UsNow 2026 Conference
October 17, 2026
Bayview Yards, Ottawa + Zoom
Beyond Resilience: Racialized Womanhood, Care, and the Right to Rest
UsNow is a gathering for Black and Racialized women and femmes navigating identity, care, wellbeing, and the expectations placed on us by society, culture, family, and community.
Through conversation, storytelling, movement, and collective reflection, we'll explore what it means to move beyond survival and create space for rest, care, and self-definition.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE | IN-PERSON $175 | VIRTUAL $85
Why UsNow 2026?
Hear from QueensConnected Founder Naïka Thomas about why she created this year's UsNow Conference and the conversation we're inviting Black and Racialized women and femmes into.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE | IN-PERSON $175 | VIRTUAL $85
Keynote Speaker
Amira Elghawaby, Human Rights Activist
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Amira Elghawaby, journalist and human rights advocate, served as Canada’s first ever Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia between 2023 to 2026.
During her historic tenure, Ms. Elghawaby provided strategic advice to the Government of Canada on legislation, policies, and programs impacting Canadian Muslim communities. She also worked closely with federal departments to address issues related to online hate, anti-racism, discrimination and community safety.
Additionally, Ms. Elghawaby worked to raise public awareness on the challenges Islamophobia poses to Canada’s shared values, championing human rights, freedom of religion and inclusion on national and global platforms, including at the United Nations.
In spring 2025, her Office published The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia, the first of its kind to be launched by a national government.
Prior to Ms. Elghawaby’s role, she was a contributing columnist at the Toronto Star and held roles in strategic communications and human rights at various national organizations, including at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, at the National Council of Canadian Muslims, and in Canada’s labour movement.
Ms. Elghawaby is a founding board member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network and has served two terms as a Commissioner on the Public Policy Forum’s Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression.
Ms. Elghawaby was awarded the King Charles Coronation Medal as well as the Jack Layton Progress Prize for her leadership.
Meet the UsNow Panel
Patience Plush
Nora Elmi
Nicole Greaves
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Patience Plush is a Black Afro-Caribbean, non-binary burlesque performer, educator, and community advocate whose work explores identity, body liberation, and the power of authentic self-expression.
As Assistant Director of a local burlesque studio and coach of House of Plush, they mentor performers while creating spaces that celebrate confidence, creativity, and belonging.
Drawing from their lived experience navigating race, body image, queerness, and community, Patience uses performance and conversation to challenge limiting narratives and encourage others to define themselves on their own terms.
They are passionate about uplifting Black and racialized communities and believe joy, rest, and visibility are powerful forms of resistance and healing.
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Nora Elmi is a Somali-Canadian Muslim Registered Social Worker, licensed mental health therapist, speaker, and consultant based in Ontario.
With over a decade ofexperience supporting individuals, communities, and organizations, she is widely recognized for her expertise in fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and meaningfulsystemic change.
As the founder of Elmi Counselling and Wellness Services, Nora’s work is grounded in compassion and cultural relevance. She is committed to addressing intergenerational trauma, racial oppression, burnout, and systemic stress, creating spaces where healing and empowerment can coexist.
Nora has collaborated with non-profits, corporations, and boards across sectors to build inclusive, resilient environments that prioritize mentalhealth and collective care.
A sought-after public speaker and facilitator, Nora is dedicated to nurturing a culture of wellness and emotional resilience. Her approach, rooted in anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, affirms identity, culture, and spirituality while inviting people to lead with authenticity, courage, and compassion.
Through her work, Nora continues to inspire individuals and organizations alike to heal, grow, and create lasting impact from a place of grounded wellness.
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Nicole Greaves is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and passionate community advocate committed to advancing holistic wellness, leadership, empowerment, and community connection.
A Registered Nurse, Registered Reflexology Therapist, Full Spectrum Doula, Holistic Wellness Coach, Motivational Speaker and Workshop Facilitator. She is dedicated to seeing individuals and communities thrive.
She is the Executive Director of Ubuntu ConneXions Community Inc., promoting networking, empowerment, and shared growth through initiatives such as TeaCup Conversations for Multicultural Nurses and Level Up for Success.
Nicole is also the Program Manager at HealthCare Solutions, a holistic wellness collective that encourages individuals & families to make intentional investments in their mind, body, and overall well-being through wellness education, self-care, and personalized holistic services.
Rooted in her Garifuna heritage from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Nicole embraces Ubuntu—“I am because we are.” She treasures family, sisterhood, friendships and taking time to rest and recharge. For her, wellness is connection, gratitude, and intentional living.Item description
MOVEMENT & CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Suzan Richards
Chef Resa Solomon - St. Lewis
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Suzan Richards is the founder and artistic director of The Cultural Arts Studio, School of Afro-Caribbean Dance- a space where folk dances from Africa & The Caribbean can be shared and celebrated.
