Our Board.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Sarah was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta and has always felt the desire to teach. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta (‘13) and has taught with Edmonton Catholic School Division since April of 2013. Since September of 2021, she has been the Educator in Residence at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There, her role encompasses her passions: diversity, education, technology, and community. In addition, she is one of the co-founders of the Black Teachers Association, established in June of 2020. The BTA strives to provide representation to all students and educators in the province. TBBP rounds out her passions and helps her feel like she is helping to make a difference in schools around the city. Being a Ghanian-Canadian woman, she is proud of her heritage and wants others to feel pride and representation in all they do.

CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rachel is a mother of three, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta (‘11). She was born in Edmonton, Alberta and identifies as biracial.

Inspired by her life experiences, and those of her family and friends; motivated by her desire to make the future a more safe and understanding place for her children - Rachel helped to conceptualize and co-found The Black Bookshelf Project.

Rachel supports TBBP as the E.D. through resource development, grant writing, and facilitating day to day operations.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Sara is a mother to one and an early learning and childcare director, living in Beaumont. Her family was formed through adoption and she believes that families (and communities) don’t have to match to be filled with love and support. She is very passionate about the work of not for profits and believes strongly in the power of strong and vital communities, where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Sara identifies as biracial. Her mother is of mixed European decent and her father is Pakistani. He moved to Canada as a young adult. She finds her culturally diverse background has given her a drive to ensure that everyone feels included and important.

CO-FOUNDER & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Justine is a mother to one, designer, and entrepreneur currently living and raising her amazing daughter, Ruby, in Edmonton, Alberta. Justine identifies as biracial - her mother of Austrian and Russian descent; her father immigrated with his family from Hong Kong at the age of 11. Together, her parents raised their four daughters with a deep sense of pride in their diverse backgrounds. Inspired by Ruby and the love that she has of her Chinese heritage, it’s been Justine’s goal to do the work and take action to make a difference within her community - starting with promoting inclusion and diversity through the co-founding of The Black Bookshelf Project.

SECRETARY

Caitlin Perry is an uninvited settler colonial on Treaty 6 Territory. She occupies Amiskwaciwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ ) and is a direct beneficiary of the colonial theft of Indigenous lands and the colonial genocides of Indigenous peoples across the globe. Caitlin is the great-great-granddaughter of colonial settlers. She is a mother of 4 whose family ties span Europe and Africa.

Caitlin is a teacher who has taught all grades from Prekindergarten to Grade Six French Immersion. She strives to interrupt whiteness in ways that amplify integrity, joy, and community health.

Caitlin is grateful to support The Black Bookshelf Project as a resource creator, secretary and grant writer.

GOVERNANCE OFFICER

Alicia is a first generation born Canadian, whose parents are both from Guyana with a very mixed cultural heritage.

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, she spent her University years in Edmonton and abroad, followed by over a decade in Calgary and finally has rejoined the beautiful community of Edmonton!

As a mother of one adventurous daughter Lily, she understands the importance of fostering an environment where every individual's voice is valued and heard. She LOVES reading and is excited to share her love of books, sharing, learning and embracing others similarities and differences! With a zest for event planning, communications, and fund development, she is ready to infuse the organization with vitality and even more positive energy!

TREASURER