From Caribbean Roots To Canadian Leadership with Dr Rhonda McEwen - BasiaTVPodcast

It started in the Caribbean and is a story of leaving her home in the twin isles of Trinidad and Tobago, building identity in a new country, and refusing to shrink in rooms where she was never expected to lead. In this episode, Basia sits down with Dr. Rhonda McEwen, a woman who embodies excellence, resilience, and representation at the highest level, and who is one of the very few Black women — besides being one of the very few women of color—to serve as a university president in all of North America. She is a trailblazer in STEM, a champion of equity, and a storyteller who helped shape Julia, Sesame Street’s first autistic Muppet. But what makes her story hit even deeper? She’s built this legacy while navigating the beautiful, real-world responsibilities of motherhood to two children, including a child on the autism spectrum—showing us what holistic leadership truly looks like. We’re talking: 🎓 Leadership + legacy 🌍 Cultural pride + immigrant identity 🧠 Neurodiversity + integrating special needs into institutions 🔥 Breaking barriers in academia—without losing yourself If you’re a woman of color, Caribbean, immigrant, a parent in the neurodiverse community, or you simply believe inclusive leadership matters—this conversation is for you. Executive Producer ~ Basia Powell Producers- Delicia Winnall & Alicia Bazen AI Design Specialist ~ RJ Powell