Bernadette Hamilton-Reid
CEO/Owner
Sankofa Afrikan Gifts
AFP member since 2025
Member Feature: Bernadette Hamilton-Reid
February 2025
By Angela Rafuse, MBA
I first met Bernadette Hamilton-Reid in November 2023 when she was invited to share her insights as a panelist at our chapter’s National Philanthropy Day event. From the moment she spoke, I was captivated by her presence: warm, confident, and deeply committed to equity. She shared a powerful revelation with the audience: in the past, she had not felt welcomed by AFP Nova Scotia. The room fell silent. Her honesty was striking, but what stood out most was her optimism. She expressed hope that things were changing.
Our AFP NS Chapter has taken a leading role in advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the fundraising sector. As part of these efforts, we developed an IDEA pathway and conducted a membership survey, which revealed a strong desire for more member profiles. During a recent board meeting, Bernadette joined via Zoom from Ottawa. Curious, I asked, “Why are you in Ottawa?” Her response launched our first-ever member spotlight, unveiling the inspiring, fast-paced work that defines her everyday life.
We are incredibly proud to recognize Bernadette as our Chapter’s Chamberlain Scholarship recipient. This prestigious honor will allow her to attend AFP ICON in Seattle in April 2025. A proud 8th-generation Afrikan Nova Scotian from Beechville, NS, Bernadette wears many hats: wife, mother, devoted church and community member, consultant, entrepreneur, and passionate volunteer. She is also the founder of Sankofa Financial Consulting and Bookkeeping, where she provides expert financial services.
Since January 29, Bernadette has been traveling across Canada, attending key conferences that align with her commitment to advocacy and policy change. Her first stop was the National Black Canadians Summit, an initiative of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, started by Canada’s 27th Governor General, the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean. Bernadette played a role in Halifax’s declaration, a call for government accountability in supporting Afrikan Nova Scotian heritage and IDEA-related initiatives.
Next, she attended the Black Entrepreneur Knowledge Hub, a federal initiative dedicated to fostering a thriving Black business ecosystem for over 50,000 entrepreneurs of Afrikan ancestry across Canada.
Her third conference, the Black Excellence & Canadian Policy summit focused on policymaking, affirmative action, and anti-Black racism. A key topic was the government’s long-standing inaction on these issues. Research by Dr. Rachel Zellars of Saint Mary’s University highlighted a staggering fact: a federal report card from 2007 confirmed a mandate for action, yet 17 years later, no substantial measures have been implemented. Bernadette also revealed a shocking statistic: out of 11,000 employees in the federal procurement department, only five are of Black ancestry. Additionally, public servants with over 30 years of service continue to be overlooked for promotions, often relegated to acting roles or indeterminate positions. These realities underscore the urgent need for government accountability and systemic change.
Despite these challenges, Bernadette finds hope in the young Black leaders she meets; - passionate changemakers determined to reshape Canada’s future. She is also taking the opportunity to explore Ottawa, celebrating the diverse ethnic history represented in our nation’s capital.
At every conference she attends, Bernadette is a proud advocate for AFP NS, recognizing the chapter’s commitment to transformative action within the IDEA space. Her dedication extends beyond conferences; - she is a driving force in Black Heritage Month in Nova Scotia and will serve as a panelist at the 2025 International Women’s Day breakfast, hosted by the Centre for Women in Business.
It seems that wherever there is an important event, Bernadette is involved. We are honored to feature her and encourage you to connect with her; you will undoubtedly be inspired.