For Salee Johnson-Edwards, leadership is about more than just titles; it’s about creating spaces where everyone belongs.

As Associate Director of Recreation and Community Engagement at Brock University, she is dedicated to using sport and recreation as a force for inclusion, connection and change. During Black History Month/African Heritage Month, Johnson-Edwards said that mission feels even more significant.

“I take my role seriously and want to use my voice and experiences to support students,” she said. “Recreation at Brock is more than just competition; it’s a space for community and belonging. From intramurals to lifeguards to robotics enthusiasts involved in camps, every student should feel welcome.”

As a Black woman in a leadership role, Johnson-Edwards acknowledges the challenges of representation in the wider sports and recreation industry.

“Sometimes, I am the only visible minority in the room among decision-makers,” she says. “It can be tough, but it has never stopped me from speaking my mind. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who value my input, but my goal is to ensure that when people see me, they recognize my work ethic and leadership, not just my identity.”

Johnson-Edwards’ career in athletics can be traced to her early days of growing up in her hometown of Brampton, where basketball captured her attention.

That love for the game sparked a lifelong journey into the world of sports and recreation and provided opportunities for Johnson-Edwards to work in different organizations where she has been able to provide meaningful recreational programs for the community.

After earning a scholarship to the University of New Hampshire, where she balanced the rigours of an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete while pursuing a degree in journalism, Johnson-Edwards’ career has included roles as the Co-ordinator of Community Programs for the City of Brampton and head coach at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), where she embraced the power of diversity in sport.

“At UTM, I had the pleasure of leading a diverse group of young women,” she says. “It was important to me that my team reflected the University community, but also that it showcased how sport can bring people together. Nothing is more special than individuals from different walks of life uniting for a common purpose.”

Johnson-Edwards is actively working on initiatives to create more inclusive opportunities to introduce minority students to a career path in the world of recreation at Brock. She is researching best practices at other universities and recreational organizations and engaging in conversations to break down barriers.

“I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I want to learn, listen and help build programs that support not just Black students, but all students,” she says. “I want to create an open space where students and staff feel comfortable talking whether it’s about sports, academics or just life. Even if it’s just stopping by my office for a quick chat or grabbing a candy on the way to class, I want them to feel welcome.”

Black History Month/African Heritage Month is a time to celebrate, acknowledge and uplift Black voices while continuing to push for change, Johnson-Edwards says. It’s also a time where people from all backgrounds can celebrate and learn about the contributions and accomplishments Black people have made to society, she adds.

“Black history is being made every day,” she says. “It’s important to honour the past, but also to recognize the contributions that Black people are making in real time. I hope my journey shows young people, especially young Black women, that they belong, they are valued and they have the power to make an impact.”