Bridging Research & Strategy
Dedicated to empowering Black women entrepreneurs and advancing inclusive growth models.
Dr. Mary Uhunoma Isibor is a researcher, program development leader, and women's economic empowerment specialist with a PhD in Economic History and over 10 years of experience in higher education, research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement across Africa and the Black diaspora.
She currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Harriet Tubman Institute, York University, and as Director of the School of Women in Leadership & Business at the Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity, where she leads program development, learning strategy, and workplace inclusion initiatives.
She is the founder of the Black Women Enterprise Exchange (BWEE), a bilingual initiative launching in August 2026 that connects Black women entrepreneurs across Canada, Africa, and the global diaspora — its inaugural launch has already attracted more than 140 registered participants.
Credentials
PhD, Economic History (2024)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Doctoral research examining women's economic development in Benin City from 1970–2020, tracing shifts in women-led enterprise, labour, and household economies over five decades.
M.A., History, with distinction (2015)
University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Graduate research on the history of bronze casting in Benin City, 1897–1977, examining the craft's role in Benin heritage, power, and artistic tradition.
B.A. (Hons), History and International Studies (2011)
Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
Undergraduate foundation in historical methods and international affairs, laying the groundwork for her later research in African economic and gender history.
Postgraduate Certificate, Women's Agency in the Public Space
WORDOC, University of Ibadan
Specialized training on women's participation and agency in public and civic life across African contexts.
Achievements & Awards
Founder, Black Women Enterprise Exchange (BWEE)
Role in establishing the Black Women Enterprise Exchange (BWEE).
Mentored 40+ Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students
This entry highlights the achievement of mentoring over 40 undergraduate and postgraduate students, indicating significant involvement in student development.
Developed 10+ University Courses in African History, Gender Studies, and Black Diaspora Studies
Successfully developed over ten university courses spanning African History, Gender Studies, and Black Diaspora Studies disciplines.
Inspire Youth Journal Peer Reviewer Recognition
Inspire Youth Journal
Acknowledged for contributions as a peer reviewer for the Inspire Youth Journal. This recognition highlights involvement in the academic review process.
LSA Best Graduate Paper Award
Lagos Studies Association
This award recognizes the best graduate paper presented or published by the Lagos Studies Association.
LSA 2025 Awards LSA 2025 Best Graduate Student Paper Award: Mary Uhunoma Isibor (University of ...
LSA 2025 Awards LSA 2025 Best Graduate Student Paper Award: Mary Uhunoma Isibor (University of Benin) This award goes to the author of the best graduate student paper presented at LSA 2024. Tit...
Community Project Award
University of Benin
This is an award received for a community project.
Vice Chancellor Award
University of Benin
Award presented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin.
Core Values
Evidence-Based Practice
Grounding every recommendation and program in rigorous research rather than assumption — history and data guide the work.
Inclusive Leadership
Building spaces, programs, and partnerships where women — especially Black women — are centered, heard, and equipped to lead.
Mentorship & Capacity Building
Investing in the next generation of scholars and entrepreneurs through direct supervision, teaching, and sustained support.
Cultural Rootedness
Honoring African heritage and historical memory as a foundation for present-day development and policy work.
Collaboration Across Borders
Building bridges between Africa, Canada, and the global Black diaspora — because economic empowerment is not a local project.