Several ViMLoC members participated in the inaugural CARL’s Flourish BPOC Academic Library Leadership Program 2025-2026, co-facilitated by Dr. Maha Kumaran (founder of both ViMLoC and Flourish) and Dr. Betty Mutwiri (founder of BM Leadership Coaching & Consulting). This was the first leadership program created for mid-career, racialized academic librarians in Canada. The first cohort consisted of 14 racialized academic librarians, with 8 participants who are also ViMLoC members.  

The program began at the University of Toronto for a 2-day in-person meeting in November 2025 and ended in May 2026 at St. John’s Newfoundland. During the 7-month period, participants gained knowledge and skills to deepen their understanding of leadership by exploring their individual strengths, biases, and leadership styles. The cohort also developed practicals skills such as emotional intelligence, conflict management, and change leadership while also gaining a better understanding of Canadian institutional and library systems with guest speakers. For something just as valuable, the program provided an opportunity to build meaningful connections and create a supportive network for BPOC librarians across Canada.  

The success of this program demonstrates the importance of investing in leadership development opportunities that support racialized academic librarian across Canada.