Celebrating Visionary Leadership in Nursing: Ovie Onagbeboma

At Lakeridge Health, we’re proud to have nurses that go beyond delivering exceptional care – they pioneer change. Ovie Onagbeboma stands out as one of these transformative leaders, reshaping critical care, championing equity, and motivating future health-care professionals.

In 2024, Ovie was recognized as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, a distinction highlighting her profound influence in nursing, advocacy, and leadership. Her journey at Lakeridge Health reflects a dedication to compassionate guidance, evidence-based practice, and redefining what it means to lead. 

Joining the organization in early 2024 as Patient Care Manager for the Ajax Pickering Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Ovie soon took on additional responsibility for Respiratory Therapy Services, further deepening her passion for interdisciplinary care in high acuity environments. 

At the heart of Ovie's leadership is her unwavering belief that exceptional performance starts with valuing people. “Creating an environment where excellence is nurtured and well-being is prioritized isn’t just a goal for me, it’s the foundation of how I lead,” she explains. “I strive to ensure every team member feels recognized, appreciated, and supported in their role.” 

From supporting families during critical health crises to empowering colleagues to navigate challenges, Ovie finds purpose in these pivotal interactions. She is especially driven to elevate frontline perspectives and design systems that promote both fairness and forward-thinking solutions. 

A career milestone has been her influential work with the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance. Under her leadership, this grassroots initiative evolved into a national movement – mentoring Black and racialized nurses, redefining career pathways, and shaping health-care policies. 

“There’s immense fulfillment in seeing professionals reignite their purpose through connection, recognition, and shared mission,” she says. 

Ovie credits Lakeridge Health’s supportive culture as pivotal to her impact. “Here, we care deeply, not just about outcomes, but about each other,” she notes. 

Serving one of Ontario’s most diverse communities, she emphasizes that inclusive leadership is key to equitable, culturally attuned care. “We’re not just delivering health care – we’re transforming it. Together.” 

We recognize Ovie and the many other exceptional nurses whose advocacy and innovation prove how nursing leadership can reshape lives, systems, and the future of care.