About Us
MumsFirst is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to helping mothers advance their careers, build businesses, and achieve economic independence.
Through coaching, mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and community support, we equip mothers with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive. Rooted in the experiences of mothers and open to women from diverse backgrounds, MumsFirst is creating pathways to success - one mother, one family, and one community at a time.
Our Story
MumsFirst began with a simple observation:
Too many mothers were putting their ambitions on hold, including us!
Some were returning from maternity leave unsure of their next step, some were trying to rebuild professional networks from scratch as immigrants. Many had the skills, experience, and ideas to succeed but lacked access to the support systems that open doors.
In 2023, MumsFirst was created to help mothers reconnect with their professional goals, build confidence, access opportunities, and create economic independence. Many mothers face challenges that can limit access to career growth and economic opportunities, including:
Skills development gaps
Career interruptions due to caregiving responsibilities
Limited professional networks
Barriers to entrepreneurship and business funding
Balancing family responsibilities with professional ambitions
These barriers can affect long-term economic security and career advancement.
Through our flagship program – The Accelerated Coaching Program – we supported over 150 black moms in the first 2 years.
Today, MumsFirst has become a growing community where mothers are launching businesses, securing meaningful employment, expanding their networks, and creating brighter futures for their families.
Our Mission
MumsFirst empowers mothers through career advancement, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and meaningful connections. We are committed to creating pathways that equip mothers with the skills, confidence, networks, and opportunities to thrive.
Because when mothers thrive- families, communities and economies thrive
Our Vision
We envision a future where every mother can confidently prioritize her family without sacrificing her ambitions; where she has equitable access to the opportunities, skills, networks, and support needed to build a meaningful career or business, achieve economic independence, and realize her full potential.
Our Values
Our core values are grounded in empathy and guide everything we do.
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Leadership – We empower mothers to lead confidently in their workplaces, businesses, and communities.
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Excellence – We deliver high-quality programs, services, and support that help mothers thrive.
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Impact – We create meaningful opportunities that strengthen families, businesses, and communities for lasting change.
Meet The Founders
Ngozi Eme
Founder
Ngozi is an award-winning transformational leader, coach, and passionate advocate for women's economic empowerment. With over 15 years of experience spanning Wealth Management, Talent Development, and Organizational Change, she has built a career helping organizations and the people within them grow. Ngozi is passionate about creating pathways for women to lead, earn, and thrive. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in helping countless women achieve career breakthroughs, from landing their first roles in a new country to stepping into leadership they once thought was out of reach. Her own journey as a working mother deepened this commitment, giving her firsthand understanding of the unique challenges mothers face in balancing career and family, and fueling her drive to build the support systems she wished she'd had. Through community-building and purpose-driven leadership, Ngozi continues to turn potential into lasting economic impact for the women she works with, and the families and communities behind them.
Udeme Lawrence
Co-founder
Udeme is a Salesforce Business Consultant who has successfully transitioned her career from commercial pilot to a technology training instructor, all while embracing her role as a mother. She holds a master’s degree in Engineering with a specialization in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Throughout her career, she has supported numerous entrepreneurs in achieving success and has a remarkable ability to assist mothers in converting their passions into profitable ventures.
Meet The Board Members
Jennifer Maccarone
Chair
Jennifer Maccarone is an experienced Human Resources executive who is deeply passionate about people, culture, and helping organizations thrive. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she has partnered with executive teams and Boards across some of Canada’s most recognized organizations, including Loblaw Companies Limited and Choice Properties REIT, to shape people strategies that drive performance, engagement, and long-term growth. Known for her collaborative and approachable style, Jennifer brings expertise in talent development, workforce planning, culture building, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a trusted advisor who enjoys connecting the dots between business strategy and people strategy and is particularly energized by building strong leadership teams and inclusive, high-performing cultures. Jennifer also brings valuable governance experience through her work with Boards and executive leadership, offering thoughtful insights on succession planning, organizational effectiveness, and risk management. She is motivated by opportunities to contribute meaningfully, bring a practical lens to complex challenges, and support organizations in making a lasting impact. Outside of her professional work, Jennifer is a proud mom of twin girls, which further fuels her passion for creating environments where people—and families—can truly succeed.
Janey Buzugbe
Vice Chair
Janey Buzugbe is a founder, equity-focused leader, and Board Member at MumsFirst. She is Director of Equity Programs at Kids Help Phone, where she leads national initiatives advancing mental health access for underserved youth. As founder of Immiducation, she supports a global community of 16,000+ immigrant professionals and has helped hundreds secure meaningful employment and grow their income to over $100,000+. A mother herself, Janey brings both lived experience and professional insight to her work. She is passionate about creating equitable pathways for women, families, and underrepresented founders to thrive.
Morin Akinfewa
Board Member
Morin Akinfenwa brings nearly two decades of professional and community-focused experience dedicated to creating meaningful impact in the lives of women, children, and families. Throughout her journey, she has actively supported and collaborated with NGOs focused on helping women reintegrate into society, advancing educational opportunities for children, and guiding teenagers in self-discovery and personal development to become confident, purpose-driven individuals. With a strong foundation in operations, governance, and risk management within the financial services sector, Morin combines strategic expertise with a deep commitment to service. She is passionate about building structures and systems that not only drive efficiency but also create lasting, positive change in communities. Her work is guided by a belief that empowering women and supporting families are key to building stronger, more resilient societies. She is especially committed to initiatives that provide access, support growth, and foster dignity and opportunity for individuals at different stages of life. Morin brings thoughtful leadership, a collaborative mindset, and a strong sense of purpose to every initiative she supports, with a focus on driving sustainable impact and meaningful change.
Raymond Enone
Board Member
Raymond Enone is a seasoned strategic leader with extensive experience across the public and private sectors. His expertise spans strategic partnerships, government relations, intergovernmental affairs, public policy, innovation, entrepreneurship, economic development, international trade and investment, stakeholder engagement, and executive advisory. A dedicated advocate for community empowerment, Raymond leverages his leadership experience to support MumsFirst’s mission of providing critical resources and support to mothers and families. He combines a pragmatic approach to problem-solving with a strong commitment to collaboration and innovation, ensuring the organization’s programs deliver meaningful impact. Raymond holds an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, an MMIE (Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship) from Queen’s University, an MSc in Social Development & Communication from Swansea University, and a BSc in Sociology & Anthropology from the University of Buea. Fluent in English and French, he is passionate about creating inclusive, sustainable programs that strengthen families and communities.
