Leading Through Listening

For Jéda, listening is more than a skill—it’s a cornerstone of her advocacy. She believes that true inclusivity begins with understanding others’ perspectives. Whether engaging with peers at her school’s Affinity Group or advocating for equity at community events, Jéda ensures that every voice is heard. She knows firsthand how important it is for young people to feel like their experiences matter.

Her accomplishments are rooted in a rich family legacy of advocacy and resilience. Jéda’s Great Aunt Marjorie Dawson played a significant role in shaping her understanding of history and activism. Her family has deep connections to Black history and the Underground Railroad through Zion Baptist Church on 25 Raymond Street, where the first pastor, Reverend Anthony Burns, was a key figure in the movement. Zion Baptist Church and the Amherstburg Association (ARMBA) played an integral role in Jéda’s life, shaping her heritage, morals, and Christianity. Inspired by this history, she organized events like a hair seminar and the Black History Month playlist, educating her peers about the diversity and richness of Black culture beyond stereotypes.

At Eden High School, her teachers, Karen Chcoski and Dana Rogers, were pivotal figures in encouraging Jéda to step into her leadership potential. Recognizing the need for a space where Black students could feel supported and empowered, Jéda worked with her teacher to establish the Black Affinity Group. “It wasn’t just about creating a group,” Jéda says. “It was about creating a legacy.” Today, the group serves as a foundation for younger students to thrive, ensuring that inclusivity and representation remain a priority at her school.

“It wasn’t just about creating a group. It was about creating a legacy.”

Today, the group serves as a foundation for younger students to thrive, ensuring that inclusivity and representation remain a priority at her school.

Challenges and Strength

Jéda’s creativity and resilience extend beyond her school walls. She has collaborated with organizations like Future Black Female and has organized events ranging from gender-based violence advocacy workshops to social justice projects. Through Black Owned 905 – collaborating with Natasha Bell – Jéda helped organize a business symposium downtown, providing local Black business owners a platform to market their products and engage with the community. Her work has sparked meaningful conversations, from teachers learning about the cultural significance of Black hairstyles to addressing workplace discrimination policies. For Jéda, these events go beyond logistics—they are about building connections and empowering her community. Her work has sparked meaningful conversations, from teachers learning about the cultural significance of Black hairstyles to addressing workplace discrimination policies. For Jéda, these events go beyond logistics—they are about building connections and empowering her community.

Despite her many successes, Jéda’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced bullying, racial discrimination, and the emotional weight of being an advocate at such a young age. At times, she has put so much energy into helping others that she forgot to care for herself. Learning to find balance has been a crucial part of her growth.

Her resilience shines through in the personal battles she has overcome. Born prematurely at just two pounds, Jéda’s life began with a fight—one that has defined her ever since. While she is proud of her strength, she also credits her family and community for lifting her up. Her mother, Julie, has been an inspiring role model and cheerleader, always encouraging Jéda to pursue her dreams and reminding her that even trying something hard is a success in itself.

A Legacy in the Making

The YMCA has also played a foundational role in Jéda’s life. Growing up, she frequently visited the Queen Street YMCA location, where she participated in Early Years programs (now EarlyON) and learned to swim through the DSBN Learn to Swim program. For her, the YMCA was a safe space that provided opportunities to connect with others. These early experiences also helped to shape her understanding of community and inclusivity.

In a lighter moment, Jéda recalls the time she won tickets to see Nicki Minaj for her birthday—a dream she never thought would come true. That same determination drives her big dreams for the future. Whether attending Brock University or continuing her advocacy work, Jéda approaches every goal believing that her voice—and the voices of others—can create meaningful change.

The YMCA PEACE Medal Award has only strengthened her resolve.

“For so long, I doubted if what I was doing was making a difference. This recognition reminded me that it was.”

As she continues to build her legacy, Jéda remains focused on empowering others and ensuring that no one, especially young people, feels unseen or unheard.