Venesse Lewis

2026 Emergency Paramedic Services Honouree

Venesse Lewis was once a little girl who knew she wanted to make a big difference in the world.  Her 2026 Portraits of Giving picture was captured inside of the York Region Paramedic Services building where she serves as an incredibly passionate and dedicated Senior Policy Analyst, who’s worked very hard to advance several diversity and inclusion initiatives.  In her hands, she’s holding a copy of the award-winning children’s book she authored, published in 2025 called, “Niya’s First Swim”, which is part of Niya’s Coily World – an education platform, founded in 2024, where every parent and child can find a wealth of resources, offerings and empowering ways to embrace cultural pride, self-love and hair confidence.

In less than two years, Venesse has personally connected with more than 400 children through her author visits at schools and libraries.  Her workshops, which are held and hosted through libraries, community centres, classrooms and camps have made it possible for anyone to learn and share how to embrace natural hair and foster a more positive and accepting sense of self.

Recognizing the importance and the impact of her work, Venesse has been featured on CTV three times, she is now partnered with major hair care brands, she secured a retail partnership with Winners and has been asked to speak at important engagements for organizations like Loblaws, Weird Foulds LLP and the Black Business and Professional Association.  She’s also been featured in the Toronto Guardian, ELLE Canada, HOLR Magazine and Billboard Canada and received the 2026 Bold Future Award, from the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards, which was hosted in Toronto.

When asked about the legacy she has created, Venesse’s response was swift and direct, “I hope that this generation and the next generation grows up with a stronger sense of confidence, pride and understanding of who they are.”  She also added, “If Niya’s Coily World can help normalize hair diversity, build self-esteem and self-acceptance early and shift conversations in homes and across communities, then that’s the legacy I care about.”

What sets Venesse apart is her unwavering commitment to community impact - much of which is done voluntarily. She is driven not by recognition, but by the long-term, generational value of her work. By equipping children and families with knowledge, affirming language, and confidence, she is helping to shift narratives around identity and representation in meaningful and lasting ways.

For more information on Venesse and Niya’s Coily World, please visit:  https://niyascoilyworld.ca/

Story Credit:

Meave Mastracci is the Owner of Ascend Services and a community-focused writer with over 25 years of experience helping local businesses grow. She specializes in community engagement, community give-back initiatives, and improving online presence through social media marketing, website design, Google verification and management, and the development of printed promotional materials. Her work—both in writing and business—champions good people, good businesses, and good organizations.  Contact: mmastracci@ascendalliance.ca