About BALM
BALM is all about Healing. We envision a world free of Anti-Black racism. As a non-profit social enterprise federally incorporated in Canada, BALM, is committed to empowering Black people and other equity seeking People of Color to shift their thinking, broaden their perspectives from a dependency or poverty mindset.
About Us
OUR VALUES: EMPOWERMENT, RESPECT, ACCOUNTABILITY, INCLUSIVENESS, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY.
Originally founded by three Black Women, of East African descent, BALM aims to address anti-Black racism through innovations in programs that empower people of color through research, educational programs, and entrepreneurial ventures; in addition to fostering family cohesion and community engagement.
THE ORIGINAL FOUNDERS
Dora Mugambi
Antoinette Mugisha
Tina Mbinda
DORA MUGAMBI
Dora was born in Nakuru town in Kenya’s rift valley but grew up in Nairobi. Influenced by her father’s love for education and social justice, she resolved to remain a continuous learner, able to connect with diverse people by building a sensitivity to their unique needs.
A biochemist with an MBA, most of her career, spanning 3 continents in life science companies including Pfizer, AstraZeneca and J & J, has been spent managing business strategies for medical products. Dora presently consults for organizations who need to launch clinical research informatics programs, medical products or health technologies. She’s an advocate for health equity and patient safety; and serves on Trillium Health Partners’ Research Ethics Board and DEI subcommittee, as well as Rare Disease Diversity Coalition’s (RDDC) advisory boards. She believes in empowering patients by simplifying medical jargon and reducing racial biases among healthcare providers interacting with equity seeking People of Color.
She’s a visiting researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University, with interests in the impacts of anti-Black racism in Canadian workplaces and predictive models for preventing diabetes.
Also an adjunct faculty at University of Toronto’s master’s in health informatics (MHI) program, Dora enjoys mentoring students on projects. Outside of work Dora loves spending time with her son and two daughters, watching a good game of basketball, sampling food, jazz or film festivals and taking long walks outdoors. She finds nurturing the newly founded Believe Act Live Manifest Inc. (BALM) very fulfilling.
ANTOINETTE MUGISHA
Antoinette was born in Bujumbura, Burundi where her parents lived as immigrants from Rwanda. She schooled in Burundi , in precarious war conditions. Her dream remained to become a Medical Doctor. She participated in different youth groups focusing on empowering girls and boosting their confidence. She also ran programs to educate youth in business creation. Once in Canada, Antoinette trained in women’s studies and environmental sciences. After which she worked in different financial institutions in account Receivables/Payables.
She was chosen to be a women’s leader in her community church and together they created a non-profit organization that helps orphans and widows. Antoinette’s own life experiences have made her very sensitive to other people’s suffering, especially when navigating the workplace and interacting with community members who are themselves going through stressful experiences. She empathizes with members of the Black community where communicating one’s thoughts may not always be valued.
Antoinette is blessed to be the mother of four girls, who have enabled her to master juggling the pressures between work and raising them. Her goal is to focus on family cohesion, education and creating a better future for her children and as well as for other people.
TINA MBINDA
Tina was born in Nairobi, Kenya and has spent her professional life in the international NGOs and charities sectors, with organizations such as ICRAF (now World Agroforestry Centre), Care Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Her career and continuing doctoral studies in Human Resources Management and Social Sciences are aligned with her interests in understanding and dealing with people issues. Her travels to over 25 countries (and counting) and exposure to the different cultures, plus her experiences with anti-Black racism, have shaped her into the woman she is today. She strongly believes in empowerment, continuous learning and paying it forward.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (Political Science), a Master’s in Industrial Relations and is affiliated with several organizations including the Human Resources Professional Association, Ryerson University as a visiting researcher and serves on the Board of the Rotary Club of Milton.
Believe act live manifest inc.
We Specialize In
Entrepreneurship
Build awareness and stimulate support / interest from funding agencies, and other stakeholders, including volunteers, who could potentially partner with BALM.
Family Cohesion
Offer resources which could persuade potential Blacks and equity seeking people of color to use BALM resources and sign up for BALM’s programs – subscribe for tools to empower clients with useful resources for Blacks, People of Color, and allies (New immigrants, especially students.
Research and Education
Provide an inviting platform that is safe, non- threatening and where personal goals feel achievable. BALM welcomes inclusion and participation.
Gain social capital with increased web and social media presence in order to attract more advertising, subscriptions, and funding partnerships
Testimonials
Join the Community
“One generation plants the trees another gets the shade,”
“Youth with dreams become adults with vision.”
“Designing BALM’s logo was my way of showing love for my community,
communicating hope and unity. The wings are a reminder to soar to the greatest heights not even limited by the sky.”