The Categories

AC Awards 2020 Winners:

Community Leaders of the Year

Jeanne Lehman

Rochelle Ignacio

Wunmi Idowu

AC Awards 2020 Professional of the Year

Angie Goredema

Natasha B. Russel

Lola Olorunfemi

AC Awards 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year

Alimamy Samura

Neva Perrotte

Hanna Kidane

AC Awards 2020 Unsung Heroes

Rachel Fallah

Lyse Riza

Andrea Cox

AC Awards 2020 Junior Achievement

Ann Maina

AC Awards 2020 Artist of the Year

Sydone Warren

AC Awards 2020 Fashion Designer of the Year

Alèthe Kaboré

AC Awards 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award

Halima Ali

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no formal event but a door-to-door or business-to-business handing out of awards in Edmonton (second week of November), Calgary (end of November), and Red Deer (first week of December), with just family members ONLY.

AC Awards Nominees – Community Leaders of the Year

Jeanne Lehman (Edmonton)

Jeanne Lehman is the Founder past chair and ED of Black Canadian Women in Action operating as BCW. Founded in 2017 in Edmonton, AB. BCW is a bilingual non-profit organization committed to making a difference in the lives of the minority of black Canadian women living in Western Canada. As the hub of the minority of Black Canadian women communities, BCW specializes in facilitating the inclusion of Black Canadian women in the Canadian society, relieve poverty, fostering their advancement among decision-making entities, promote diversity and increase their leadership in all sectors of activity. The Motto of BCW is INSPIRE, EMPOWER AND ENGAGE WITH CONFIDENCE

Jeanne Lehman’s other main accomplishment was her involvement at the Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle (FRAP); an organization for the integration of newcomers of the Francophone community with the mandate to create a bridge between the Franco Albertan community, the newcomers and the mainstream. As a founder, chair and spokesperson of the FRAP, Jeanne’s endeavor for diversity and inclusion of new immigrants has led the Greater North Central Francophone Education Region No. 2 to change its practices in its hiring process and embrace diversity and inclusion of new Canadians and Canadians to be, in all sector of the school Board. Jeanne’s action went beyond the school Board and impacted diversity and inclusion in the Francophone Community.

The core involvement of Jeanne is women advocacy. She tirelessly advocates for empowering black women to explore, invest and exercise leadership in Canadian society. She has been in drawing the by-law with her participation in the working group.  This Bylaw was approved by City Council and WAVE was formally established in spring 2014 as a municipal committee in Edmonton. Jeanne was also the coordinator of women Initiative at the Africa Centre with the mandate to empower and, increase understanding of Africa women community in Edmonton, and to equip these women to overcome prejudices and barriers in the society.

Jeanne’s strong commitment is also the need to include newcomers, as Jeanne petitions these newcomers and encourage them to get involved and take part in the cultural, economic and social life of this country that is now theirs. She believes successful integration of the newcomers will allow our country to avoid the social divide, to be more prosperous and will perpetuate the values of inclusion that characterizes it. It is this vision that brought Jeanne to create the Movement My Voice Counts / Ma voix compte which is an organization that promotes civic engagement by encouraging and educating communities to take part in the social, political and economic development of our city.

Putting her words into action, Jeanne was a candidate in the nomination for the Federal Election of October 19, 2015 in the Edmonton-Manning district. Beginning this adventure as a complete stranger Jeanne was able to energize and motivate people of the district and members of the community and many of them gave her their support. Although she did not win the nomination, Jeanne’s victory was bigger and more inspiring for Canadian communities of African descent because 1) Jeanne was the first woman of African origin (from the continent) to seek a nomination for a federal election here in Edmonton, 2) her gesture prompted three other African women to be a candidate in the same election and 3) with her commitment, Jeanne also inspired the young and old in the community who realized that It is possible.

Jeanne hold a Bachelor of General Law, a Master Degree of Business Law from Paris X Nanterre and a Master Degree in Africa Studies from the University Paris I Sorbonne, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Management from HEC Business School, Montreal.

