Roda Muse
Roda Muse is the Deputy Minister in the Ontario Ministry of Francophone Affairs. She is also the Sherpa of the Ontario Government at the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). Before joining the Ontario Public Service, Roda Muse was the Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She also served 20+ years in the federal government.
Among other board of directors’ roles for various organizations, Roda was a school board trustee and a vice-chair in the Francophone system in Ottawa from 2017 to 2021. Roda also served as a Board Member at the Montfort Hospital.
Some of her awards and recognitions include:
Recipient of the 2022 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award.
Named one of the 10 most influential Francophones in Canada in 2022.
Recipient of the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques
(The highest award by the France Ministry of Education) in 2025.
Recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
Roda holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in International Management from École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP). She has completed a Master of Education with a concentration in Enseignement du français langue étrangère from Université Paul Valéry- Montpellier in France. She also holds a Bachelor of Literature with a concentration in Modern Languages from Université de Picardie - Amiens in France.
What are the most meaningful aspects of this person's work and life?
Deputy Muse’s life and work center on advancing equity, inclusion, social justice, and public service leadership. She has dedicated over two decades to public service in Canada, holding senior roles focused on promoting the rights and opportunities of linguistic minorities, women, and visible minorities. Her leadership roles include:
- Deputy Minister of Francophone Affairs, Government of Ontario — where she champions the rights and visibility of Franco-Ontarians.
- Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, connecting Canadian expertise with global priorities in education, culture, and human rights.
- Work in federal public service in economic development and official languages.
- Long-standing community involvement as a school board trustee, board member for nonprofit institutions such as Montfort Hospital, and co-founder of the Acacia Foundation to support young visible-minority Francophones.
How has this individual overcome the challenges they face?
Deputy Muse’s journey — from her early life in Djibouti to becoming a senior government leader in Canada — reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers. As an immigrant woman of African heritage navigating leadership in public policy and administration, she has:
- Overcome systemic barriers related to race, gender, and immigrant status to rise within the public service.
- Built trust across diverse communities through sustained engagement in Francophone and multicultural advocacy.
- Successfully transitioned from grassroots community engagement to national and provincial leadership roles, demonstrating adaptability and strength in complex policy environments.
How has this individual empowered you and/or our communities?
- Championing equity & inclusion: Through her work in government and civil society, she has helped amplify the voices of minority communities, especially Francophones and visible minorities.
- Strengthening representation: As a prominent Black Muslimah leader, she provides visibility and inspiration for young women and girls of diverse backgrounds aspiring to leadership in public service.
- Mentoring & community building: Through initiatives like the Acacia Foundation and her community governance roles, she supports education, mentorship, and opportunity building for youth.
- Advocating for systemic change: Her leadership in official languages, cultural affairs, and public service policies embodies a commitment to inclusive societal progress.
Name a Black Muslim woman who has been an inspiration to you and why.
My mother is the Black Muslim woman who inspired me and who still does. Her optimism, the way she has always taken care of people, her good character and patience have had a profound impact on her entourage and on her 11 children. She always sees the good side in everyone. She taught us the importance on investing in people.