Formally trained in Ballet Jazz at The Montreal Jazz Dance Academy and the West Can Folk Performing Company in Montreal, she is an inspired performing artist, seasoned teacher and choreographer with cultural roots from Dominica.
Suzan is a Professional Artist & Arts Educator with the Arts Alive program at the National Arts Centre and sits on the Board of Directors of Multicultural Arts In Schools and Communities (MASC) a local non profit organization that offers schools and communities arts experiences led by professional artists that awaken the creative process, deepen cultural awareness, encourage engagement, and give vivid demonstration of Canada’s diversity.
Known as “Teacher Suzan”, she has touched the lives of thousands of youth through her studio of 33 years by her philanthropy and her dedication towards the community.She is committed to the preserving and sharing of Afro-Caribbean culture through dance and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to dance regardless of age, fitness level, or ability.
Suzan is the proud recipient of many awards her most recent being a 2022 -100 Most Accomplished Black Canadian Women Award by the Honourable Dr Jean Augustine.
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Chef Resa Solomon-St. Lewis is a mom, wife, and award-winning chef and entrepreneur known for her expertise in Caribbean cuisine. As the founder of Baccanalle, she brings the vibrant flavours and rich heritage of the Caribbean to life through catering, artisan products, and prepared meal offerings.
In 2025, Chef Resa was appointed to the prestigious National Arts Centre Resident Chef Program, showcasing Caribbean food at one of Canada’s most celebrated venues. She has been featured by Food Network Canada and Baccanalle enjoys wonderful reviews from their clients and accolades from Foodie critics and influencers. She represented the High Commission for Trinidad & Tobago at Ottawa’s Embassy Chef Challenge, where she won both the Championship and People’s Choice awards. Through Baccanalle, she expertly blends traditional Caribbean flavours with contemporary techniques, creating dishes that are as innovative as they are flavourful.
Chef Resa is a dedicated community leader and mentor. She has played a key role in offering employment opportunities to African, Black, and Caribbean (ABC) youth and young adults, and serves as a guest lecturer at Algonquin College and the Ottawa Mission. She also co-founded Afrotechture, an initiative designed to promote economic opportunities for Black artisans across Canada.
Chef Resa Solomon-St. Lewis invites you to cook with her — catch her culinary show “In the Kitchen with Resa” on RogersTV or on YouTube!
AGENDA
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Ease into the day with music, morning snacks, coffee, and tea.
Take time to connect with fellow attendees and explore the Artisan Marketplace before we begin the day together.
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We'll officially open the day, welcome attendees, and ground ourselves in the intention and themes guiding this year's UsNow Conference.
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Participate in a grounding movement practice while connecting with fellow attendees and sharing your intentions for the day.
Facilitated by Suzan from The Cultural Arts Studio
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In this keynote, Amira Elghawaby will explore racialized womanhood, care, and what it means to move beyond resilience. Drawing from her professional leadership and lived experience navigating systems, she will reflect on the expectations placed on Black and Racialized women and femmes, and what becomes possible when we create space for rest, care, and self-definition.
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Enjoy a flavorful Caribbean meal prepared by award-winning Chef Resa Solomon-St. Lewis of Baccanalle.
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What does womanhood look like when we make space for different choices, identities, relationships, and life paths?
This panel brings together women and femmes with different lived experiences to explore the expectations placed on us around relationships, marriage, motherhood, family, career, identity, and the lives we are expected to create.
Together, we’ll reflect on what happens when we question those expectations, choose differently, or redefine womanhood for ourselves.
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Engage in dance and movement while exploring the history, rhythms, and cultural traditions of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.
Facilitated by Suzan Richards of The Cultural Arts Studio.
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UsNow 2025 Conference Recap
VENUE
In person
Bayview Yards - 7 Bayview St, Ottawa
The venue is physically accessible and has an elevator. Accessible parking spaces and restrooms are available. The conference will take place on the building's second floor.
Virtual
Zoom: A professional audio/visual team and a skilled moderator will be on site to ensure that virtual attendees remain engaged and actively participate throughout the conference.
UsNow 2025 Conference Pictures
Thank you to our generous sponsors & partners!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support a growing conference that brings together Black & Racialized women from across Ottawa and beyond while increasing your organization's visibility before, during, and after the event.
Artisan & Business Marketplace
Showcase your products, services, organization, or creative work through our Artist & Business Marketplace and connect directly with conference attendees throughout the day.
Interested in learning more?
Request our Sponsorship Package or Vendor Information Package to explore available opportunities.