For the second year, Cooperation Canada is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the voices and contributions of Black leaders in Canadian international cooperation. Through this digital campaign, we are profiling changemakers, innovators and disruptors who are shaping the sector, sharing their achievements, challenges and perspectives. By amplifying these stories, we aim to foster greater recognition of Black leadership and inspire meaningful dialogue on equity and inclusion in international cooperation. Join us in recognizing and honouring these incredible leaders throughout February!

This week, we invite you to meet Isaac Bayor, Senior Policy Analyst at Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR).

Why did you decide to work in international cooperation and what have been some career highlights? 

The world of international cooperation is complex, but at its core, it’s about people coming together across borders to create meaningful change. As Desmond Tutu once said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” This belief is at the heart of my commitment to the field—knowing that even small acts of kindness can lead to lasting transformation. 

A key career highlight was leading the board of the Africa Canada Policy Innovation Lab, a small but impactful nonprofit, to reshape its strategic direction. This experience allowed me to leverage my experience in international cooperation to foster a new narrative—one rooted in mutual respect and innovative partnerships between Africa and Canada. The goal was to shift from a top-down aid model to one of shared growth, leveraging and strengthening the comparative advantages of both regions to address shared pressing global challenges and promote mutual prosperity. 

What experiences have influenced your career as a Black person in the international cooperation sector? 

Like many immigrants to Canada, I wear multiple hats, and the intersection of my identities as a Black person and an immigrant has profoundly shaped my career. I often find myself bridging different worlds—navigating policy spaces while bringing the perspectives of my community. This dual lens enriches my approach to policy-making but also requires constant reflection on my positionality. It has made me acutely aware of the power dynamics and historical contexts that still influence the international cooperation sector. This awareness drives a critical question I ask myself daily: How can we move beyond the legacy of aid—rooted in hierarchy and dependency—and transform international cooperation into a true partnership for shared growth and prosperity? 

What are your hopes for the future, and what advice would you give to those wishing to work in international cooperation? 

I envision a future where international cooperation becomes a dynamic space for innovation, where creative partnerships foster mutual prosperity across regions. For those aspiring to enter this field, my advice is to embrace bold thinking, adaptability and an open mind. Our sector is facing a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and emerging global challenges that demand fresh ideas. The conventional approaches that once served us are no longer enough. 

For the second year, Cooperation Canada is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the voices and contributions of Black leaders in Canadian international cooperation. Through this digital campaign, we are profiling changemakers, innovators and disruptors who are shaping the sector, sharing their achievements, challenges and perspectives. By amplifying these stories, we aim to foster greater recognition of Black leadership and inspire meaningful dialogue on equity and inclusion in international cooperation. Join us in recognizing and honouring these incredible leaders throughout February!

This week, we invite you to meet Salamatu Mohammed, Senior Grants Specialist at Islamic Relief Canada.

Why did you decide to work in international cooperation and what have been some career highlights? 

My decision to work in international cooperation is personal. I am driven by a desire to help reverse the brain drain in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that fewer children and young people have to grow up far from their place of origin in search for better opportunities. It is a bit ambitious, but it is fueled by person experiences and a deep value of community and connection.  

Many of my career highlights revolve around the incredible people I’ve been fortunate to work with. From colleagues living and working in crisis who have the courage to show up every day and fulfill community needs. To those striving for greater equity at a strategic level in the sector. Their dedication is inspiring. More recently, I have been fortunate enough to work in a position where I support various offices in seeking funding opportunities. This role allows me to use my privilege and understanding of what donors want, but also to highlight the context and needs on the ground, helping to bridge the gaps in funding opportunities. While we work towards creating more accessible funding mechanisms, engaging in discussions about decolonizing the sector and taking steps towards more equitable outcomes is incredibly encouraging.  

What experiences have influenced your career as a Black person in the international cooperation sector?  

As a Black Muslim woman in the sector, my experiences have been a mix of privilege and challenges. There are moments when I am aware of being the only Black and/or Muslim person in a room. Sometimes, this makes me want to fade into the background, while other times, it pushes me to be more vocal. Navigating these spaces has taught me the importance of speaking up when I have something to share and creating welcoming spaces. 