Awards and recognitions

• Jeanne was named Woman of the Year in 2014 by the newspaper Le Franco.
• In 2015, Jeanne had a Certificate in recognition of valuable volunteer contributions from Community Engagement – Alberta Government.
• Jeanne was also the first African woman (from the continent) who decided to run for the nomination in Edmonton-Manning constituency in the 2015 Federal Election. She then inspired other women who followed her steps
• She was awarded the Prix de reconnaissance Suzanne-Lamy-Thibaudeau / Suzanne-Lamy Thibaudeau Recognition Award by La Coalition des Femmes de l’Alberta/Women Coalition of Alberta in 2016.

Rochelle Ignacio (Edmonton/Red Deer) 

Youth Leader of Racial Justice Youth YEG – a small coalition of youth interested in addressing systemic racism issues in Edmonton. Admin-Ops Manager of Black-Owned Market YEG – a pop up style market that showcases Black businesses, artists and creatives in Edmonton to the wider community. Our goal is to break down barriers for small Black business owners to bring their products to market Co-producer & Creative Editor of Community: An Antidote for Racism – documentary project funded by Action for Healthy Communities and the Government of Alberta which highlighted the role community initiatives in Edmonton play in addressing anti-Black racism CEO & Founder of Enid Rose Collective – a portfolio of consulting and community based projects centered around Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Occupational Health and Safety and Civic Engagement

Since choosing my minor in Community Diversity I have been passionate about Equity, Diversity and
Inclusion. My lived experiences with marginalization, discrimination and racism stem from growing up
as a first generation Black Canadian, in a rural Alberta setting, also neighboured by three Indigenous
reserves. These experiences fuelled my desire to create a culture of inclusion and belonging in
organizations and communities by challenging the status quo and openly discussing inequity. My lived,
worked and volunteer experiences, together with my educational background have fuelled my passion
for promoting diversity, inclusion, respect and equity in workplaces and communities.

I was appointed as a Diversity and Respectful Workplace Council member at Husky and acted as a
resource for supervisors as well as my colleagues. By relating Diversity and Inclusion issues to
workplace safety issues I was able to collaborate with leaders on balancing implementation of Diversity
and Inclusion programming and training initiatives with operational priorities. This July I co-founded
Edmonton’s first Black-Owned Market (BOM), supporting eighteen small businesses and attracting one
thousand attendees. With under three weeks of preparation BOM required strategic planning and
negotiation to arrange logistics, media and partnerships on a zero dollar budget. These experiences
have both allowed me to build relationships with stakeholders and the wider community, bringing
awareness to issues experienced by marginalized communities from an anti-racism framework.
My employment experiences provided opportunities to develop and facilitate training through
collaboration with senior management. I have been commended for my task-oriented nature along
with my strong analytical, mediation, and administrative skills. Together with my training in Crucial
Conversations, I developed skills in handling difficult situations, facilitating conflict and working
towards successful resolutions.

Wunmi Idowu (Calgary)

Wunmi Idowu is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, instructor, performer, producer and the Founder and Director of Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre Inc. Wunmi began performing traditional dance styles at the age of 3 in her hometown of Lagos, Nigeria.

Moving to Alberta in 1992, she continued immersing herself in the African dance community in Edmonton and Calgary. Ignited by the absence of African Diaspora history in public school curriculum, Wunmi decided to influence change by using the transformative power of the arts. For her, the Canadian performing arts industry was an avenue to help build community capacity and leadership, disrupt colonial illusions, and empower the youth in their cultural identity ensuring that she didn’t forget or leave behind her heritage as a Nigerian. Prior to starting Woezo Africa, she worked with groups, Wajjo drummers and Kekeli dancers, Nigerian Okoto Dance Troupe, C-Stylz Dancers, Afrikanata Dancers and Asante Dance Troupe. She continues to share her passion for African culture and dance through performances and classes in dance styles, Afrobeats, Afro Fusion and traditional African dances such as Coupé Décalé and Ndombolo. Since 2006, Woezo Africa is passionately dedicated to bringing the history of African culture to the masses through traditional and modern modes of performing arts including dance, music, theatre and storytelling.

