(Durham Region) – February 12, 2024 – Lakeridge Health is proud to announce that Cordelia Clarke Julien, Chair of the Board of Trustees, has been recognized among the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. She joins an esteemed list of individuals from all walks of life who have made valuable contributions to Canadian society.
“I’m so honoured and grateful to be included in this talented group of Black Canadian women,” said Cordelia. “This recognition is not just a reflection of my individual journey, but also a testament to the collective support and mentorship I received along the way from those who believed in me.”
The 100 Accomplished Black Women list is an initiative that began in 2016. All 100 honourees will be included in the 2024 edition of a biennial book meant to inspire Black Canadian girls and women by highlighting those who have made contributions in fields such as government, not-for-profit, financial, legal, real estate, health, education/academic, entertainment, and fine arts.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment and wonderful moment for Lakeridge Health,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “This prestigious accolade reflects Cordelia’s exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to our community. We’re thankful for her dedication and commitment to helping Lakeridge Health achieve its vision of One System. Best Health.”
The 100 honourees were identified through a nomination process. Each nominee was evaluated based on several criteria, including demonstrated leadership through role modelling and/or volunteer activities and their support related to the efforts of Black girls and women, and organizations and groups that work to advance them.
As Lakeridge Health’s Board Chair, Cordelia has also been instrumental in the organization’s inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and anti-racism (IDEAA) efforts, including the release of Lakeridge Health IDEAA Multi-Year Action Plan.
“My advice to Black women and girls would be to never diminish the light within you as that is what makes you great,” said Cordelia. “I have witnessed too many Black women and girls dim their greatness so that others around them feel better about themselves. So, when someone tells you that ‘you are too much,’ just know that your light is shining bright, and they just need to get a pair of sunglasses.”
About Lakeridge Health
With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, more than 20 community health-care locations and a state-of-the-art surgical centre within the soon-to-open Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.
Lakeridge Health is also home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, and eye care and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, and provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of more than 8,700 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a proud member of the Durham Ontario Health Team (Durham OHT) and works in collaboration with the Durham OHT, as well as primary care, and community and government partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
For more information, please contact:
Sharon Navarro
Manager, PR and Digital Communications
Lakeridge Health
snavarro@lh.ca
905-435-7889