It is also encouraging to connect with other black professionals in the sector. Seeing each other’s struggles and lending support is rejuvenating. Shoutout to the ARC Hub for their great work in creating spaces for people of colour to connect and discuss their experiences. These interactions leave me more encouraged to act and confident, knowing there is a community of people striving to make it better, more inclusive and equitable.  

What are your hopes for the future, and what advice would you give to those wishing to work in international cooperation?  

My hope for the future is a more inclusive international cooperation sector. One where everyone, especially rights-holders, can meaningfully participate in decision-making that affects their lives. I am continuously learning and deconstructing my knowledge through various engagements with different people in the sector. I try to put into practice what I can do now and hold on to the rest with the hope that it can be applied one day. 

For those wishing to work in the sector, know that you are embarking on a journey of learning. It’s important to connect with people, as this is how you learn about the sector, discover what is possible, and see where change is happening. It can be overwhelming but stay true to the course. Join efforts to adopt more decolonial initiatives and create more diverse collaboration. Most importantly, be compassionate and take care of yourself.  

For the second year, Cooperation Canada is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the voices and contributions of Black leaders in Canadian international cooperation. Through this digital campaign, we are profiling changemakers, innovators and disruptors who are shaping the sector, sharing their achievements, challenges and perspectives. By amplifying these stories, we aim to foster greater recognition of Black leadership and inspire meaningful dialogue on equity and inclusion in international cooperation. Join us in recognizing and honouring these incredible leaders throughout February!

This week, we invite you to meet Zeina Osman, Director of Giving & Impact at the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF).

Why did you decide to work in international cooperation and what have been some career highlights?

My career started in domestic social purpose work, where I saw firsthand how communities thrive when given access to the right resources and opportunities. Transitioning to international cooperation felt like a natural progression—a chance to bring those same principles to a global scale, where the stakes are often higher, and the challenges more complex. Growing up in a diasporic community shaped my understanding of interconnectedness and responsibility—two things that fuel my work every day.

What experiences have influenced your career as a Black person in the international cooperation sector?

Being a young African woman in this field is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s impossible to ignore how underrepresented people like me are, especially in decision-making spaces, while much of the work focuses on the Global South. This has strengthened my resolve to lead with integrity and ensure that those we serve see themselves reflected in the leadership shaping their futures. Representation isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a cornerstone of building trust and achieving equitable outcomes.

What are your hopes for the future, and what advice would you give to those wishing to work in international cooperation?

My hope is for a sector that truly centres lived experience and diverse leadership—not as a side conversation but as the foundation for equitable and impactful development. As the world becomes increasingly volatile, international cooperation must evolve to reflect the realities and resilience of the communities we serve.

Black Changemakers, Innovators and Disruptors Shaping Canada’s International Cooperation

For the second year, Cooperation Canada is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the voices and contributions of Black leaders in Canadian international cooperation. Through this digital campaign, we are profiling changemakers, innovators and disruptors who are shaping the sector, sharing their achievements, challenges and perspectives. By amplifying these stories, we aim to foster greater recognition of Black leadership and inspire meaningful dialogue on equity and inclusion in international cooperation. Join us in recognizing and honouring these incredible leaders throughout February!

Explore the profiles below!

Redefining Global Development: A BHM Event

Join us on February 26 for an inspiring discussion at our event Redefining Global Development: Black Leadership in International Cooperation. This dynamic panel will highlight the contributions, challenges, and leadership of Black professionals driving change on the global stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leaders who are breaking barriers and redefining international cooperation.

Creating Safer Spaces: A BHM Resource

In addition to these initiatives, we would like to highlight the resource from the Anti-Racist Cooperation (ARC) Hub, Creating Safer Spaces for Racialized Leadership & Staff in International Cooperation. This resource is a call to action for organizational leaders, providing organizations with important understandings, concrete strategies and tools to create safer and more inclusive environments for racialized leadership and staff in turn partners and stakeholders.