Our Team
Our members are from the Black community in Windsor Essex and/or parents raising Black girls. Through their experience, the membership understands the need to provide continuous positive reinforcement in the lives of Black girls young women, which will foster self-love and strong identity. Our members are descendants of the African Diaspora, serve on several committees, and are actively involved in the work to combat Anti-Black Racism, Anti-Racism, Systemic Racism, Oppression, Gender Inequality, and Social Injustice affecting the lives of Black females, and their families.
Joan Simpson
Co-Founder and Program Coordinator
Joan Simpson is the Founder of Beauty is Me (BiM) and a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work Program. She is a longstanding community worker and activist who continues to lead projects that promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace. Joan is one of the Co-Chair for the Black African Caribbean Canadian (BACC) Committee for children in and out of care of the Windsor Essex Children Aids Society. The proudest area of her life is her family; a devoted wife and mother of two daughters and one son. Through her community work, Joan endeavours to leave an imprint for her daughters and black girls everywhere.
Michael Brown
Co-Founder & Community Engagement Lead
Michael is the Co-Founder of BiM and serves as the youngest Board member of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aide Society. He is the Co-Chair of the WECAS - Black African Caribbean Canadian Committee. He is also the Operations Manager of the Rapha Christian Centre, which includes oversight of The Youth Outreach Services that is a provincially funded initiative under the Network of Services for Black Children, Youth and Families (NSBCYF). While in University, Michael created the Joyful Noise in the Morning radio broadcast heard Sunday mornings on 99.1FM Windsor/Detroit. Finally, Michael is a proud husband, and father to one year old twin girls.
Lacy Carty
Co-Founder & Administrative Specialist
Lacy Carty is a Group Member of BiM, and is a graduate of the Master of Social Work and Juris Doctor Program at the University of Windsor. She has utilized her educational experiences as her catalyst for advocacy. As an activist who continues to challenge Anti-Black Racism, Ms. Carty has been the founder and president of two grassroots student-led social advocacy groups at the University of Windsor: VOICES “Speaking-Out & Standing-Up,” & “Making It Awkward: Challenging Anti-Black Racism Committee.” Through her community involvement, Ms. Carty inspires young innovators and future activists to work together to bring about change within their local community.
Princess Small
Co- Founder & Workshop Facilitator/Educator
Princess started her work at a long-standing women’s organization in Windsor Essex in the Employment Service Department as a Participant Service Specialist. She was later promoted to the position of Job Developer and Industry Placement Specialist where she helps young women from all walks of life to achieve their career goals. She is also a member of the planning committee for the organization, Women Supporting Women, Ca. In addition, Princess also manages the Social Media marketing for Windsor West Indian Association. She is a wife and mother of two beautiful children and believes that they should possess confidence and pride in their Blackness!
Jesse Hector
Educational Technologist and Group Member
Jesse is the web designer and social media manager of BiM and serves as the youngest member of the BiM team. He is well-experienced in the financial sector and also involves his passion for community development, marketing, and branding as the lead designer for JH Artistry. He is deeply involved in ministry at his local church and serves other faith-based organizations intercontinental. He is committed to the advancement of Black youth in the City of Windsor and abroad, while also passionate about positive Black representation in our societies. While Jesse serves his communities in several capacities, he is also a devoted husband and father.
Samantha Hall
Administrative Specialist and Group Member
Coming soon…