The Jean Augustine Centre For Young Women’s Empowerment Believes That An Empowered Young Woman Can Improve Her Life And Have A Positive Impact On The World Around Her.
MISSION
The Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment is committed to building the self-esteem & self-worth of young women & girls by positively influencing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons, & helping them to empower themselves.
VISION
To enrich the lives of girls aged 7 to 17 years old through mentorship, empowerment programs & civic engagement with opportunities that place special emphasis on personal development & experiential learning.
CORE VALUES
EMPOWERMENT
MENTORSHIP
LEADERSHIP
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
BIOGRAPHY

Hon. Jean Augustine PC, CM, CBE was the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons. She was elected in the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in 1993 & sat in Parliament until 2006. During this time, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister of State & Deputy Speaker.
In 2007, Dr. Jean Augustine was nominated by the Government of Ontario as Fairness Commissioner, a position created to advocate for Canadians with foreign credentials. Dr. Augustine retired from the position of Fairness Commissioner in March 2015.
Among Dr. Augustine’s many achievements & honours includes leading the motion that allowed for the placement of the Famous Five statue on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, & the motion that created Black History Month in Canada.
Dr. Augustine has received honorary Doctor of Laws degree from four universities & has been recognized by having the Jean Augustine Girls’ Leadership Academy, Jean Augustine Secondary School, & the Jean Augustine Chair in Education at York University named in her honour.