Cheraldean Duhaney: My Pledge Is To Break Barriers, Build Bridges, Foster Inclusivity Within Our Community
In a groundbreaking moment for Bradford West Gwillimbury, Councillor Cheraldean Duhaney has etched her name in the annals of history as the first Black woman and person of African descent elected to her esteemed position. Her ascension to this role marks a pivotal milestone in the town’s council, a watershed moment celebrated by residents far and wide.
Having served as the esteemed representative of Ward 1, Duhaney’s unwavering leadership has become synonymous with community empowerment. Originating from the vibrant shores of Jamaica, her journey towards public service was ignited by her formative years within various school leadership groups, notably the Red Cross Society, instilling in her a profound passion for serving others. Nurtured in an environment imbued with love, empathy and compassion, Duhaney imbibed the values of respect and kindness, guiding her principled approach to leadership. Throughout her trajectory, she has championed empathy, understanding and inclusivity, recognising the imperative of amplifying marginalised voices and advocating for justice and equality.
Duhaney’s commitment to lifting others, coupled with her resilience and unwavering determination, positions her as a beacon of strength and inspiration within the community. In an exclusive interview with ESTHER IJEWERE, she shares the remarkable journey that has led her to this historic moment, shedding light on the transformative power of steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to community welfare.
Shaping leadership through childhood ROWING
Gup in Jamaica, I was immersed in various school leadership groups dedicated to community service. Organisations like the Red Cross Society ignited my early interest in leadership, providing invaluable interactions with government officials that influenced my perspective on public service from a young age.
Raised in a nurturing environment filled with love, empathy and compassion, my parents instilled in me the values of respect and kindness towards others, irrespective of background or circumstance. These foundational lessons continue to underpin my approach to leadership and community involvement.
Emphasising empathy and understanding the needs of others has become a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. I believe in amplifying the voices of all community members and fostering collaborative efforts to address challenges and drive positive change. My experiences in school clubs further honed my teamwork and cooperation skills, essential for effective community leadership. In summary, my childhood experiences have equipped me with the empathy, compassion and leadership acumen needed to navigate the responsibilities and challenges of community service. Grateful for these formative lessons, they remain instrumental in shaping my approach to public service today.
Championing inclusive representation
As the first black woman, and indeed the first black person, to be elected, I am deeply committed to ensuring that all residents in Ward 1 have their needs and priorities heard and addressed. I plan to implement regular community forums and listening sessions to gather input from constituents of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I will work closely with community leaders and organisations to advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusivity. It’s crucial that everyone feels represented and empowered in our decisionmaking processes.
Lessons in leadership
My grandmother has been a pillar of strength for me, embodying unwavering faith and unconditional love, which taught me the importance of compassion and resilience in leadership. My mother’s endurance through challenges has shown me the power of perseverance and determination in achieving goals. Oprah Winfrey’s journey from adversity to success has inspired me to embrace vulnerability, authenticity and empathy as essential qualities in effective leadership. Learning from these remarkable women has shaped my leadership approach
to prioritise empathy, resilience and authenticity in guiding and empowering others.
Empowering community through diverse programmes
My experience with Impact Youth and Cultural Centre has shown me the importance of providing diverse programmes and services for youth, families and seniors. I plan to leverage this experience by advocating for increased funding and resources for such initiatives, collaborating with community leaders and stakeholders to develop innovative programmes tailored to the needs of Bradford West Gwillimbury residents and continuously seeking feedback and input from the community to ensure our efforts are effective and impactful.
Inclusive infrastructure and planning
As a proponent of inclusivity and accessibility, I am deeply committed to ensuring that all members of our community have equal access to essential facilities and services. In collaboration with residents, disability advocacy groups and cultural organisations, I prioritise the design and development of infrastructure that caters to the diverse needs of our population.
Read the remaining part of this interview on www.guardian.ng