Learn how queer entrepreneur Donna Mathieson, founder and CEO of Raven Ozhigaa, is building quality solutions to fix Canada’s housing crisis—and how the CQCC’s OUT For Business mentorship program is supporting her and other Canadian entrepreneurs to scale up and make an impact.
THE BACK STORY
Growing up in Winnipeg, Donna Mathieson witnessed the severity of Canada’s Indigenous housing crisis firsthand.
She wanted to help. As a member of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly Pine Creek) First Nation, she felt called to the work.
For twenty years she was a tradesperson in the residential construction industry, building homes primarily for Indigenous communities. But for Donna, the homes she was building just weren’t up to par.
“I was embarrassed by the housing we were delivering to these communities,” she told CQCC.
Donna knew it could be done better. Much better. And Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission inspired her to take action.
And so, she walked away from her job and started Raven Ozhigaa Development (ROD), a First Nations-led non-profit housing corporation.
THE CHALLENGE
As a 100% First Nations and woman-led residential construction organization, ROD aims to eradicate substandard living conditions by offering high-quality, low-maintenance, Ready-to-Move (RTM) modular homes designed to endure Canada’s unpredictable and rapidly evolving climate.
The company’s primary focus is on developing highly durable, energy-efficient homes for un- and under-housed Indigenous individuals and families living on- and off-reserve.
Donna had skill and passion. But there were barriers to achieving her goals with ROD.
Startups are tough in the first place. And being Indigenous put Donna on the outside of the established building industry. Being Two-Spirited put her even further on the outside, especially with negative DEI conversations creeping into Canada from the United States.
THE SOLUTION
Donna started looking for mentorship. She wanted to expand her knowledge, her experience, and her network.
She tried a couple of different programs as she fought to grow her enterprise. In search of a different perspective, Donna found the CQCC’s OUT For Business Mentorship Program.
She was paired with Gregg Brown, a strategist, author, public speaker, and the founder of Change Ready Leadership Solutions. Gregg had become an OUT For Business mentor because he wanted to support entrepreneurs who face barriers to inclusion.
As it turns out, it was a perfect match.
THE DIFFERENCE
Donna and Gregg formed a strong bond, and their working relationship evolved.
Early in their partnership, Donna recalls being asked to speak at the National Indigenous Coalition for Housing Conference. She still had yet to build a house with Raven Ozhigaa, and she’d never spoken in front of more than 15 people at once. Now she had an opportunity to sit on a panel with Canadian Indigenous actor, singer and activist Tom Jackson in front of hundreds of community members
Donna practiced her speech with Gregg, gauging his reaction and taking his feedback to heart. The result? She knocked the presentation out of the park.
With Gregg’s support, Donna has now grown Raven Ozhigaa into a federally incorporated not-for-profit construction company. Gregg helped her get multi-million dollar companies on board pro-bono, and they’re not stopping there.
Originally, Raven Ozhigaa was geared specifically towards Indigenous communities, but Donna has recognized the broader need for housing in Canada, including transitional housing for unhoused Canadians. Now, she’s working towards building housing solutions for all types of Canadian housing communities.
Recently, Manitoba’s Lieutenant Governor asked Donna to help advocate for housing at the provincial level, and she met with Winnipeg mayor Scott Gillingham. The wins keep coming!
THE OPPORTUNITY
So what makes the CQCC OUT For Business program so special? It’s specifically tailored for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs who are looking for support to scale up their queer-owned business. And the support is highly personalized.
Gregg has supported Donna in all sorts of ways, but Donna stresses the power of having someone in her court. Whether it’s talking through business ideas over coffee or making introductions to potential business partners, Gregg’s mentorship helped Donna take the spark that was shining inside her and deliver it to the world.
Gregg speaks enthusiastically about his opportunity to work with Donna and help her grow her community: “Donna has partnered well with people who don’t necessarily think the same. When we work with people who aren’t like us, that’s where the magic happens.”
Donna and Gregg’s relationship has evolved outside of the program, and they have become life long friends. Gregg says: “I will support Donna until the day that I die.”
The relationships that evolve from the OUT For Business program are nothing short of amazing. Participants become part of the larger CQCC community and are welcomed into a network of care, support, and opportunity. That’s what makes the OUT For Business mentorship programs so special in Canada’s business ecosystem.
THE TAKEAWAY
The CQCC OUT For Business mentorship program helps elevate 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs by providing:
- Access to a personal sounding board
- Access to CQCC’s network and business development sessions
- Opportunities to test ideas and strategies on a person with experience
- Opportunities to practice communication and relationship skills
- Access to suggestions based on experience
- Membership in a community of current and alumni OUT For Business mentees and access to mentee-only meet-ups
- Access to CQCC events
- Upon completing the program, mentees are invited to pursue certification as diverse suppliers.
Want to know more about how the CQCC helps queer entrepreneurs scale up their businesses? Read more about our OUT For Business Mentorship Program.
“Even building one house makes a difference.”
— Donna Mathieson, Founder & CEO, Raven Ozhigaa
