Yinka Oladele migrated to Canada with her family in 2000. Her adjustment and adaptation phase saw her navigate many jobs to gain experience and understand the Canadian Job market. In 2007, she became the first African woman to join the esteemed UPS Store franchise network in Canada and grew to embrace entrepreneurship, becoming a passionate advocate for startups and small businesses. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the growth of African businesses and received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal Award in 2023 and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Calgary Black Chamber in 2024. Her most profound work, however, has been in her dedication to addressing mental and psychological challenges experienced by cancer patients, caregivers, and families through her foundation – the African Cancer Support Group, which provides support to African & Black communities traumatized by cancer. Yinka tells her full story here:
My journey began in the most unassuming of ways. I worked menial jobs, including as a dishwasher and with some organizations. I later worked my way up the corporate ladder and paid my dues in my career. I also embraced entrepreneurial endeavours by becoming the first African woman to own a UPS Store franchise network in Canada. This was quite a milestone for me, giving me faith that I could be more and do more. You see, that’s the thing about milestones; it’s the journey and the experience, the failures and the wins, the disappointment and the triumph and all of these interplays that subtly work together to increase resilience, self-confidence and mental success margins. These made me more determined to succeed and gave me faith that I could achieve more.
Some years later, I pursued a Masters degree in educational leadership and learning, followed by another Masters in Counselling Psychology. I believe this was pivotal in my journey to change and improve lives, and the opportunity soon presented itself in the form of my foundation – the African Cancer Support Group. On my journey, I realized the debilitating effect that cancer has on patients, their families and the community. This awareness gave birth to the African Cancer Support Group, which offers culturally sensitive support to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers within the African Community. Our goal is to destigmatize the effects of cancer and advocate for equity in the support and health services for people of African origin traumatized by this disease.
Through my husband’s experience and the experiences of members of the African Cancer Support Group and their families, I have seen the devastating effect of cancer. It’s not just the physical toll, but the emotional and psychological burden that the disease places on patients and survivors. The struggle with depression, anxiety, social isolation, existential distress, and the fear of recurrence is real. Unfortunately, many existing support systems do not consider the cultural and social dynamics that shape the way Black and African individuals experience and process illnesses. The African Cancer Support Group bridges this gap by offering support that cannot be found in the hospitals. To this end, the foundation provides culturally sensitive support that extends beyond hospital walls, aiming to destigmatize cancer, break down barriers to support, and create an environment where no one faces this journey alone. Some of the support services we offer at the foundation include;
• Emotional and psychological counselling for patients, survivors, and their families, and providing a lifeline of support during the most challenging times.
• Childcare support for families undergoing treatment, ensuring children of cancer patients receive care and attention.
• Community-building initiatives that connect individuals affected by cancer, allowing them to share their experiences and support one another.
• Advocacy for equity in healthcare services, ensuring that African and Black communities receive adequate resources and support.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Yinka’s inspirational story has been featured on TV, in magazines, and on varied digital platforms, where she shares her experiences and the lessons she has learned along her journey. Her work has not gone unnoticed, as she has been awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal Award in 2023 and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Calgary Black Chamber in 2024. She is a passionate advocate for startups and established businesses and sits atop the board of some organizations. She serves as the Chair of the Calgary African Community Collective (CACC), and she is the co-founder of the Calgary Pastors Forum and the pioneer and co-founder of the Women of Vision Society of Alberta. She also advises on various committees and boards, including the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Her zeal for community service is also integral to her as she unwaveringly dedicates her time to the causes she believes in. This has made her a beloved figure in African and Nigerian communities, where she is recognized for her willingness to serve, advise, and uplift others. She is an advocate, a dedicated teacher, an entrepreneur, a compassionate mentor, and an empowering coach.
Yinka believes that support and empathy are essential to helping people overcome the stigma and challenges associated with cancer. She remains committed to empowering others and fostering a culture of empathy, resilience, and support. She believes that healing is not just about medicine; it’s about compassion, connection, and community, and though cancer is a difficult journey, no one should have to walk it alone.
Yinka tells her story from Calgary, Alberta.
