Who Is Tia Upshaw?

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Tia Upshaw is a self-made entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and respected leader in entrepreneurship, leadership, and women’s economic empowerment. She is the Founder and CEO of Blk Women in Excellence, where she has created real pathways for women to start, grow, and scale successful businesses with the right tools, mentorship, and community support.

A mother of three and a powerful voice in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Tia built her career from the ground up. Her work is rooted in lived experience, practical strategy, and a deep commitment to helping women step fully into leadership and financial independence.

Tia is known for her direct, honest teaching style and her ability to break down complex challenges into clear, actionable steps. Through her programs, coaching, and speaking engagements, she helps entrepreneurs develop the mindset, systems, and strategy needed to build businesses that create both income and impact.

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She is also a self-published author and media personality, recognized for her bi-weekly segment “Tuesdays with Tia” on CTV Morning Live Atlantic, where she highlights diverse entrepreneurs and shares real stories of innovation and resilience across Nova Scotia.

Tia’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized. She is a recipient of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Rocky Jones Award, has been named among the Top 100 Black Women in Canada, and received the Dave Richardson Entrepreneurship Award. She has also been nominated multiple times for RBC Woman of Influence and Business Leader of the Year.

Today, Tia is a sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and mentor who works with universities, organizations, and conferences across Canada. Her work focuses on entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and building generational wealth through business ownership.

Her mission is clear: help ambitious women build powerful businesses, grow their influence, and create lasting economic independence.

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Because for Tia, entrepreneurship isn’t just about business.

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It’s about building an empire and leaving a legacy.