2025 AC Awards | YYC Awardees
- Ismael Diallo — Community Leader of the Year Award
- Christelle Josianne Ndelela Mukenge — AJFAS Junior Achievement Award
- Folake Pepple — BCW Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Ime “Dixon” Usen — Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- The Oladele Foundation — Forward-Moving Organization Award
- Celestine Tshulu — Unsung Hero Award
- Lucy Diale Mewanu — Professional of the Year Award
- Ashford Daniel Baker — Artist of the Year Award
2025 Nominees
Community Leader of the Year Award
- Ismael Diallo, Calgary
Ismael Diallo is a dedicated leader, devoted husband, and proud father of two, who has been at the helm of the Guinean Association of Calgary since 2023. An avid traveler with a passion for exploring the world, Ismael has journeyed through 22 countries—and his wanderlust is far from satisfied.
With over a decade of experience in the finance sector, including a career as an investment advisor, he now brings his analytical expertise to the Bank of Canada. But beyond numbers and charts, Ismael’s true passion lies in building bridges—connecting people and communities.
Known for his inclusive and visionary leadership, Ismael champions the values of unity, respect, and collaboration. Under his guidance, the Guinean Association has blossomed into a vibrant hub that strengthens ties among Calgary’s francophone, anglophone, and multicultural communities. He is especially committed to engaging families, youth, and newcomers, creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and empowered.
Ismael’s influence stretches well beyond his own community. As a frequent representative of Guinea at francophone and multicultural events, he plays a vital role in promoting diversity and fostering social cohesion across Calgary. His remarkable leadership earned the Guinean Association the prestigious Community Association of the Year award at the 2023 Pont Cultural Bridge Awards in Edmonton—a testament to the lasting impact of his work.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Ime “Dixon” Usen, Calgary
Ime “Dixon” Usen is known as both a quiet innovator and a visionary leader. Trained as an Electronic Engineer, he graduated with first-class honours and even built a full working alarm system in machine language during his final year of university. But it was in business development that he discovered his true calling—not just to build systems, but to build people.
That passion gave birth to Equity Security, one of Canada’s most remarkable Black-owned security companies. Through determination and excellence, Dixon led the company to historic milestones, including:
• Becoming the first Black-owned firm to win Alberta’s Wildfire Protection Contract
• Earning a Gold Partner Award from Alarmcom
• Winning a national Top Producer Award
Beyond accolades, Dixon’s leadership has transformed lives. During Alberta’s wildfire season, Equity Security became an economic bridge for over 300 newcomers to Canada, offering jobs, dignity, and opportunity. Today, the company deploys close to 90 guards nightly across multiple cities, operating not just as a business, but as a community pillar.
Dixon’s service extends beyond entrepreneurship. He has held leadership roles with the South South Heritage community, the Airdrie Black Community, and the Akwa Ibom Association—always driven by a belief in lifting others as he rises.
At heart, Dixon is still the curious builder, the problem solver, the advocate. His journey is not only about pioneering success in a demanding industry but about opening doors for others to succeed as well.
Professional of the Year Award
- Lucy Diale Mewanu, Calgary
Lucy Diale Mewanu, B.A (Hons.) Cum Laude, LL.B., is a dynamic Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public practicing in Alberta since 2021. Within just four years, she has built an impressive legal career in Family Law, Employment matters, Civil Litigation, Real Estate, and Commercial transactions. She has represented clients at all levels of court in Alberta, with some of her Family Law judgments published nationally as legal precedents.
A tireless advocate for access to justice, Lucy dedicates over 12 hours of free legal service each month, funded directly from her salary, and focuses especially on individuals from Black and immigrant communities navigating family violence, separation, discrimination, or employment injustice.
Within Osuji & Smith Lawyers, Lucy has risen quickly—starting as a Junior Associate in 2022, then advancing to Managing Lawyer, and now serving as both Senior Associate and Managing Lawyer. She manages a team of over 25 lawyers and staff, provides bi-weekly trainings, supervises students, and contributes significantly to the firm’s growth and client acquisition. Her leadership and exceptional results have earned her multiple internal awards and public praise from clients.
Lucy’s community footprint is equally impactful. Through the Diale L.M. Foundation and its “Diale’s Cove” initiative, she creates opportunities for immigrant legal professionals. As Board Chair of Ruth’s House Society, she hosts monthly “Lunch and Learn” programs streamed online, offers free consultations to victims of family violence, and educates African communities on legal processes. She is also a long-term pro bono lawyer with Calgary Legal Guidance and the Women’s Centre of Calgary, delivering vital legal support to underserved women.
