Dr. Nicole Kaniki

Deputy Chief Treena MacSween

Zakara Stampp

Chad Wickham

George McAuley

Lewis Coray Connections Networking

Lewis Coray Connections Organizing Committee

Join us in welcoming Black youth & young professionals (17–35) with tools, insights & encouragement for school, careers & life!

King's University College

The Lewis Coray Connections Mentorship Program is a community initiative dedicated to building connections, career pathways, and personal development opportunities for Black youth and young adults (ages 17-35) in London, Ontario. Named in honour of Lewis Coray, the city’s first Black police officer and a trailblazer in community service, the program celebrates Black excellence while working to dismantle systemic barriers and foster intergenerational connections.Join us on November 5th at King's University College for a pre-launch event ahead of the program’s official launch in Spring 2026. This conference will connect young Black individuals with community, industry leaders, and peers through engaging workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.Attendees will gain:<ul><li>Professional development tools: resume writing, CV building, graduate school preparation, and personal branding.</li><li>Career insights: entrepreneurship, higher education, and skilled trades pathways.</li><li>Community connections: one-on-one conversations with local leaders, businesses, and resource providers.</li><li>Inspiration: a keynote address, skill-building workshops, and opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.</li></ul>Participants will leave with new connections, practical resources, and clear next steps for future mentorship opportunities.This event is about empowering Black youth and young professionals (ages 17–35) with the skills, networks, and encouragement to thrive in education, careers, and life transitions, all while celebrating the legacy of Lewis Coray.

Agenda

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Networking and Breakfast

This intergenerational panel features Black professionals from diverse fields who will share their experiences navigating workplace challenges and opportunities. Through storytelling and dialogue, panelists will explore resilience, authenticity, mentorship, and community support while offering practical strategies for growth. The conversation aims to inspire and equip Black youth and young professionals with the confidence, tools, and encouragement needed to pursue their next steps and celebrate Black excellence across industries.

Panel Discussion: The Lived Reality of Being Black Professionals 

In the morning, the options expand to include Cover Letter & Resume Building, Career Pathways, Financial Literacy, and Navigating the Culture. Each session provides hands-on learning, guidance from experts, and space to ask questions, ensuring participants leave with skills and knowledge they can apply immediately to their academic, career, and life journeys.                                                   Morning Breakout Session include; Breakout #1. Cover Letter & Resume Building: Practical tips and examples to create strong, polished applications. Breakout #2. Career Pathways: Explore diverse career options and how to navigate them with confidence. Breakout #3. Financial Literacy: Learn the essentials of budgeting, credit, and smart money management. Breakout #4. Navigating the Culture: Discuss experiences of being Black in professional/community spaces and strategies for resilience.

Morning Breakout Sessions

Lunch

In the afternoon, the options expand to include Cover Letter & Resume Building, Career Pathways, Wealth Management, and Navigating the Culture. Each session provides hands-on learning, guidance from experts, and space to ask questions, ensuring participants leave with skills and knowledge they can apply immediately to their academic, career, and life journeys.                 Afternoon Breakout Sessions include; Breakout #1. Cover Letter & Resume Building: Practical tips and examples to create strong, polished applications. Breakout #2. Career Pathways: Explore diverse career options and how to navigate them with confidence. Breakout #3. Wealth Management: Gain insights into building long-term financial stability, investments, and generational wealth. Breakout #4. Navigating the Culture: Discuss experiences of being Black in professional/community spaces and strategies for resilience.