This former news anchor is helping young people meet their full potential

While nominations are open for 2024 Black Changemakers, CBC Quebec is catching up with laureates from the last three years. Submit your nomination for a 2024 Black Changemaker here.

Elysia Bryan-Baynes, a retired Global News anchor, leverages her experience and influence to champion civic engagement and inclusive journalism.

Since being named a CBC Quebec Black Changemaker in 2022, she's become the director of the Bishop's Forum, a civic leadership retreat for English-speaking Quebec youth in Sherbrooke, Que.

Bryan-Baynes describes it as a platform where voices are heard, visions are shared and collective aspirations for Quebec's future are cultivated.

"I've been busy seeing what the young people in Quebec have to say about their future and their future here in Quebec," she said. 

Breakaway10:35Elysia Bryan Baynes, on journalism and mentorship for young Black reporters

Elysia Bryan Baynes is a former Global News Anchor and was nominated as part of CBC Quebec's 2022 Black Changemakers series. She stopped by to speak with Alison about her new projects, including being the director of the Bishops' Forum.

She's also continuing to train fellow media workers, including teaching an anti-racism course for Corus Entertainment, and serving on the board of the Fraser-Hickson Institute, a non-profit private library in in Côte-des-Neiges. 

Acting as a mentor to aspiring and early career journalists is something she says is "a great pleasure and a joy."

Bryan-Baynes says a lot has changed in the journalism world since she retired, but the core and basis of the profession stayed the same. She emphasizes the enduring importance of journalistic integrity and empathy, and advocates for inclusive storytelling, ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but amplified. 

"It's incredibly important to give voice to people whose voices may not be heard, and that hasn't changed," she said.

Do you know a changemaker? Nominations are open for 2024 CBC Black Changemakers.

We invite you to nominate your colleagues, friends and family in Quebec — anyone who is making a difference. Self-nominations are welcome as well.

CBC Quebec is accepting nominations until March 8 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Fill out the form here.