Black History Month: Read about Christine Nguini

Diversity and Inclusion 

As part of Black History Month, we are highlighting inspiring stories that showcase resilience, talent, and leadership within the Black community. Today, we are discovering the journey of Christine, a committed professional who has built her career with perseverance and passion. 

A Journey Characterized by Determination 

Christine arrived in Canada in 2009 as a student from Cameroon. She began by taking language classes at Concordia University, before going on to study industrial relations at the Université de Montréal. Driven by her desire to grow further, she then undertook an MBA in project management at Université Laval. 

From her first years in Canada, Christine faced numerous challenges: adapting quickly to a new educational system, understanding cultural and linguistic subtleties, and facing the Quebec winter. However, her love for learning and her ability to adapt helped her overcome these obstacles. 

Experience and Professional Development 

Christine gained diverse professional experiences to enrich her skills. She started by volunteering in a restaurant, then worked at a call center for an insurance company, where she developed skills in communication, customer service, and stress management. 

Today, Christine holds a key position at the Collège Nordique as a project manager. Her day-to-day work includes coordinating initiatives, managing budgets, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Her role allows her to have a concrete impact and actively contribute to the Francophone community in the Northwest Territories. 

A Reflection on Identity and Integration 

Being a Black person in Canada, according to Christine, is both an enriching experience and a constant learning process. Having lived mainly in Montreal before moving to the NWT, she has not encountered any major barriers, but she emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s roots while adapting to the host country. Understanding Canada’s history, integrating into different communities, and building a network are, she believes, essential elements to success. 

Her advice to new immigrants, particularly to the NWT, is simple yet powerful:

“Get informed, integrate, share and exchange with others. Differences help us grow.” 

Black Leadership: A Collective Commitment 

Christine sees leadership as a proactive approach: knowing where you come from, getting involved in your community, and not hesitating to speak out. She strongly believes that Black people need to step forward and occupy more spaces in Canadian society. 

Her commitment doesn’t stop at work. She founded an events planning business dedicated to promoting Afro-descendant culture through panel discussions, artistic workshops, and video creations. Inspired by the figure of the griot, the messenger and storyteller of African tradition, she aims to bring the community together and create spaces for sharing and exchange. 

A Future to Build Together 

For Christine, the future of Black people in Canada lies in greater representation in entrepreneurship, public services, and institutions. She has seen positive progress since the Black Lives Matter movement, with more initiatives and funding for Afro-descendant culture and heritage. However, she believes there is still a way to go, and encourages leaders of all origins to actively support the promotion of Black talent. 

Through her journey and commitment, Christine embodies the vision of inclusive and inspiring leadership. Her story reminds us that perseverance, self-confidence, and solidarity are essential pillars to building a future where every voice has its place. 

Some pictures of Christine during her trip to Rwanda and the Africa Cup of Nations during her trip to Côte d’Ivoire.