What motivated you to start your business and what is your vision for the future of the company?

My journey with Bakau Consulting began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. As the founder and CEO, my unwavering belief in collective liberation and passion for social justice, honed through my experiences founding Black Lives Matter Vancouver and as Editorial Director of Ripple of Change magazine, fueled my desire to establish a company that could drive meaningful change. Witnessing the pervasive inequities and systemic barriers marginalized communities face, particularly in professional settings, I felt compelled to leverage my experience as an artist, educator, and activist to make a tangible difference. My vision for Bakau's future is to continue expanding our reach and impact, empowering even more organizations and individuals to embrace equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values. I envision a future where Bakau is recognized as a global leader in anti-racism and DEI consulting, renowned for our innovative approaches, unwavering commitment to social justice, and transformative impact on workplaces and communities worldwide. I am dedicated to fostering a sustainable and thriving organization that continues to prioritize the well-being of our team members, nurtures a culture of collaboration and innovation, and remains at the forefront of driving positive social change.

Why do you deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award?

As the founder and CEO of Bakau Consulting, I am honoured to be considered for the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award. My dedication to social justice, honed through founding Black Lives Matter Vancouver and leading Ripple of Change magazine, has fueled Bakau's growth into a leading anti-racism and DEI consulting firm. In just five years, we've empowered over 2,000 clients across Canada and globally, providing innovative solutions grounded in lived experience and historical context. Our workshops, courses, audits, and policy development initiatives have sparked critical conversations and inspired meaningful action. We are committed to building a sustainable and thriving organization prioritizing employee well-being, offering living wages, a four-day workweek, and comprehensive benefits. Our impact extends beyond the workplace as we actively engage with and support our community through partnerships and fundraising initiatives. I am confident that my passion, dedication, and innovative approach to social justice entrepreneurship make me a deserving candidate for this award. Despite the challenges of starting and growing a business, I have successfully navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship, demonstrating strong business acumen and financial management skills. Bakau Consulting has experienced significant growth in revenue and impact, and we are committed to building a sustainable and thriving organization. We are deeply committed to our community and actively engage with and support various social justice organizations. We believe in using our platform to amplify marginalized voices, challenge the status quo, and create a ripple effect of positive change. I have also been recognized for my community engagement through awards such as the Youth Leadership Award in Social Movement Building and the Power 50. At Bakau, we prioritize the well-being of our team members. We offer living wages, a four-day workweek, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development. We believe that a happy and healthy team is essential to our success.