Yvonne Sam

A retired head nurse, former secondary school teacher and dedicated community advocate, Yvonne Sam has devoted her life to serving others with unwavering commitment and passion.

With over 30 years of journalism experience at local community newspaper Montreal Community Contact, she has provided insightful commentary on political, social, educational and justice issues affecting marginalized, disenfranchised and victimized members of her community. Her articles have also appeared in the Montreal Gazette, Toronto Star and Huffington Post. Her work has consistently prioritized the needs of the community, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Collaborating with universities to reform curricula and promote diversity, she has been a catalyst for positive change. Author of three influential books, her latest, Behind the Scenes in Nursing, achieved Amazon best seller status for three consecutive weeks.

Aiming to increase diversity in the police force, Sam has worked with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal to implement an Adopt-a-Cop program set to launch in September 2025. The program would match English-speaking black youths interested in joining the force with a police officer for mentorship from grades 10 through CEGEP.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the Governor General of Canada Caring Canadian Citizen Award in 2014 and was named a Black History Month Laureate in 2014, and was named on the 2024 list of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.

She received the Concordia University Alumni Association's Benoît Pelland Alumna of the Year Award in 2025.