Research That Drives Change
CBEE Women turns research, data, and lived experiences into evidence that informs decisions, shapes policy, strengthens systems, and advances Black women’s prosperity across Canada.
- Leadership Research
- Economic Prosperity
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation & AI
- Systems Change
Our Purpose
Research That Informs Action. Knowledge That Creates Change
At CBEE Women, we believe that sustainable transformation begins with understanding the realities, experiences, challenges, and opportunities facing Black women.
Research is not only about collecting information—it is about creating the evidence needed to influence decisions, improve systems, shape policies, and develop solutions that create measurable impact.
Through rigorous research, community engagement, data analysis, and collaboration with academic, government, corporate, and community partners, CBEE Women generates insights that support decision-makers and accelerate meaningful change.
The platform transforms knowledge into action:
Community Experiences → Research → Evidence → Policy Recommendations → Systems Change → Impact
Research That Reflects Black Women
The CBEE Women Research & Publications Platform serves as a knowledge centre dedicated to documenting, analyzing, and amplifying issues affecting Black women’s:
- Economic participation
- Leadership advancement
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Workforce experiences
- Access to capital
- Community impact
- Social and economic prosperity
Our Vision
To become Canada’s leading source of research, evidence, and knowledge on Black women’s leadership, economic empowerment, innovation, and prosperity.
Our Mission
The CBEE Women Research & Publications Platform exists to:
- Generate credible research on issues affecting Black women.
- Amplify lived experiences through evidence.
- Provide actionable recommendations to decision-makers.
- Influence inclusive policies and practices.
- Measure progress toward equity and prosperity.
Why Evidence
Why Research Matters
Despite the growing contributions of Black women to Canada’s economy and society, significant knowledge gaps remain. CBEE Women’s research agenda ensures that Black women’s voices, experiences, contributions, and solutions are documented and integrated into decision-making.
Many Challenges Remain Inadequately Captured
- Limited race-based data
- Lack of intersectional research
- Underrepresentation in economic studies
- Insufficient measurement of leadership participation
- Limited documentation of entrepreneurship experiences
- Lack of consistent tracking of progress
Without Data and Evidence
- Problems remain invisible.
- Solutions are difficult to design.
- Progress cannot be effectively measured.
Our Focus
Research Areas of Focus
The CBEE Women Research Platform focuses on key areas influencing Black women’s prosperity:
01
Leadership & Governance Research
Understanding representation, influence, and advancement.
Research Examines
- Black women's representation in leadership
- Executive participation
- Board diversity
- Governance opportunities
- Leadership pathways
Research Questions
- Where are Black women represented?
- What barriers limit advancement?
- What strategies increase leadership participation?
02
Economic Prosperity Research
Measuring economic participation and opportunity.
Research Areas Include
- Employment Outcomes
- Income Trends
- Entrepreneurship
- Wealth Creation
- Access to Economic Opportunities
03
Entrepreneurship Research
Understanding Black women-owned businesses.
Research Examines
- Business Creation
- Growth Barriers
- Financing Challenges
- Market Access
- Procurement Participation
04
Innovation, AI & STEM Research
Tracking participation in future economies.
Research Areas Include
- STEM Representation
- AI Participation
- Digital Skills
- Technology Entrepreneurship
- Future Workforce Readiness
05
Workplace Equity Research
Understanding organizational experiences.
Research Examines
- Hiring Practices
- Career Advancement
- Workplace Inclusion
- Pay Equity
- Leadership Access
06
Community Impact Research
Documenting the contribution of Black women leaders.
Research Includes
- Community Leadership
- Volunteerism
- Mentorship
- Social Impact
- Intergenerational Leadership
Publication Portfolio
Knowledge Products
The CBEE Women Research & Publications Platform will produce several flagship knowledge products.
01 · Annual Reports
The State of Black Women’s Prosperity in Canada Report
The Annual Report will serve as CBEE Women’s flagship publication, providing a comprehensive analysis of progress, challenges, and opportunities affecting Black women across Canada.
The Report Will Examine
- Economic participation
- Leadership representation
- Entrepreneurship trends
- Innovation participation
- Workplace experiences
- Policy developments
Purpose
- Establish a national evidence base
- Identify emerging trends
- Highlight areas requiring action
- Measure progress over time
Potential Report Themes
- The State of Black Women Entrepreneurs in Canada
- Black Women in Leadership: Representation and Opportunity
- Black Women and the Future of Work
- Black Women in AI and Emerging Technologies
Deep Research on Complex Challenges and Strategic Solutions
White papers provide comprehensive analysis of major issues requiring deeper examination and strategic recommendations
TPotential White Paper Topics
Closing the Black Women Leadership Gap
Representation barriers. Leadership pathways. Institutional solutions.
Building Equitable Entrepreneurship Ecosystems
Capital access. Procurement. Business growth.
AI Equity and the Future of Black Women in Technology
AI opportunities. Digital inclusion. Ethical technology development.
