User:Yinka Oladele/sandbox

Yinka Oladele was born on 11 September, 1967 in Lagos, Nigeria where she grew up with a

dedication to serving the community. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Education (B.Sc. (ed.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), and Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP in view). Oladele is a philanthropist, tireless volunteer author, multiple award winner and co-founder of the African Cancer Support Group. She has made significant contributions to destigmatizing cancer within the Black community in Canada.

Early Life and Career
Oladele lost her mother to breast cancer in 1995 an experience that deeply impacted her. In 2006 she became the first black woman to join the UPS Store Franchise Network in Canada. However her husbands cancer diagnosis in 2016 led her to create a lasting impact. She presently serves on the board of various non profit organizations like the Calgary African Community Collective where she is the Board Chair and as the Executive Director at the Oladele Foundation. Under her leadership, The Oladele foundation has launched a lot of successful initiatives, including awareness campaigns, membership activities, and research programs.

Philanthropy
When Yinka Oladele's husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma she became his caregiver. Frustrated by the lack of resources for Black patients, she vowed to bridge that gap. In 2017, she and her husband started helping other cancer survivors by registering The Oladele Foundation, and in 2018, her husband and a Breast Cancer survivor co-founded the African Cancer Support Group. The organization provides a safe space for patients, survivors and caregivers of African descent to share experiences, connect and receive encouragement and build hope and courage. The foundation provides essential services, advocay and emotional support to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families.

Impact and Advocacy
The Calgary based organization now provides over 50 families across Canada with emotional support and material support such as house cleaning, meal deliveries, complimentary therapy and more. Yinka and Bayo work tirelessly to destigmatize cancer among Africans, Carribeans and Black Canadians encouraging regular checkups and eliminating misconceptions.

Recognition
Awards


 * 2014 - RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award
 * 2023 - Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal


 * 2024 - Calgary Black Chambers, Lifetime Achievement Award

Publications

 * Oladele, Bayo; Oladele, Yinka (2017). Second Chance: Surviving The Battle of Cancer. Ola Consulting. ISBN 1775054209, 9781775054207.


 * Oladele, Yinka (2024). The Caregiver. Barnes & Noble. ISBN 2940185881552.