political Science and African Studies graduate. Angela is passionate about making sustainable and effective change in her community specifically in advancing gender equality and investing in African women worldwide. In her current role she is responsible for the planning and execution of workshops and fundraising initiatives.
MEET OUR TEAM
ELNA MARO
Program Coordinator, The Fellowship
Meet Elna! As a program coordinator at HBG, she manages, coordinates and oversees The Fellowship. She also works in conjunction with all the lovely volunteers who walk through HBG doors/platforms on ongoing programs. Elna is an undergraduate degree holder of a B.A double major in Psychology and Human Rights and is currently pursuing an MSc in Public and International Health, specialization in Epidemiology. Her rich educational background grounds her in proximity with community work and a tangible approach to resolving societal issues with a compassionate approach.
CINDY TIBAZARWA
Creative Director
Meet Cindy! Our Creative Director, bringing her experience in branding and creative knowledge to the team. After graduating with a degree in Marketing and Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in 2018, Cindy worked briefly for Crave + HBO + STARZ at Bell Media. She is currently a graduate student at New York University in Visual Arts Administration. Being a creative professional, Cindy has always been passionate about uplifting the presence of Black voices and narratives in the creative industry through tools such as community programming. As our Creative Director, she curates all arts and culture-based programming, oversees the branding for Hey Black Girl, and is currently spearheading the exciting project of the HBG Zine!
TATIANNA BURNETT
Host, Black Girl Bants & Executive Assistant
Meet Tatianna! A Communications and Media Studies major, who hosts Instagram live sessions on Hey Black Girl to discuss topics surrounding the community, such as relationships, beauty, fitness, fashion and so much more! This space allows for viewers to express their opinions, thoughts, and experiences with one another, by tuning into our live sessions "Black Girl Bants". As a Black woman she understands the day-to-day challenges that Black women encounter and wants to create a channel for others to express and understand that our experiences as Black people are not isolated situations.