Jocelyne Constant
Community Pillars
For more than four decades, Jocelyne Constant has dedicated her life to strengthening Ottawa’s Francophone, Black, and immigrant communities through advocacy, mentorship, and public service. A former public servant and retired settlement professional, she has become a respected and influential voice in supporting the successful integration of French-speaking newcomers and immigrant families throughout the Ottawa region.
Widely admired for her civic leadership, particularly within Ottawa’s Haitian and Francophone communities, Jocelyne has consistently championed equity, inclusion, and representation for marginalized voices. Her work has focused not only on helping individuals navigate complex systems, but also on creating lasting opportunities for families, youth, and vulnerable populations to thrive within Canadian society.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Jocelyne also served for many years as a full-time foster parent, opening her home and heart to children in need of care and stability. Her commitment to child welfare extended beyond her personal role as a foster mother. She served as both President and Francophone Vice-President of the Ottawa Foster Parents Association, where she advocated for greater awareness, support, and culturally sensitive services for foster families across the region.
Deeply committed to education and family empowerment, Jocelyne worked as a co-trainer and facilitator in parental conflict resolution, helping families better understand the child welfare system and promoting healthier communication and stronger family relationships. Her compassionate and practical approach has helped countless parents and caregivers navigate difficult circumstances with dignity and confidence.
Throughout her career, Jocelyne has also played an active leadership role on numerous boards and community organizations dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and social development. She served on the Boards of Governors of La Cité, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, and the Multicultural Women Empowerment Network, contributing her expertise and insight to initiatives that promote cultural understanding, community engagement, and equitable opportunities.
Her longstanding commitment to public safety and youth advocacy is equally notable. Jocelyne served as a Champion with the Outreach Recruitment Initiative for the Ottawa Police Service, an Ambassador for the Beyond Bridges Initiative with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Advocacy Chair for the Youth Advisory Committee, where she worked to strengthen relationships between institutions and diverse communities.
Jocelyne Constant’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous recognitions, including a nomination for the YMCA Women of Distinction Awards. She is also a recipient of the DreamKEEPERS Citation for Community Leadership, the Resolutions 2023 “Champions of the Francophonie for the Eradication of Racism” recognition, and the Flo’s Seniors Community Honouring Award in 2025.
Through decades of compassionate leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy, Jocelyne Constant has helped build a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable Ottawa community. Her lifelong commitment to service continues to inspire future generations and leaves a lasting legacy of empowerment, dignity, and social change.