Her contributions extend further through speaking engagements, legal training workshops, advocacy for diversity in the Canadian legal profession, and leadership roles in Black community organizations. She recently joined the Board of Directors of the Crown Awards, celebrating Black excellence nationwide.
Driven by compassion, resilience, and an unshakeable belief that “living is giving,” Lucy continues to champion access to justice, mentorship, and empowerment—especially for immigrants and vulnerable families throughout Alberta.
BCW Entrepreneur of the Year
- Dr. Folake Pepple, Calgary
Dr. Folake Pepple is a Calgary-based family physician and medical aesthetic specialist with over 13 years of clinical experience. She is the founder and medical director of EWA Medical Aesthetics, a premium clinic dedicated to enhancing natural beauty through safe, effective, and personalized treatments. Known for her precision, integrity, and patient-centered care, Dr. Pepple masterfully blends medical science with artistry to help clients look and feel their best.
Her passion for skincare began early in life as she navigated acne and skin challenges—sparking a lifelong interest in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Today, she offers advanced non-surgical treatments aimed at restoring confidence and revitalizing the skin.
Beyond aesthetics, Dr. Pepple is an educator, mentor, and strong advocate for women’s wellness. Through her leadership, EWA Medical Aesthetics has become a trusted, empowering space where women are encouraged to prioritize self-care and embrace both their inner and outer beauty.
AJFAS Junior Achievement Award
- Christelle Josianne Ndelela Mukenge, Calgary
Christelle Josianne Ndelela Mukenge was born on April 6, 1992, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Since arriving in Canada in 2006, she has been a tireless advocate for her community, driven by a profound commitment to service and entrepreneurship. The second of four siblings, Christelle now balances her roles as a dedicated wife to Pastor Siam Ndela Mbuyi and a proud mother of four—three daughters and one son—who fuel her passion every day.
After completing high school in 2009, Christelle’s thirst for justice and equity led her to study Social Sciences at Cégep de Rosemont, followed by three years immersed in Legal Techniques at Collège Ahuntsic in Montréal. These studies sharpened her critical insight into social challenges faced by families and vulnerable populations, planting the seeds for her future community work.
Christelle’s journey in Calgary as Community Liaison Officer showcased her natural leadership, event planning skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2023, she took a bold step by founding Acacia & Co. TLD, a multiservice company that channels her creativity and vision into tangible projects—turning ideas into impactful realities.
Her passion for collective well-being deepened when she joined the Alliance Jeunesse-Famille de l’Alberta Society as Community Liaison Officer for the Honour and Respect program, a crucial initiative combating family violence. This role reinforced her dedication to protecting, educating, and empowering immigrant families.
Bringing her expertise full circle, Christelle earned a diploma in Early Learning and Childcare from NorQuest College and drew on her personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs to establish Acacia Spectrum of Faith Society in 2025. This charitable organization supports families with children who have special needs, focusing on education, spirituality, inclusion, and strengthening parental capacity.
Known for her resilience, compassion, and visionary leadership, Christelle represents a new generation of community builders—rooted in strong values and determined to create lasting, positive change wherever she goes.
Unsung Heroes Award
- Celestine Tshulu, Calgary
Celestine, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a talented fashion designer and dedicated mother of three sons. With more than 35 years of experience, she has become a trusted style expert in Calgary, known for her craftsmanship, creativity, and precision.
Through her business, Celo Mode, she offers custom designs, professional alterations, and repairs—creating pieces that reflect each client’s individuality. Her work is rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement, making fashion both accessible and empowering.
Beyond her craft, Celestine shares her knowledge through workshops, collaborations, and one-on-one consultations, inspiring emerging fashion enthusiasts across Calgary. Her mission remains clear: to uplift others through creativity, elegance, and confidence.
Forward Moving Organization Award
- The Oladele Foundation, Calgary
The Oladele Foundation is a registered Canadian charity based in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating cancer, caregiving, grief, and mental health challenges. Founded from lived experience, the Foundation was created to ensure that no one walks this journey alone—especially within underserved and culturally diverse communities.
Through culturally grounded counselling, caregiver support, peer groups, food security programs, transportation assistance, wellness education, and advocacy, The Oladele Foundation meets both the emotional and practical needs of families with compassion and dignity. Their work is rooted in equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
The Foundation is also known for its forward-thinking approach, using education, digital storytelling, youth engagement, and strong community partnerships to break stigma, build resilience, and shape a more inclusive future for care and support.
