Yvonne: creating a platform for survivors of sexual abuse

Every September for the last two years, Yvonne Osagie has dedicated the month to outreach and volunteering in the community. These efforts include volunteering in soup kitchens and leading the Step Up Program at the Boys and Girls Club, which helps black youth achieve their goals by helping with homework, providing workshops on development and dance, and connecting youth with mentors.

In her fourth year of studies, majoring in neuroscience and mental health with minors in business and American Sign Language, Yvonne was also recently elected Student Governor on the Board of Carleton University. 

As a black female, my aim is to uplift my community and to strive to be a positive example that those around me can look up to. I am passionate about change and growth in society; I recognize and identify as a social entrepreneur because most of my ventures are not only focused on revenue, but on aiding in the relief and enhancement of society.

Yvonne joined DOT Impactathon in Ottawa, Canada to tackle policy and issues in the justice system related to sexual abuse cases. Her goal is to ensure that survivors of sexual abuse have a place to heal, seek mental health services, and to feel safe.

Yvonne’s social initiative that is tackling these challenges is Empower Many, which focuses on intersectionality, wellness, and preventative measures for abuse. Empower Many is an online platform that has programs for those who identify as a visible minority, First Nations, women and those in the LGBTQ community.

Yvonne is one of seven young women in Ottawa, Canada who were selected to attend DOT’s youth innovation summit in Nairobi, Kenya.