A vibrant trailblazer across Montreal and Toronto, Juliette Powell broke barriers as the first Black Miss Canada, a bilingual VJ on MusiquePlus’s Bouge de là! and MuchMusic’s Electric Circus. Later in life, she emerged as a leading voice in AI ethics, serving as an academic, consultant, and author.
Canada has lost one of its brightest stars with the passing of Juliette Powell—a groundbreaking broadcaster, author, and AI-ethics scholar who left an indelible mark on media, technology, and the lives of countless young Black Canadians who saw themselves reflected in her work. Born in Manhattan on June 22, 1970, but raised in Montreal, Powell became a cultural bridge between English and French Canada, a visionary in tech ethics, and an inspiration to a generation.
She died of acute bacterial meningitis on June 3, 2025, at the age of 54.
A pioneer in Canadian music television
Juliette Powell first captured the nation’s attention as a bilingual VJ on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, where her charisma, intelligence, and effortless fluency in both languages made her a standout personality. She co-hosted Electric Circus, Canada’s iconic dance-music show, and Bouge de là!, bringing energy and authenticity to the screen.
Fans and colleagues remember her as a trailblazer. "Juliette was the reason I believed a Black woman could thrive in Canadian media," wrote one fan on social media. Another longtime viewer of Electric Circus shared, "She made me feel seen—watching her on TV was like seeing a future I could actually reach."
Former colleagues at CHUM and MuchMusic have shared heartfelt tributes on her Online Tribute page. One co-worker recalled, "Juliette wasn’t just a VJ—she was a mentor. She carried herself with such grace and intelligence, and she made sure younger talent felt supported." Another colleague noted, "She had this rare ability to connect with audiences in both French and English, making her a true icon of Canadian pop culture."
From media to AI ethics: A scholar and author
After her television career, Powell evolved into a leading voice on technology and ethics. She earned a degree from Columbia University and authored two influential books:
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33 Million People in the Room (2009), which explored the power of social media
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The AI Dilemma (2023), a critical examination of artificial intelligence ethics
As a faculty member at New York University, she educated future leaders on the societal impacts of technology, always advocating for equity and accountability in innovation.
A transcultural legacy
Juliette Powell’s impact extended beyond borders. Her dear friend Claude Grunitzky, founder of Equity Alliance, shared an emotional tribute:
"I still can’t believe I’m writing this. I’m too young to be writing obituaries about my friends—especially brilliant, vibrant friends like you—gone far too soon... Juliette made time for her friends. Always. She showed up—with curiosity, generosity, and love."
Grunitzky highlighted her "transcultural" identity—Multiracial, Canadian and American, French and English speaking—a reflection of her ability to connect people across divides.
A lasting inspiration
Juliette Powell’s legacy lives on in the young Black Canadians who grew up watching her on TV, the students she mentored in tech ethics, and the friends who cherished her brilliance and warmth. She was a rare force—equally at home interviewing Janet Jackson or dissecting AI’s moral challenges—and her absence leaves a void in multiple worlds.
As Canada mourns, we also celebrate a life that lit the way—on screen, in academia, and beyond.
Rest in power, Juliette.
