Who We Are
Regroupement des Affaires Femmes (RAF²) is an intergenerational leadership ecosystem for Black Francophone Girls and Women, and all those who identify as such, across Canada.
We exist at the intersection of:
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Black identity in Canada
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Francophone culture and leadership
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Gender equity
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Intergenerational power-building
Rooted in a model of circular equity, RAF² connects generations to share knowledge, build leadership, and create lasting impact—serving as a national platform for mentorship, visibility, and collective power.
RAF² Timeline
For nearly two decades, RAF² (formerly Regroupement des Affaires Femmes) has built a legacy of leadership, recognition and community across Canada.
2006
Founding
Regroupement des Affaires Femmes (RAF) is founded in Ottawa by nurse Violène Gabriel and five other committed women from the National Capital Region.
The organization launches its first activity: a community health forum.
2007
Launch of the RAF Gala
The organization hosts its first RAF Gala in a restaurant in Ottawa to celebrate excellence and recognize the achievements of Black Francophone women.
The event is an immediate success.
2010
International Engagement and Solidarity
Following the earthquake in Haiti, founder Violène Gabriel, a survivor of the disaster, mobilizes the community and leads an exceptional fundraising effort (financial and material) during the RAF Gala upon her return.
2013
First Intergenerational Fashion Show
RAF hosts its first intergenerational fashion show, bringing together grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters on the runway to celebrate legacy, pride, and the beauty of Black Francophone women across generations. The event becomes a defining moment in the organization’s cultural programming.
2017
Transition and National Expansion
RAF begins its transition from a local organization to a national one and expands Gala nominations across the country. Sabine Daniel, eldest daughter of Violène Gabriel, becomes Chair of the Board, ensuring leadership continuity.
2019
Organization of the Year – Bernard-Grandmaître Award
RAF receives the Bernard-Grandmaître Award – Organization of the Year, an important recognition highlighting its impact within the Francophone community and its commitment to leadership, culture, and the advancement of Black Francophone women.
2020
That same year, she launches RAF Talks, a mentorship initiative for high school girls, in collaboration with past RAF award recipients. The program creates a safe space for dialogue and knowledge-sharing.
RAF also hosts its first virtual Gala in response to the pandemic.
RAF Talks expands to over 17 public and immersion schools.
Source: https://onfr.tfo.org/catia-cemeus-le-sens-des-affaires-et-de-la-communaute/
2020
Structuring and Entrepreneurial Shift
A dedicated volunteer since 2017 and actively involved in the 2018 and 2019 Galas, Catia Cémeus becomes the 3ʳᵈ Chair of the Board. She helps structure the organization and introduces an entrepreneurial component by developing national partnerships.
2024
15th Gala and New Governance
RAF celebrates the 15ᵗʰ edition of its Gala, marking a major milestone in its impact.
Following the event, Véronique Semexant becomes the 4ᵗʰ Chair of the Board.
2026
National Program Expansion
Sabine Daniel returns as Executive Director of RAF.
Under the name RAF², marking nearly 20 years of impact, the organization expands and strengthens its mandate. It positions itself as an intergenerational leadership ecosystem for Black Francophone girls and women — including all who identify as women — across Canada.
Today
A Growing Movement
Regroupement des Affaires Femmes (RAF²) is an intergenerational leadership ecosystem for Black Francophone girls and women — and all those who identify as such — across Canada. We operate at the intersection of Black identity in Canada, Francophone culture and leadership, gender equality, and intergenerational empowerment.
Rooted in a model of circular equity, RAF² connects generations to foster knowledge-sharing, leadership development, and the creation of lasting impact. The organization serves as a national platform for mentorship, visibility, and collective power.
