Elevate International hosted its annual International Women’s Day Celebration on The Hill today, presented by RBC.

The event, held in the elegant Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Wellington Street, featured panel discussions and keynote speeches, along with opportunities for networking and meaningful conversations. 

Everything seemed to be going very smoothly for Elevate International president and CEO Solange Tuyishime Keita, a community leader in our region who’s widely recognized by her first name alone.

Little did she know that one of her close friends and board members, Sonya Shorey, president and CEO of Invest Ottawa, had cooked up a surprise for her. Shorey had successfully nominated Solange for a Community Builder Award from United Way East Ontario.

As Shorey announced her plans to present an award to an unsuspecting individual in the room, Solange scanned the crowd, trying to guess who it might be. Maybe Karla Briones, founder and CEO of Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada, she thought. Her jaw dropped when she heard her own name called.

Melissa Somers, senior director of resource development at United Way East Ontario, was there to help present the award to Solange, who’s been a dedicated volunteer and advocate for more than 15 years, working to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls, and playing a key role in cumulatively raising more than $3.4 million in support of the cause.

From left, Melissa Somers (United Way East Ontario) with surprise Community Builder Award winner Solange Tuyishime Keita, president and CEO of Elevate International, and Sonya Shorey, president and CEO of Invest Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Born in East Africa, Tuyishime Keita survived war, genocide and living in a refugee camp early in life —  experiences that helped to shape her work today.

A key program created by Solange is Elevate’s Champion Program. It pairs aspiring female leaders with senior executives across sectors to provide mentorship and career advancement opportunities. It also runs a leadership program to equip young girls with the skills, confidence and support necessary to succeed in school, their careers and beyond.

As well, Solange serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Canada, is former chair of the AFP Ottawa’s Fundraising Day in Ottawa, and co-founded Naylah’s Legacy based on her own experience of losing a baby at childbirth. 

Previous recognitions included a Forty Under 40 Award, a 2022 WBN Businesswoman of the Year Award and a 2023 Order of Ottawa. 

Solange’s name will eventually be added to the Wall of Inspiration, joining the names of more than 1,200 others honoured in Jean Pigott Hall at Ottawa City Hall. 

If she could, she would tell her 11-year-old self — back when she was living in a refugee camp — that she would one day be part of a Wall of Inspiration.

For anyone with a modest nature, accepting awards publicly can be challenging, said Solange, adding that she is able to do so “wholeheartedly” because of the potential to inspire millions of girls worldwide to dream big and to think, “I belong in higher places.”

International Women’s Day officially takes place this Saturday. Elevate is also hosting a gala tomorrow night, with expected VIP guests to include Gov. Gen. Mary Simon. 

From left, Solange Tuyishime Keita with panelists Catherine Callary (Ottawa Tourism), Cathy McCallion (Ross Video), Sonya Shorey (Invest Ottawa), Sueling Ching (Ottawa Board of Trade), Helen Hirsh Spence (Top Sixty Over Sixty) and Julia Slanina (Treehouse) at Elevate International’s annual International Women’s Day Celebration on The Hill today, presented by RBC. Photo by Caroline Phillips

This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WCPD, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Infinity Convention Centre, Altis Recruitment and Bell.

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