Lebené Numekevor: Leaving a Legacy of Leadership

Lebené Numekevor, Director of Medical Affairs, is a Certified Health Executive (CHE) with a Masters of Health Administration from Dalhousie University and brings over a decade of experience driving large-scale change across the public, hospital, and private sectors. Since joining Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) in 2021 she has focused on recruiting, retaining, and engaging professional staff, and was the first recipient of BCHS’s CARE Champion for Inclusion award.

Lebené’s life and career are grounded in a simple yet powerful principle: creating a lasting, positive impact. Her theme song, “I Was Here” by Beyoncé, beautifully encapsulates this belief. The song's message—about leaving behind a meaningful legacy—resonates deeply with her. Her desire to uplift and champion others lies at the core of her leadership style and her unwavering commitment to advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B).

The Importance of Belonging

Lebené’s journey into advocating for inclusion is deeply rooted in her upbringing. As a first-generation Canadian with a Jamaican mother and a Ghanaian father, she was introduced to the richness of both cultures from an early age. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she learned that Black identity is not singular but instead diverse, layered, and filled with unique traditions and values.

“I’ve always felt proud of my Jamaican and Ghanaian heritage,” Lebené reflects. “I love being able to create a fusion of these two cultures—like being able to enjoy jollof rice with jerk chicken. I enjoy sharing this with others and see them embrace the diversity with curiosity and appreciation.”

This cultural pride has been fundamental to her advocacy for belonging, both inside and outside the workplace.

“Belonging means having the space to be my authentic self, to express my culture through things I love—like food, music, or simply sharing my personal experiences. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and encouraged to be themselves.”

For Lebené, belonging isn’t just about acceptance—it’s about making people feel valued, supported, and appreciated.

Advocating for Inclusion and Mentorship

As a Black woman in the workplace, Lebené understands that inclusion isn’t always an easy goal to achieve. “I’ve often been the only Black person—or one of the few—in a room,” she shares candidly. “And that lack of representation in leadership positions has always motivated me to advocate for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organization.”

Lebené’s commitment to advocating for inclusion has become an integral part of her professional identity. Her rise to leadership wasn’t just about advancing her own career – it was about creating opportunities for others who might be facing challenges to those that she faced.

 “I know what it’s like to struggle to get a well-deserved promotion or leadership opportunity and it’s one of the reasons that I’m committed to ensuring that others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, have access to opportunities.”

Someone who has played a key role in advocating for her is Dr. Anirudh (Rudy) Goel, Chief of Staff and Vice President Medical and Academic Affairs and Lebené’s current leader. “Champions who open doors are crucial,” she notes. “I’m deeply grateful for Rudy’s belief in me. His support and advocacy have played an integral role in my leadership progress.”

Lebené’s commitment to inclusion has been demonstrated by leading Black History Month initiatives at BCHS since 2022 and she was recently appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Black Employee Resource Group at her organization. Through this work, she underscores her belief that “inclusion is more than just inviting diverse people into the workplace. It’s about ensuring they feel heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.”

Making a Lasting Impact

She champions the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making, arguing that inclusive environments lead to better outcomes.

“Diverse teams are more reflective of the communities they serve thus are better able to provide and advocate for more culturally appropriate care. When organizations prioritize inclusion, it not only leads to better decisions but also creates pathways for diverse talent.”

For Lebené, creating lasting change requires more than just inclusion—it requires genuine empowerment. “It’s about ensuring that diverse individuals are not just brought into organizations, but that they feel seen, valued, and empowered. Offering culturally appropriate care and fostering an inclusive workplace is something that should be embedded in the values of an organization.”

Lebené’s story demonstrates that true impact comes when we make space for others to thrive. In the words of her theme song, she is leaving her mark—ensuring that others are recognized and feel seen, heard, and empowered to do the same.

Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken

6 servings | 10 hours prep time | 40 minute cook time Click here for Lebené's recipe.

This feature is part of the “I Belong” campaign, where BCHS employees, staff, and volunteers are given the opportunity to share their personal stories, strengthening a culture of belonging that empowers each individual and deepens our collective mission to provide exceptional care. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered BCHS.