Mental-health advocate to receive prestigious honour
Calissa Ngozi of Niagara Falls to be recognized at RBC Black Diamond Ball in Toronto
A Niagara Falls woman who has two decades of experience working in the field of mental health will be recognized at this weekend’s prestigious RBC Black Diamond Ball gala in Toronto.
Calissa Ngozi has a vast resumé. Apart from her private practice in collaboration with Bartimaeus Inc., offering mental-health behaviour support services to individuals and families, she is also an educator, inspirational speaker and — at least until a decade ago — an actor with roles in Canadian television series and commercials.
Earlier this year, her publicist nominated her for the Black Diamond Ball Award, which spotlights exceptional community inspirations, including dedicated youth, driving Black community progress. Ngozi will be receiving one of 10 awards, which recognize community leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.
The gala, produced by the notfor-profit ArtXperiential Projects, is in its ninth year and celebrates Black culture, showcases artists and supports Black youth and Black-owned businesses across Canada.
In her work, Ngozi partners with various agencies, organizations, group homes, school boards and individual families to co-ordinate specialized supports for individuals dealing with mental-health challenges.
Ngozi is also a part-time professor at Mohawk College, where she typically teaches two to three courses a semester.
From 2014-16, Ngozi regularly commuted from Niagara Falls to Toronto for actor auditions, landing roles on episodic television and commercials until she gave birth to twin boys (now aged 10) and decided to leave acting behind.
And if that’s not enough, public speaking is also in Ngozi’s repertoire. She recently clinched second place at Speaker Slam, in which she spoke of her experience growing up Black while in an adopted white family. She will be competing in the finals this November. The RBC Black Diamond Ball will be held Saturday at Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto.
In a phone interview, Ngozi said she was “honoured” to learn she will be receiving the award, saying it’s a recognition for the path she’s taken.
“It solidifies it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be, which is working with mental health and working with people,” she said.