Our Team

Founder-CEO

Marie-Ange Ahinful is the founder and CEO of Leading Ladies Canada. Originally from Democratic Republic of Congo, she immigrated to Canada when she was 14 years old, and saw a life filled with possibilities in her new home. With a drive and a passion to empower black women and promote black excellence, her goal was to support black women in becoming successful in every aspect of their lives. She holds a Bachelor of Political Science and Economics and a Master's degree in Public Administration. She currently works in the financial field and is an entrepreneur in many avenues. She also has a history of volunteer work with various charities, homeless and women's shelter in the Ottawa-Carleton Region.

Throughout her career, Marie-Ange has worked with community-based organizations to design and evaluate initiatives that produce positive outcomes for underserved and under-resourced communities. Her aim is to achieve representational diversity and to create an inclusive culture for the community by leveraging social connectedness and the wisdom of multiple perspectives.

Which led her to start an employment agency Inclusive Staffing Solutions for Ottawa’s Black communities in 2018.

In 2019, she also founded Leading Ladies Canada, a not-for-profit and community-based organization with the mission to empower black women and youth in the National Capital Region. She is a wife, and a mother of three young boys and enjoys cooking and reading with her children. She loves to travel and makes a positive impact wherever she goes.

Board Vice Chair

Introducing Charlotte, the dynamic Vice Chair of Leading Ladies Canada. In her vital role, she guides and directs the organization's trajectory and influence. With her leadership, she plays a pivotal part in advancing our mission of empowering women and fostering a fairer society.

Charlotte is an active member of multiple groups, including the United Helping Hearts and the founder of the Clinical Science Student Support Group. Her remarkable achievements include being honored with the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund in Ottawa.

Charlotte's passion and dedication shine brightly, particularly through her decade-long commitment to nonprofit work. Her wealth of experience equips her with valuable insights. She focuses on aiding underserved communities that often confront challenges like poverty, violence, and discrimination.

Having witnessed the effects of limited understanding and resource access leading to isolation and stigma, Charlotte is resolute in her quest to effect positive change.

Hailing from Ottawa, Charlotte's community spirit is deeply ingrained. Beyond her professional engagements, she finds joy in her nieces' and nephews' company, cherishing those moments dearly.

Board Director and Volunteer Committee

Sophie is a Nurse with experience in Geriatic Rehabilitation, Medicine and Alternative Level of Care.

She is a strong advocate of women empowerment, and joined LLC in 2019 where she is the Board Director and Volunteer Committee. Having a passion for media and marketing she was appointed for the role.

She believes in women making a positive difference in their community and is also a passionate Mental Health Advocate.

Sophie has a passion in serving and helping those in need. She volunteers at her church with the safety team.

Board Director - Outreach Volunteer Committee

Victoria Baptiste is the Board Director of outreach Volunteer Committee and mental health advocate. Her role is to empower women in their respective communities with the resources provided and supported by LLC.

She has an extensive and impressive resume in volunteering her time in developing programs and charitable events to help support women and children within Canada.

As a mother of 3 and a nurse, she strives in setting a great example for her children through active leadership activities and events.

Her passion involves advocating for women's rights, domestic and gender-based violence, mental health support and overall wellness.

Board Director - Social Media Committee

Esther is a self-motivated individual with a profound passion for business. With several years of experience in customer/client service, hospitality, and program coordination, she brings a wealth of hands-on expertise to her roles. In 2014, Esther made a pivotal decision to pursue higher education full-time, leading to the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2018. Currently, she excels as a catering coordinator, blending her practical skills with creative flair and a relentless appetite for learning.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Esther is a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment under her brand, BORN FOR THIS👑, inspired by the biblical scripture Esther 4:14. Her mission is to inspire, encourage, and empower women to fulfill their divine calling in every facet of their lives. Esther is particularly passionate about fostering spiritual growth, nurturing relationships, promoting mental well-being, and advancing women’s careers and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Esther is a dedicated voice for mental health awareness and a passionate advocate for abused women and children. Her commitment to these causes reflects her belief in creating a supportive and inclusive community where every individual can thrive.