In a revealing interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Agapi Gessesse shares her compelling journey to becoming the Executive Director of the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals. Agapi’s path was carved from personal adversities, beginning with significant losses in her teenage years and early encounters with social services that instilled in her a profound drive for social justice. Her transformative experience with the Creative Institute for Toronto’s Young Leaders solidified her commitment to turning personal challenges into opportunities for community empowerment. This commitment has shaped her leadership at the CEE Centre, where she tackles the complexities of rapid organizational growth and strives to create substantive, sustainable opportunities for Black youth in Corporate Canada. Agapi emphasizes the necessity of integrating diversity as a core business strategy rather than seeing it as an optional addition, advocating for a robust, actionable approach to inclusivity that harnesses the potential of Black youth to address national labor and economic challenges.
Agapi Gessesse is a powerful, influential and fearless changemaker. Born and raised in Toronto by a refugee mother, Agapi’s commitment to community development stems from her lived experience, which propelled her to obtain her Master’s Degree in Social Justice. Agapi has captivated audiences on local and national stages and conferences including the National Housing Conference, AFP, and Maytree’s Five Good Ideas. She speaks and writes articles on topics such as diversity and inclusion, workforce development and youth engagement. Agapi Gessesse is currently the Executive Director of the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals. She is a passionate, driven and visionary leader who champions the mission and vision of CEE-addressing economic issues affecting Black youth. Since starting her role, Agapi has spearheaded the substantial growth of the organizations’ impact, reach and sustainability. For over a decade, Agapi has worked to enhance the lives of marginalized youth through her work with Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) and as the ED of POV 3rd Street. Her roles and mandates include that of a professional fundraiser, social enterprise manager, and coordinator of the youth leadership program. Agapi’s accomplishments and practical impact continue to burgeon. Throughout her career, Gessesse has been recognized for her work in the field as Dial Mover in Tech in 2019 and has been awarded the Maytree Fellow and Aroni Awards.
Can you describe your journey towards becoming an advocate for social justice and the Executive Director of the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals? What experiences shaped your path?
My journey to advocacy and leadership at the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals began not by choice but by necessity, shaped by my own narrative of resilience and survival. At 14, the loss of my mother thrust me into the complexities of life, guided only by the cold hands of social services. Yet, it was these early encounters with hardship that carved my path toward advocacy. My pivot came when I joined the Creative Institute for Toronto’s Young Leaders, known as City Leaders. Initially, my motive was simply to give back to a community that had cradled me in my darkest times. However, it was there that I discovered the profound impact of transforming personal trials into collective triumphs. This realization wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling—to be for others what I desperately needed and what some generous souls were for me.
Throughout your career, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them? Could you share a particularly pivotal moment?
Throughout my career, the most daunting challenge was trusting that my lived experiences were sufficient guidance. The instincts honed through personal struggles often outshone the knowledge one might gain academically. At 25, stepping into the role of Executive Director at POV, I initially doubted my capacity to lead such an organization. However, this skepticism quickly transformed into a powerful affirmation as I realized that the very trials that shaped me were now the foundation upon which I built solutions for others.
In my later experiences at the CEE Centre, the rapid expansion of our organization posed a significant challenge—managing growth in staff, program offerings, and revenue while building a sustainable infrastructure. This period taught me not just to react to growth, but to proactively plan for it, ensuring that we were prepared for future expansions we hadn’t yet envisioned. What I once thought would take a decade, we achieved in half the time, illustrating the power of resilience and forward-thinking in leadership.
Given your extensive experience, what key strategies do you believe are essential for fostering a more inclusive environment for Black youth within Corporate Canada?
True inclusivity requires more than good intentions—it demands a robust strategy. To cultivate a truly inclusive environment for Black youth within Corporate Canada, we need clear, actionable plans that are as integral to business strategies as any financial or operational goal. Training alone is not enough. We must shift mindsets to view diversity not as a benevolent choice but as an essential business decision. Our nation’s labor gaps and economic challenges can be addressed by tapping into the rich potential of Black youth—an untapped reservoir of talent. Partnerships, like our collaborations with companies such as Zurich Insurance, exemplify how integrating training with employment opportunities can serve as both a smart business decision and a progressive social strategy.
Looking ahead, what opportunities do you see for Black youth in Canada’s corporate sectors, and how can these opportunities be both maximized and sustained?
Looking ahead, I see burgeoning opportunities for Black youth in sectors like technology, green energy, and entrepreneurship. To maximize and sustain these opportunities, Corporate Canada must commit not only to hiring but also to nurturing Black talent. This commitment involves creating clear career pathways, investing in continuous learning, and fostering environments where young Black professionals can thrive without the need for conformity. By recognizing and harnessing their unique perspectives, companies can drive innovation and maintain competitiveness in the global market.
What legacy do you aspire to leave through your work at the CEE Centre, and what advice would you offer to organizations and individuals eager to make a meaningful impact in the realm of diversity and inclusion?
I aspire to leave a legacy that transcends traditional metrics of success—one where excellence is defined by how well we uplift the marginalized to a place of undeniable competence and achievement. Our campaign, ‘Black You Can’, epitomizes this vision; it’s both a declaration and a demonstration that Black communities are not just capable, but exemplary. For organizations aiming to genuinely impact diversity and inclusion, my advice is to embed these goals deeply within your operational and strategic frameworks. Treat them with the same rigor and accountability as any business imperative. Strive not only to meet benchmarks but to create environments where diverse talent is nurtured to lead, innovate, and reshape industries.
