[LBD has] given me the skills to be able to sell myself and tell people why I deserve it. And to also believe that I deserve it.
Behind the Curtains
Glowing with contagious enthusiasm, Qimora Bergman has a presence that lights up any room she enters. With a blend of grace and humility, she is never afraid to voice her opinions or speak out against injustices. After witnessing racial inequalities in her school, Qimora saw an opportunity to drive genuine change. In Grade 10, she founded her high school’s first Black Student Association, creating a safe space for Black-identifying students to foster community and belonging. Today, her ambitions have expanded; Qimora is pursuing her passion for the arts, with hopes of one day becoming an acclaimed playwright.
LBD’s Impact
Throughout her time in the Leadership by Design (LBD) program, Qimora explored a variety of interests. Yet, it was within the arts that she found her true calling. After participating in LBD’s SummerUp Program — run in partnership with Soulpepper Theatre Company — Qimora discovered her love for theatre, writing, and the creative arts. The program, she admits, was one she nearly passed up, but it ultimately led her to fall in love with the stage and the power of storytelling.
During the six-week Soulpepper SummerUp Mixtape Program, students engaged in music and playwriting workshops, receiving mentorship from industry professionals. It was through this experience that Qimora realized her passion for the arts could become a rewarding and profitable career. By the fifth week, she recalls, “I knew one-hundred percent that this is what I want to do.” Her dedication and talent were further recognized when she was selected for Soulpepper Theatre’s City Youth Academy — a second six-week intensive designed to train young artists and connect them with experienced Soulpepper mentors. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Qimora says.
Qimora credits the opportunities provided by LBD with preparing her for whatever the future holds. “They’ve given me the skills to be able to sell myself and tell people why I deserve it and also believe that I deserve it,” she explains.
Qimora’s Career Strategy
Having completed her first year at university, Qimora is forging her own path as an aspiring playwright and artist. She is currently studying ethics, society, and law at Victoria College, University of Toronto. While her program is not centred around fine arts, Qimora believes her studies will serve as a crucial asset to her artistic pursuits. She intends her liberal arts studies to be the foundation of her theatre arts ambitions. For her, theatre is about more than storytelling — it’s about telling those stories with accuracy and proper historical context. “I wanted to have my educational background to reflect that,” she says. “I wanted to have the knowledge to make it so that I know what I’m talking about.”
Qimora continues to write music, performance pieces, and short plays. She is energized by Toronto’s vibrant arts scene, collaborating with fellow student artists, including some she met through the SummerUp program. With her passion, commitment, and drive, Qimora Bergman is a name to watch in Canada’s cultural landscape.
Danielle Reid, LLI Intern, December 2023 – May 2024
Bachelor’s degree, Journalism 2020 – 2024, Toronto Metropolitan University
Story updated September 2025
