Tia Upshaw – It Is Tia Upshaw & BWIE (company name)
Tia Upshaw is a dynamic leader, accomplished award winning serial entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for empowering women and marginalized communities. As the Founder and CEO of Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE), Tia has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs and underserved communities across Canada.
Tia’s journey from adversity to achievement has been one of resilience, grit, and determination. From being a teenage mother and facing immense personal challenges to building multiple successful businesses, she has defied societal expectations and emerged as a beacon of empowerment. Tia’s nonprofit, BWIE, has provided critical resources, mentorship, and training to hundreds of women, fostering economic empowerment and building bridges between communities.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shines in her ability to inspire and lead, as evidenced by her role as a Professional in Residence at the L. Arthur Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University. She also facilitates the NSCC Entrepreneurship in the Making Program for Blacks and African Nova Scotians, which she co-created to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the challenges of launching and scaling businesses.
A sought-after speaker, author of 4 books, and host of the global podcast The Identity Shift, Tia uses her platform to spark dialogue and create actionable change. Her bi-weekly segment on CTV’s Tuesdays with Tia highlights diverse businesses, organizations, and artists, showcasing the vibrancy and innovation within her community.
Awards and Recognition
Tia has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and contributions with numerous accolades, including:
- NS Human Rights Burnley “Rocky” Jones Award
- Canada’s Top 100 Black Women (2023)
- Dave Richardson Entrepreneurship Champion Award from RISE
- CBC Black Changemaker (2024)
- HRM Volunteer of the Year (2024)
- Tribe Network Community Partner of the Year
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Advocacy Award (2024)