About us

The Young, Black & Femme (YBF) Collective was founded by four young women who share lived experiences of navigating spaces that too often overlook Black and racialized youth. We are committed to building programs that don’t just serve our communities, but are created with and from them.

Our collective centers the voices of women, femmes, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 18 - 30. We’re here to reimagine leadership, empower self-expression, and create opportunities that break down systemic barriers.

An initiative of the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network.

Our Team.

Angelique Jacobs James

Project Lead

Guides the overall vision, builds partnerships, and ensures milestones are met.

Tenisya Stephenson

Community Outreach & Engagement Lead

Builds connections with schools and community partners, and leads participant recruitment.

Medeatrice Fonyuy

Program Coordinator

Designs workshop content, coordinates volunteer training, and oversees resources.

Viviana Gomez

Communications & Campaign Lead

Leads digital campaigns, outreach materials, and storytelling to amplify youth voices.

Our Approach

The Young Black & Femme Collective is built on three core values:

Youth-Led

Peer Support

equity & Justice

We believe young people know best what they need. Our work is designed and led by youth, for youth.

Healing and empowerment happen in community. We center peer storytelling, reflection, and encouragement in everything we do.

We actively address anti-Black racism, gender inequity, 2SLGBTQIA+ phobias, and systemic barriers in education and work.