Agapi Gessesse

Executive Director, CEE – Centre for Young Black Professionals

Agapi Gessesse is a transformative leader and strategist dedicated to driving social impact, fostering leadership excellence, and championing innovation. Shaped by the resilience of her refugee parents and the strength of her single mother, Agapi has committed her career to creating sustainable solutions and empowering future leaders across diverse sectors.

As the Executive Director of the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, Agapi has expanded the organization’s impact to support Black youth in employment and skill-building, scaling CEE’s reach and influence across Canada. She is also the Founder of Lehizibu Strategy and Consulting Group, where her insights guide nonprofits, governments, and corporations toward impactful social solutions. In her role as Board Chair of Amnesty International Canada, Agapi leads initiatives to address human rights and equity issues globally, advocating for policies that drive systemic change.

Her exceptional contributions have been widely recognized: in 2024, she was named one of WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. She is also a recipient of the 2023 Harry Jerome Decade Leader Award, the 2023 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the 2021 Peace Award, the 2020 Top Black Women to Watch in Canada, and the 2019 Dial Mover in Tech recognition. Through her work, Agapi continues to champion equity, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire transformative change.