CPAC (Cable Public Affairs Channel) anchor Omayra Issa has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.
The Forum of Young Global Leaders was established in 2004 to unite outstanding leaders under the age of 40 from around the world, with a focus on recruiting those demonstrating tenacity, foresight, and track record to better the world, including innovating to advance the public interest. Every year 100 Young Global Leaders are carefully selected and handpicked out of thousands of applications to take part in the three-year program.
Issa joined CPAC at the end of January after working with CBC News for almost a decade. Born in Morocco and raised in Niger and Saskatchewan, she started her career with Radio-Canada in Saskatchewan, anchoring Téléjournal Saskatchewan and filing across television, radio and digital in both French and English. The 2022-23 Radio-Canada Southam fellow, Issa became the first Black woman journalist to present the prestigious Kesterton Lecture in Journalism at Carleton University. Among her notable work at the public broadcaster was co-creating and producing award-winning multi-platform series Black on the Prairies.
CPAC said in an announcement that the recognition “is a testament to Issa’s leadership, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society.”
“Omayra’s recognition as a Young Global Leader is both a professional achievement and a moment of pride for CPAC,” said Christa Dickenson, CPAC President and CEO. “This recognition highlights Omayra’s contributions to journalism within Canada and on the international stage.”
Just two other Canadians are part of the 2024 class of Young Global Leaders – Raylene Whitford, Director of Edmonton-based Canative Energy, a social enterprise working for the empowerment of indigenous communities around the world affected by the energy sector; and Rebecca Darwent, an internationally recognized expert in philanthropy and community-led initiatives. Currently Senior Advisor to Philanthropy Together, Darwent is also the Co-Founder of the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC).
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