Norma - The Nurse Who Became a Voice for Youth

Norma’s story did not begin

in a classroom or a clinic.

It began as an abandoned baby,

held by a grandmother who

whispered purpose into her tiny ears.

She grew up poor, but rich in love.

Strict home.

Hard work.

Deep faith.

As a teen, she carried anger,

courage, and a heart big

enough to pack lunches for other kids.

Life pushed hard.

At 19, she became a single mother.

Work was scarce.

Doors were closed.

So she left the Caribbean

and came to Canada with

hope and a dream for a better life.

She worked nights,

finished school,

became a nurse,

and later a leader in

the largest youth jail in Ontario.

But inside those walls,

she saw pain trauma,

neglect, dehumanization of

young Black boys who needed

help, not punishment.

She wrote everything down.

Every story.

Every wound.

Every injustice.

She knew one day she would speak.

And she did.

In retirement, Norma built

Youth Empowerments Services 

a grassroots mission to educate

Black families about the youth justice system.

She teaches teens their rights.

She teaches parents their power.

She mentors hundreds, sometimes thousands.

Her workshops heal.

Her books teach.

Her voice protects.

She has spoken across Canada

and the world still guided by her

grandmother’s words:

“You were born for a purpose.”

Norma believes every young

person deserves a fair chance,

a safe path, and a strong future.

And she fights for that future every single day.

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