Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Wilfreda Edward, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Online
In theory, technology is supposed to level the playing field. In reality, it often does the opposite. The organizations and businesses with the most money get the best tools, the strongest security and the fastest access to AI, while everyone else falls further behind.
That is why digital equity matters so much for Black communities. Put simply, digital equity means everyone has fair access to the technology, skills and support they need to take part in the digital economy. For Black entrepreneurs and community organizations, it can decide who grows and who gets left out.
So on Thursday, October 15, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with a virtual fireside chat featuring Wilfreda Edward, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR), on AI, digital equity, privacy, security and access to technology skills.
Who Is Wilfreda Edward?
Wilfreda has built her career around data quality, open data and digital transformation. Before joining CCNDR, she served as Senior Policy Advisor to Canada’s Chief Information Officer at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, helping advance digital transformation across the federal government. Earlier, she held data-focused roles at Statistics Canada and Transport Canada.
In addition, she served as Board Vice Chair of the Canadian Open Data Society. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Geomatics, Spatial Analysis and Geography from the University of Ottawa. Notably, she also draws on her Creole heritage and its storytelling traditions, using data to tell stories that drive meaningful change.
In September 2024, she was appointed Executive Director of CCNDR.
Inside the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience
CCNDR launched in 2022 to close the digital skills gap in Canada’s nonprofit sector, and it became an initiative of Imagine Canada in 2023. Its mission is to make sure every Canadian nonprofit has the confidence, skills and support to succeed digitally.
Under Wilfreda’s leadership, CCNDR launched Canada’s first national Nonprofit AI Impact Hub in November 2025. Developed with Microsoft Elevate, the hub offers 600+ bilingual AI learning resources, informed by input from more than 900 nonprofit professionals.
The Hub gives nonprofits a clear place to start, a trusted way to navigate AI with confidence. (Wilfreda Edward)
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. Black-led organizations are often the most under-resourced
Unfortunately, Black-led nonprofits and small businesses frequently operate on tight budgets with small teams. Consequently, technology upgrades, cybersecurity and AI training are often the first things cut. Yet those are exactly the tools that help small organizations do more with less. (Our Day 6 spotlight explores technology poverty and how to end it.)
2. Privacy and security protect trust
Community organizations and small businesses hold sensitive information about clients, donors and customers. Therefore, strong privacy and security practices are not optional. A single data breach can damage years of hard-earned community trust.
3. Digital skills help small teams compete
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back. The first is small teams: 86% of Black-owned businesses have fewer than five employees. Fortunately, the right digital skills and AI tools can help a small team deliver like a much larger one. (See also our Day 13 conversation on responsible AI in Canada.)
4. Readiness comes before investment
Of course, before spending on new technology, it helps to know where you stand. This is where ACBN’s 3C Framework™ comes in: Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on your digital gaps, risks and priorities. Next, connect with trusted resources and partners who can guide you. Finally, access capital to invest in the tools that will move your organization forward.
Ready to build a stronger, funding-ready business? ACBN’s Growth Pathway program walks you through the 3C Framework™ with coaching, community and a direct route to funding. We are welcoming 100 entrepreneurs into the program.
5. Data tells our story
Finally, Wilfreda’s work shows the power of data in the right hands. When Black communities collect and use their own data, they can prove impact, win funding and shape policy. In short, data is not just numbers. It is a way to tell our story on our own terms.
What You Will Walk Away With
- What digital equity means and why it matters for Black communities
- Practical privacy and security steps for small organizations
- Free and low-cost resources for learning AI
- How data can strengthen funding applications and community impact
- A live Q&A with a national leader in nonprofit digital resilience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is digital equity?
Digital equity means everyone has fair access to the devices, internet, skills and support needed to participate fully in the digital economy. In practice, it also includes access to safe, trustworthy technology and training.
Where can nonprofits learn to use AI in Canada?
CCNDR’s Nonprofit AI Impact Hub offers more than 600 free bilingual AI learning resources for Canadian nonprofits. In addition, many of the tips shared there apply to small businesses as well.
I missed the live session. Can I watch the replay?
Yes. Replays of BEEConference sessions will be shared on the ACBN YouTube channel.
Join Us on Day 15
Day 15 marks the halfway point of a full month of workshops through October as part of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026. So if you lead a business or organization that serves the community, this conversation is for you.
Fireside Chat with Wilfreda Edward | BEEConference Day 15
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | Online
Can’t make it live? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a replay, workshop or conversation: youtube.com/@acbn_canada
Connect. Build. Grow.