This nomination for the Forward Moving Organization Award recognizes The Oladele Foundation’s continued growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to moving communities forward with hope, purpose, and impact.
www.africancancer.ca – email: info@africancancer.ca – 4.30880-6692
Artist of the Year Award
- Ashford Daniel Baker, Calgary
Born in Jamaica and raised in Calgary, Ashford Baker is the visionary behind Reggae Tone, a high-energy fitness practice that blends rhythmic aerobic movement with the vibrant sounds of Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeats, Soca, Calypso, and global music. His creation celebrates culture, movement, and community, making fitness both fun and deeply empowering.
Ashford’s passion for the connection between physical fitness and mental well-being grew during his studies at the University of British Columbia. It was there that he refined Reggae Tone—shaping it into an inclusive, accessible practice designed for all ages, bodies, and fitness levels. His approach focuses on joyful expression, body positivity, and the healing power of rhythm.
Since returning to Calgary in 2007, Ashford has shared Reggae Tone through group fitness classes, personal training, and fitness camps across Alberta. His sessions are known for their uplifting energy, cultural authenticity, and ability to bring people together. Through movement, music, and motivation, Ashford continues to inspire communities to embrace wellness with confidence and Caribbean spirit.
AC Awards 2024 recipients from Southern Alberta
AC Awards 2024 recipients from Northern Alberta
Fill form below to nominate for AC Awards in Southern and Northern Alberta.
Deadline Oct 10
THE CATEGORIES
1- Unsung Heroes Award
For those who have done a good job but never appreciated in the community.
Prix des Héros Méconnus
Attribué à ceux qui ont accompli un excellent travail mais n’ont jamais été reconnus dans la communauté.
2- Community Leader of the Year Award
Those who have done a good job to promote, improve, and build community, through volunteering, nonprofit work, or volunteer at their ethno cultural community.
Prix du Leader Communautaire de l’Année
Attribué à ceux qui ont fait un excellent travail pour promouvoir, améliorer et bâtir la communauté, à travers le bénévolat, le travail dans des organismes à but non lucratif, ou en tant que bénévoles dans leur communauté ethnoculturelle.
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3-AJFAS Junior Achievement Award
A youth below 35, that have done a good job in the community, in education, arts, career, or otherwise.
AJFAS Prix de la Réussite Junior
Attribué à un jeune de moins de 35 ans, ayant fait un excellent travail dans la communauté, que ce soit dans le domaine de l’éducation, des arts, de la carrière, ou autre.
4- Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Those who have done a good job to build a business that supports community.
Prix de l’Entrepreneur de l’Année
Attribué à ceux qui ont fait un excellent travail en créant une entreprise qui soutient la communauté.
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5-Forward Moving Organization Award
Goes to a group, community, organization or business that has done a good job in projecting their culture, their products, services or project.
Prix de l’Organisation Progressiste
Attribué à un groupe, une communauté, une organisation ou une entreprise qui a fait un excellent travail en mettant en valeur sa culture, ses produits, services ou projets.
6-Lifetime Achievement Award
Those who have made success in their lifetime, making significant impact in the community.
Prix pour l’Ensemble des Réalisations
Attribué à ceux qui ont connu du succès au cours de leur vie et ont eu un impact significatif dans la communauté.
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7-Artist of the Year Award
Is any entertainer, DJ, artist, anybody who produces a form of arts.
Prix de l’Artiste de l’Année
Attribué à tout artiste, DJ, ou toute personne produisant une forme d’art.
8-Friends of Diversity
An individual who has shown excellent bridges within communities and different races.
Amis de la Diversité
Attribué à une personne ayant créé d’excellents ponts entre les communautés et les différentes races.
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9-Fashion Designer Award
Is anyone in the fashion industry who have designs to showcase at the award ceremony
Prix du Designer de Mode
Attribué à toute personne dans l’industrie de la mode ayant des créations à présenter lors de la cérémonie de remise des prix.
10-Professional of the Year Award
Goes anyone who have done a good job in their profession or career.
Prix du Professionnel de l’Année
Attribué à toute personne ayant accompli un excellent travail dans sa profession ou sa carrière.
11-BCW Entrepreneur of the Year
This Award celebrates a visionary Women entrepreneur who has made a significant impact through innovative leadership and business excellence.
Entrepreneur de l’Année BCW
Ce Prix célèbre une femme entrepreneuse visionnaire qui a eu un impact significatif grâce à son leadership innovant et son excellence en affaires.
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