The Economic Impact of Black Women Entrepreneurs
Job creation. Innovation. Community economic growth.
02 · White Papers
03 ·Discussion Papers
Exploring Emerging Issues and Encouraging Dialogue
Discussion papers provide opportunities to explore emerging challenges, generate conversation, and invite collaboration.
Topics May Include
- The future of work
- Artificial intelligence and inclusion.
- Economic Mobility
- Leadership Transformation
- Inclusive Procurement
- Gender Equity
Purpose
- Generate new ideas
- Encourage stakeholder dialogue
- Identify opportunities for collaboration
Turning Evidence Into Action
Research creates impact when it informs decisions. CBEE Women develops policy recommendations designed for:
Policy Areas
Economic Development
Entrepreneurship support. Capital access. Supplier diversity.
Employment Equity
Inclusive hiring. Leadership pathways. Pay equity.
Innovation Policy
STEM participation, AI inclusion, digital access.
Community Development
Leadership development, mentorship, inclusion strategies.
04 · Policy Recommendations
05 ·Community Surveys
Listening Directly to Black Women’s Experiences
Community voices are central to CBEE Women’s research approach. Surveys provide insight
Survey Topics
- Employment Experiences
- Entrepreneurship Challenges
- Access to Capital
- Leadership Aspirations
- Technology Adoption
- Community Needs
Purpose
- Research reflects lived experiences
- Programs respond to real needs
- Policies are informed by community realities
- Experiences
- Priorities
- Barriers
- Opportunities.
- Solutions
Highlighting Success, Innovation, and Solutions
Case studies showcase the achievements, strategies, and lessons learned from Black women leaders, entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities.
Case Study Areas
Entrepreneur Success Stories
Business journeys, growth strategies, innovation.
Leadership Journeys
Career advancement. Mentorship impact. Community leadership.
Institutional Transformation
Workplace improvements. Policy changes. Inclusion strategies.
Purpose
- Inspire action
- Highlight role models
- Demonstrate effective solutions
06 ·Case Studies
07 ·Impact Reports
Measuring Results and Demonstrating Accountability
Impact reports demonstrate the outcomes created through CBEE Women initiatives.
Impact Areas — Measuring
- Participants reached
- Skills Developed
- Businesses Supported
- Leaders Trained
- Partnerships Created
- Policies Influenced
Purpose
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Evidence of success
Tracking Representation and Leadership Advancement
Leadership reports examine the participation of Black women across decision-making spaces.
Research Areas
- Corporate leadership
- Board Representation
- Public Appointments
- Community Leadership
- Executive Advancement
Flagship Publication
Black Women Leadership Index
A national measurement framework tracking
- Representation
- Opportunity
- Advancement
- Influence
08 Leadership Reports
Our Approach
How We Conduct Research
CBEE Women uses multiple approaches
Quantitative Research
Surveys
Data analysis
Statistical reviews
Economic indicators
Qualitative Research
Interviews
Focus groups
Community consultations
Leadership conversations
Participatory Research
Community voices are included
Research reflects lived experiences
Solutions are co-created
Knowledge Partnerships
CBEE Women collaborates with:
- Universities
- Research Institutions
- Government Agencies
- Corporations
- Community Organizations
- Professional Associations
- Think Tanks
Research Advisory Council
CBEE Women may establish a Research Advisory Council composed of:
- Researchers
- Economists
- Policy Experts
- Community Leaders
- Industry Professionals
The Council will provide guidance on:
- Research priorities
- Methodology
- Knowledge dissemination
- Strategic partnerships
From Knowledge to Change
Research Impact Framework
| Knowledge Product | Purpose | Impact |
|---|---|---|
|
Annual Reports |
Measure progress |
National awareness and accountability |
|
White Papers |
Deep analysis |
Strategic solutions |
|
Discussion Papers |
Encourage dialogue |
Innovation and collaboration |
|
Policy Recommendations |
Influence decisions |
Better policies |
|
Community Surveys |
Capture experiences |
Responsive programming |
|
Case Studies |
Share solutions |
Inspiration and replication |
|
Impact Reports |
Demonstrate outcomes |
Transparency and trust |
|
Leadership Reports |
Measure representation |
Stronger leadership pathways |
Work With Us
Partner With CBEE Women
Work with us to turn evidence into action and create research that strengthens policies, institutions, opportunities, and long-term prosperity.
Governments
Use evidence to design stronger policies.
Employers
Build more inclusive workplaces.
Researchers
Collaborate on meaningful knowledge creation.
Funders
Invest in evidence-based solutions.
Communities
Share experiences and shape the future.
Knowledge Can Create Lasting Change
Research gives communities a voice. Data creates accountability. Knowledge drives transformation.
Through the Research & Publications Platform, CBEE Women will ensure that Black women’s experiences are not only heard but studied, measured, recognized, and translated into action.
When knowledge is created, change becomes possible. When evidence guides decisions, systems improve. When Black women’s realities are documented, their contributions become impossible to ignore.
