The board of Bring on the Sunshine is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Mangwende as the Executive Director as of November 1st, 2022. 

Barbara brings extensive experience in the non-profit and education sectors. She has provided effective and impactful leadership in various provincial and federal programs serving diverse youth, adults and newcomers to Canada facing multiple employment and settlement-related barriers for successful outcomes. Barbara serves with passion, is a connector and loves to engage with partners and community, connecting communities with valuable resources/ supports while delivering program outcomes and achieving sustainability. She holds a Master’s Degree in Sustainable International Development. 

Barbara’s personal faith and her Black African heritage keep her grounded in the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and community building. Barbara is a mom, wife, mentor for youth with a special focus on Black African youth, recognizing the unique gifts they bring and barriers that they face. She believes in bringing the best out of each young person which empowers our communities. 

She is excited to connect, serve, support and celebrate Black African communities locally and globally because “Ubuntu – I am (human) Because We Are (human together in relationship in community)….”.

Barbara says “I look forward to meeting the community, engaging and collaborating together to find innovative and sustainable ways to help us all move forward.”