Black History Month: Empowering leadership and breaking barriers

In honour of Black History Month, we recognize the contributions of Black leaders who are paving the way for future generations. Among these trailblazers are Lana Bentley and Dr. Misheck Mwaba, two individuals whose leadership journeys have been instrumental in fostering inclusivity, education and community support.

Misheck, President and CEO of Bow Valley College, and Lana, an advocate for women’s empowerment through her role as Executive Director at the Women’s Centre of Calgary, share a deep commitment to breaking barriers and creating lasting opportunities for marginalized communities. Their perspectives on leadership—shaped by their unique experiences—highlight the importance of education and mentorship in unlocking the full potential of individuals.

Misheck's path to leadership

Misheck’s career began in engineering, but it was his passion for education and community empowerment that led him to his current role as the President & CEO of Bow Valley College. He describes his leadership philosophy as one focused on growth.

“My job is to ensure that we’ve got an environment where students can be helped and guided to fulfill their full potential,” he says.

After joining Bow Valley College as Vice President,Academic, Misheck was appointed President & CEO three years later, where his focus expanded to include student success and innovation. For him, leadership is not about administrative duties but about witnessing people’s evolution.

“What excites me is when I see people grow. I see students who come to the college not very confident, then I see them three years later, full of confidence.”

Under his leadership, Bow Valley College has evolved beyond its roots in language learning to offer cutting-edge initiatives, including virtual reality simulations for nursing students, which allow them to replace up to 50 per cent of their clinical hours.

“We are positioning Bow Valley College as Calgary’s college with local impact and global reach,” says Misheck, highlighting the institution’s ambitious future plans.

Lana's journey into social service and empowerment

Lana Bentley’s path into leadership was influenced by her family’s strong social consciousness.

“I grew up in a household where my mom had a degree in sociology,” she says. “My parents met going to university in Montreal during a period of strong social movements around gender and race.”

Her early ambition, however, was quite different.

“I initially wanted to be a video jockey on MuchMusic, but thankfully I took my parents’ advice and pursued a different track because that job is now obsolete.”

Her transition from a potential career in broadcasting to social work was shaped by her desire to contribute meaningfully to society. After completing her studies at the University of Calgary, Lana began her career in community service, from volunteering with the Calgary Red Cross to working in Alberta Health Services. She faced her own set of challenges as a Black woman in these sectors, but these obstacles never deterred her.

Lana's current role as the Executive Director of the Women’s Centre of Calgary has allowed her to deepen her impact. The Centre provides services like legal consultations, skill-building workshops and support for women experiencing housing insecurity. Lana’s leadership has helped the Centre serve nearly 10,000 women each year while also advocating for systemic change through gender analysis in policies related to economic advancement, housing and healthcare. With their programs and services making a difference in the lives of the community, Lana is proud that her work has contributed to a meaningful impact.

“I feel really grounded and content knowing that I did something that objectively mattered,” she says.

Championing Black leadership and overcoming challenges

Both Misheck and Lana recognize the significant challenges faced by Black individuals in leadership roles. Misheck, as the first Black person to lead a college in Alberta, acknowledges the weight of his position.

“I’m honoured that I’m the first Black person to lead a college in Alberta,” he says. “What I do inspires young Black women and men because they’re looking at me and thinking, ‘If you can do it, we can also do it.’”

However, Misheck also points to the challenges within Calgary’s business and academic communities, where Black representation in leadership roles remains limited.

“There are very few Black people in influential positions,” he says. “That already gives a mindset to the Black community that it’s very difficult to break that ceiling.”

Lana has faced similar challenges throughout her career in healthcare and social services.

“There weren’t a ton of folks who looked like me working in the capacity that I was when I started my career,” she says. Despite this lack of representation early in her career, she has seen significant progress in recent years.

“It’s really rewarding to know that, not just with the cultural touch points of progress, but on an individual basis, things have changed.”

Both leaders also find strength in the resilience of the Black community. Misheck credits the perseverance of Black individuals for their efforts in overcoming adversity.

“We have to work three times harder than the other person to achieve success,” he says.

This unwavering work ethic, Misheck believes, is a key asset in business and leadership.

Creating opportunities for Black leaders

Misheck strongly believes that to support Black leadership, businesses and organizations must open doors and create pathways for people to demonstrate their abilities. For him, mentorship and access to capital are crucial in helping Black entrepreneurs and leaders achieve success.

“If we just open the door, individuals can perform well,” he says.

Lana echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and collaboration in overcoming systemic barriers.

“The solution lies in collaboration, mentorship and developing supportive ecosystems for leadership to thrive,” she says.

At the heart of Lana and Misheck’s work is a shared belief in the power of education and leadership to transform lives.

“Whether you look at the student or employee side, it’s about getting people to fulfill their potential,” Misheck says.

By empowering individuals, both Lana and Misheck are helping to create a more inclusive future, where the barriers that have historically limited opportunities are steadily broken down. As we reflect on Black History Month, it’s clear that their contributions are helping to shape a better, more equitable future for all.
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To learn more about Bow Valley College, visit: bowvalleycollege.ca. For more information about the Women’s Centre Calgary, visit: womenscentrecalgary.org