Marva Wisdom

Written By Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC

Marva Wisdom is a leading voice in Canada on empowering social change and is a committed social justice advocate.  She is among the most respected and sought facilitator, moderator and speaker on equity, inclusivity.  Marva’s skills, talent and experience have contributed to significant projects, including as outreach director for the frequently referenced Black Experience (Research) Project (Environics Institute), Lead Advisor for the City of Guelph’s Award Winning Community Plan and Director of Musagetes Foundation’s ArtsEverywhere Festival. 

Her volunteer leadership spans 3 decades including, the YM-YWCA, United Way, Guelph Black Heritage Society, Canadian Centre for Diversity, Operation Black Vote Canada, and Rotary.

Marva’s recognitions include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, YWCA’s Woman of Distinction and the University of Guelph’s Lang School of Business, Alumni Award.

Marva holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and is a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (University of Toronto).

Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC

Nneka Allen identifies as a Black woman and Momma, descended from those who traversed the Underground Railroad. Her African ancestors endured the Transatlantic Slave Trade, building North America through free and forced labour. This legacy connects her to the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, specifically the Cherokee and Lumbee tribes.

As a lover of justice, Nneka has inspired philanthropy as a Fundraising Executive in the charitable sector for over 25 years. She is the founder of the Black Canadian Fundraisers' Collective, a community that nurtures the well-being of Canadian Black fundraisers and supports the fundraising capacity of B3 organizations. She is a celebrated author and co-editor of a bi-national book that showcases the personal stories of 15 Black leaders in the charitable sector, titled Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love. During the 2022/23 academic year, Nneka took on the role of one of the inaugural Scholars-in-Residence for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of British Columbia.

Nneka is a relationship builder, stone-catcher, freedom fighter, storyteller, and leadership coach. At the helm of The Empathy Agency Inc., she passionately guides clients towards finding hope, purpose, and justice in their relationship with themselves, others, and the Earth. Her mission centres on nurturing wholeness and honouring humanity by harnessing the power of empathy.

https://www.theempathyagency.ca/
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