Remembering Juliette Powell: Media Icon, Tech Thinker & Canadian Pioneer
Juliette Powell (June 22, 1970 – June 3, 2025) wasn’t just a TV host or beauty queen—she was a media pioneer, a force of change. From the stages of international pageants to the halls of Columbia University and NYU, she left a legacy in media, tech ethics, and public thought.
First Black Miss Canada & the Beginning of a Bold Journey
In 1989, Juliette Powell became the first Black Miss Canada, breaking long-standing racial barriers in the pageant world. She used her platform to speak against bias and misrepresentation in mainstream media.
Shortly after, she represented Canada at Miss Universe and began her university education at McGill University in Montreal.
From MusiquePlus to MuchMusic
Juliette’s television career began in 1992, when she joined MusiquePlus, Quebec’s French-language music TV channel, hosting the dance show Bouge de là!.
In 1996, she made a major move to Toronto and joined MuchMusic, Canada’s legendary music channel. She quickly became a household name through shows like Electric Circus and French Kiss, while pursuing economics at the University of Toronto.
In 1999, she switched gears and joined CP24 as a business reporter, covering economic news with clarity and charisma.
From TV Star to Tech Ethicist
Juliette didn’t stop at television. She became a thought leader in digital responsibility and ethical AI:
- Founded Powell International Entertainment Inc. (later Kleiner Powell International) to create high-impact content with global changemakers like Nelson Mandela, Richard Branson, and Steven Spielberg.
- Contributed to the 2001 UN World Conference Against Racism, leading media discussions.
- Earned a summa cum laude degree in Sociology from Columbia University.
- Became a professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, teaching tech innovation and ethics.
Learn how tech is shaping our lives today in our Tech & Trends hub.
Her Groundbreaking Books
Juliette Powell was also a bestselling author:
- 33 Million People in the Room (2009): A deep dive into how social media transforms business.
- The AI Dilemma (2023): A timely guide to building ethical AI, co-authored with Art Kleiner.
These books are now being used in universities and tech boardrooms around the world.
A Sudden Goodbye, But a Lasting Voice
Juliette Powell passed away on June 3, 2025, due to complications from acute bacterial meningitis, at the age of 54.
Her death shocked fans, colleagues, and academics. Online tributes highlighted her charm, intellect, and her ongoing influence in empowering women and underrepresented voices.
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Why Her Story Matters on EveryAna
Juliette Powell’s life teaches us three important things:
- Representation opens doors and breaks stereotypes.
- Education + Media can create lasting social impact.
- Ethical tech matters now more than ever—for businesses, governments, and all of us.
For more stories like this, check out www.everyana.com, your home for real people, real stories, and real change.
