We dedicate our April Newsletter to Prof. Juliet Daniel with love and sorrow, and in recognition of her irreversible impact on STEM research communities. When I first met Juliet, I was inspired by how fiercely proud she was of her identity as – at that time – the only Black woman professor in the Faculty of Science at McMaster. Over an extraordinary career, she modelled how excellence in science must encompass rigorous research in laboratories, sustained mentorship of students, commitment to equity and Black excellence, and extensive engagement with communities. She was unflinching in the face of professional and personal setbacks, and joyful in celebrating the victories of others as well as her own. With wit, abundant laughter and armed with data and evidence, Juliet challenged, coaxed and drew us together to think about and work towards fairer, accessible systems of education and research. In these ways, she has gifted us a perpetual legacy, which will be carried forward by generations of colleagues, students and community members.