As 2025 winds down, Giving Tuesday offers a moment to pause and look at what changes when Black youth have access, opportunity, and real support.
Many of you first connected with us as DYLOTT. This October, we stepped into a new chapter as the Organization for Economic Development and Diplomacy (OEDD) — reopening our Windsor office and launching the Diplomatic Horizons Mock Embassy and Consulate, a space designed to put diplomacy in the hands of emerging Black leaders.
At OEDD, our work is simple:
Empower underrepresented voices to lead locally, nationally, and on the world stage.
What 2025 Looked Like
This year, our core programs grew in size, depth, and impact.
Black Diplomats Academy
Training, mentorship, and global exposure for young leaders pursuing diplomacy, governance, and international policy.
Lead Like A Girl
A leadership pathway for Black girls and women to grow confidence, skills, and visibility across public life.
Diplomatic Horizons Simulations
Immersive exercises in negotiation, cross-cultural communication, and global problem-solving.
Digital Innovations Program
A new pathway preparing youth for cybersecurity, digital literacy, and tech careers in a rapidly evolving global sector.
Our Reach in 2025
Supported 200+ Black youth and young professionals, ages 6 to 35, across Canada and internationally
85% of responding graduates secured new opportunities within 12 months — internships, jobs, scholarships, advisory roles
From Windsor to Westmoreland: Stepping Up in Crisis
In November, the Diplomatic Horizons Mock Embassy led OEDD’s second mission to Jamaica. Alongside Windsor–Essex partners and the Jamaican Consulate in Toronto, we delivered urgently needed supplies to hospitals and households in Westmoreland following Hurricane Melissa, while amplifying the leadership already active in the community.
The thread across all our work is clear:
When Black youth have space to learn, connect, and lead, solutions spread far beyond a single program or trip.
Our role is to build the infrastructure and remove barriers so they can continue leading.
How You Can Stand With Us in 2026
Next year, we aim to:
Grow the Black Diplomats Academy and Diplomatic Horizons to serve even more youth and young professionals
Strengthen Lead Like A Girl and gender-focused pathways
Expand partnerships across Windsor–Essex, Canada, and the diaspora
Respond in solidarity when crises impact Black communities globally
To do this, we need support for the unglamorous but essential work — program delivery, youth supports, staff capacity, and the ongoing operation of the Diplomatic Horizons Mock Embassy and Consulate.
1. Make a financial contribution
Your gift — whether $5 or $100 — helps fund programs, supports youth, and sustains our operations.
2. Open doors
Invite OEDD into your workplace, campus, or network.
Host a panel, a simulation, or explore internship pathways for our graduates.
👉 Start a conversation about partnership
3. Share this work
Forward this message to someone who would care.
Share our posts on LinkedIn or Instagram so more youth can access life-changing opportunities.
Thank You
If this work resonates, we invite you to give, partner, or connect a young person to our programs.
On behalf of our team and the youth we serve, thank you for believing in what becomes possible when Black communities have the tools, networks, and support to thrive.
With gratitude,
Candies Kotchapaw
Head of Mission, OEDD
Organization for Economic Development and Diplomacy
A Note on Giving
OEDD is not yet a registered charity. To ensure contributions are managed responsibly, all donations are processed through the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, with whom we have a formal Memorandum of Understanding. Eligible gifts receive a charitable tax receipt from the Foundation and are directed fully to OEDD programs that advance leadership, diplomacy, and economic opportunity for Black youth.