Nicole E. Cozier

Written By Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC

As a queer, Black woman and an immigrant, Nicole’s career path has often been a reflection of her own quest for liberation. Nicole has more than 25 years of experience as an advocate,  trainer/facilitator, and social justice leader and champion in the direct service, advocacy and philanthropic sectors.   Whether the focus of her work was reproductive health and rights, women’s economic empowerment, LGBTQ+, or the field of education, equality, intersectionality, equity, inclusion, and justice has always been central to her work. Because, in the words of Audre Lorde: “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle, because we do not live single-issue lives.” Nicole was born in Barbados, grew up in Toronto, and spent over 20 years in the United States. She has now returned to Toronto with her wife and daughter. She is an undergraduate alum of the University of Toronto and graduate alum of Temple University.

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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