My Journey with the Commonwealth Leaders Dialogue - CCLD2025

Over the course of 10 transformative days, I had the immense privilege of being one of 100 leaders selected for the Commonwealth Leaders Dialogue Canada, a global leadership initiative hosted by The Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conferences. Our journey spanned Canada, the Caribbean, and the Commonwealth, uniting changemakers from across regions to deepen our shared understanding of leadership, policy, innovation, and collaboration.

🇨🇦 Opening in Toronto: Ideas, Impact, and Inspiration

We began in Toronto, welcomed with powerful keynotes and panel discussions that laid the foundation for what was to come. We heard from:

• Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador to the UN, who challenged us to lead with moral courage and a commitment to multilateralism.
  
• Mitzie Hunter, CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, who emphasized the transformational power of youth and education.
  
• Wes Hall, Chair of CCLD and Founder of the BlackNorth Initiative, whose call to disrupt systemic inequality resonated deeply.
  
• Erin Ariss, President of the Ontario Nurses’ Association, who reminded us of the frontline as the frontlines of policy change.

These moments sharpened our focus: leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about responsibility.

🇧🇲 Bermuda: Advocacy, Policy, and Cultural Resilience

My study tour team traveled to Bermuda, where the theme was Advocacy & Policy Reform. From walking the heritage-filled streets of St. George’s to meeting with business leaders, ministers, and even the Premier and Governor, every moment was rich with learning and connection.

Bermuda’s unique blend of colonial history, diaspora resilience, and modern innovation showed us how policy must honor the past while shaping a just future.

We were also greeted by the mesmerizing Gombeys—a vibrant display of Bermudian culture that brought history, rhythm, and resistance to life. It was one of many moments that reminded me how culture is itself a form of leadership.

⏰ Late Nights, Lifelong Bonds

Days began at 7 AM and ended past midnight. We weren’t just tourists—we were researchers, collaborators, and policy innovators. Our team worked tirelessly on our final presentation, which challenged us to reimagine advocacy—not just through policy, but through art and storytelling.

And we weren’t alone. My fellow delegates—leaders from Jamaica to Vancouver, from nonprofits to government, trade unions, and academia showed up fully. We grew as professionals, yes, but more importantly, we built lasting friendships.

🇧🇧 Barbados: Our Royal Closing Chapter

Our journey culminated in Barbados, where all regional groups reconvened and presented our final outputs in the presence of HRH Princess Anne. Our team’s presentation took a bold approach: we performed a live piece of theatre! An original idea of the Advocacy Academy - where we walked in as students, and came out as advocates - almost super herolike, which paired well with the comic book presentation that accompanied our presentation. 

It was ambitious, unforgettable, and moving.

That final moment—standing before our peers, mentors, and royalty—was a full-circle affirmation of what this program stands for: leadership that builds bridges, tells stories, and dares to challenge the status quo.

🌍 Dual Citizenship, Global Purpose

As someone with deep ties to both Dominica and Canada, this experience was a meaningful intersection of identity, purpose, and action. I left feeling more committed than ever to driving entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and representation across our region—and to lifting others as I climb.

To Tammy L. Richardson and Mr. Ed Ball—thank you for the vision and logistics behind this unforgettable journey.

To my cohort—you are all leaders I will continue to admire and collaborate with. As we return to our respective countries, may we carry forward the spirit of dialogue, action, and unity.