Last week, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) proudly partnered with Morningstar Canada and their Black, Caribbean, and African (BCA) Employee Resource Group to co-host a transformative two-day Financial Literacy Workshop Series in downtown Toronto. Held on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Morningstar’s office at 181 University Avenue, the event brought together young participants aged 18–30, along with Morningstar staff volunteers, for an engaging and impactful experience centered on building financial confidence and community empowerment.
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Learning Space
Over the course of the two days, participants were immersed in a welcoming, professional environment at the DBRS Building—just steps from the heart of Toronto’s financial district. The sessions were designed to demystify key financial topics and equip young adults with practical tools they can use to take control of their financial futures.
Topics covered included:
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Budgeting & Saving
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Managing Credit and Debt
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Intro to Investing
Facilitated by a diverse group of Morningstar professionals, each session featured open Q&A segments that invited participants to ask real-world questions and receive honest, experience-backed insights. Many attendees noted how relatable, knowledgeable, and approachable the speakers were—a critical ingredient for an effective learning experience.
A Lineup of Industry Leaders
The workshop featured distinguished speakers from Morningstar, including:
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Scott Mackenzie, CEO & President, Morningstar Canada
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Ian Tam, CFA, Director of Investment Research, Canada
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Kadua Tigenoah-Gyasi, Program Manager & former BCA executive
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Sasha Tsakirides, Direct Sales Specialist
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Boris Sidibe, Vice President, Business Development
Their presentations not only educated, but also inspired. Scott Mackenzie shared:
“Financial literacy is freedom. Everyone deserves the tools to build a future they can own — and I’m proud that together, we’re helping young people take that first step.”
A Taste of Black Excellence
Adding a flavourful touch to both days was a delicious lunch catered by Chef Hassan’s Kitchen, a proud new member of FBC’s Black Builders Network. Chef Hassan’s meals provided more than nourishment—they were a celebration of Black entrepreneurship and culinary excellence.
Reflections from the Workshop
The impact of the event resonated with both participants and facilitators alike. Ian Tam reflected on the importance of reaching youth at this critical stage:
“Financial literacy remains a key challenge for many underprivileged Canadians, especially youth navigating today’s complex economic environment… It was inspiring to connect with such engaged young minds.”
Kadua Tigenoah-Gyasi, a past executive with the BCA and current Program Manager, shared:
“Representation matters. Knowing that the participants could see themselves in me was one of the driving forces behind my decision to take part in this powerful opportunity… Sharing this kind of information at the grassroots level with young people is how we build a strong and informed foundation that can serve our community for generations.”
Why Financial Literacy Matters More Than Ever
According to Statistics Canada, younger Canadians are facing mounting financial pressures, from increasing student loan debt to limited access to affordable housing. Financial literacy programs like this one are critical in helping youth navigate today’s economic challenges with confidence and clarity.
By offering free, accessible, and culturally relevant financial education, FBC and Morningstar are working to close knowledge gaps and empower a generation of Black Canadian youth to build lasting wealth and stability.
Looking Ahead
This successful partnership marks just the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing collaboration to uplift, educate, and empower Black communities through financial literacy. We’re grateful to Morningstar’s BCA ERG for their leadership and dedication to equity—and to the youth who showed up, asked questions, and invested in themselves.
