Through her extensive work in Education, Race Relations, Social Justice, Politics, and Labour Relations, Ms. Blackburn has made her mark as an astute leader, strong political advocate, and effective community activism.

Yvette has sound knowledge and application in strategic organizational change, Equity and Education.  A very forward thinking individual who does not sit in indifference when wrongs are being committed.  Even in the face of adversity, she champions the rights of citizens, believes in the principles of fairness, and the public voice.

Born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, Yvette immigrated to Windsor, Ontario over 47 years ago. She is a proud mother to a beautiful daughter, Essence.

Yvette holds 3 degrees, Honors Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Political Science and Education from the University of Windsor.

Some of her early accomplishments in Windsor include working as a program Counsellor, Change your Future (CYF) program with the Greater Essex County District School Board, counselling young visible minority students at-risk in the secondary panel; an Employment Counsellor at W.E.S.T, assisting visible minority and New Canadian women having difficulty attaining and retaining employment.   Also a former Instructor with TriOS College, teaching Canadian Government and Criminology in the Police Foundations Program.

Yvette ventured to Toronto assuming her position as an elementary teacher with the Toronto District School Board and member of ETT (Elementary Teachers of Toronto), and ETFO (Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario). She continues to sit on Boards and Committees that conduct work and research steeped in Diversity, Anti-racist theory, Policing, Education, Politics, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Equity policies and practices, along with Aging.

In addition to her current role as a Global Diaspora Council-Canada Representative, Yvette is a long- standing community advocate and leader.