The diverse, award-winning organization provides an array of services and educational community outreach programming, including Afro urban dance classes and workshops, school-based artist residencies, and event creation and management.

In 2016, Wunmi won an award for people’s choice Performing Arts in the category of Dancer at the Obsidian Award. In addition, the endless support of Woezo Africa resulted in the celebration of three major achievements and recognition in 2017 and 2018 by being a big part of the inauguration of Alberta’s first Black History Month.

Furthermore, Woezo Africa was also awarded a Certification of recognition from the House of Commons of Canada (House of Parliament). As a recent graduate from the Haskayne School of Business, Arts Management program with the Rosza Foundation, Wunmi has gone on to receive several awards, including a nomination for the 2020 Doug and Lois Mitchell Outstanding Calgary Artist Award and the 24th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Award for the Arts & Culture category. Under Wunmi’s leadership, Woezo Africa has launched local and international productions, such as Africa Jo, UNITY: Dance Across Africa, and their annual Black History Month event UNGANISHA: Explore.Connect.Dance.

The organization has also produced two editions of Woezo Africa Festival in collaboration with the Guild of Nigerian Dancers (G.O.N.D) and Ijodee Dance Center in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2020 the organization hosted Woezo Africa Cultural Festival as a featured celebration site of the Alberta Culture Days and Canada Culture Day.

Lanre Ajayi (Calgary)

I am Lanre Ajayi, a passionate storyteller and multi-dimensional artists, using every available medium as a means of creatively expressing my artistic instinct.

A firm believer in the community to be a place for common-unity in uncommon times. He has been contributing in one way or the other towards making Calgary a community where everyone is welcome to be themselves, work, live, love and learn.

I recollect an occasion when he collaborated with Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditoria and Calgary Catholic Immigration Society to use his art and craft knowledge as a therapy for immigrant’s children from war torn countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Somalia and from other parts of the world.

He also helps with community initiatives like working with different organization to get food for the Calgary Food Bank, work with people who are assigned to clean community spaces like the Calgary Dream Center, volunteer with Wood’s Homes etc.

Lanre Ajayi I started out my artistic career as a teenager. I was making arts and selling them when I was in Nigeria to help some of my friends with financial challenges in regards to their education. Fast forward after my University degree, I was organizing Youth Empowerment Scheme to help train youths in my community and ultimately impact them the necessary knowledge needed to start a career for themselves.

I organize these bi-weekly trainings along with a team of my friends across multi-disciplinary skills ranging from Art, Fashion Design, Cooking, Make-Up Artistry and Computer Literacy. Apart from providing the skills and training at no cost to the participants, I also provide mentorship after their training for as long as they needed me to provide advice and guidance in their chosen fields of endeavor.

Today, I can count many of my protégée then who own their business and are making impact by paying it forward in providing the same skills I impacted into them to other members of the society in Lagos, Nigeria. To me this is one of the many achievements that I am thankful for.

As a member of a new community in Calgary Canada, I have been privileged to use my artistic and community building skills to educate, entertain and provide information to different community organizations.

I have worked with traumatized immigrants from war torn countries, using my art and crafts skills as a therapy to heal wounds inflicted as result of war especially in children. As a community builder, I created a not for profit art collective for artists of color as a way to create the platform for expression and belonging.

I use my artistic and community building skills to provide mentorship, guidance and assistance to members of this group. Recently, one of my protégé started an initiative that is providing opportunities and assistance for Immigrants Artists. It is called Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation. This idea was as a result of the mentorship and many trainings I gave in the course of our meetings and discussions over a long period of time.

As a result of my community building efforts using my art to create an inclusive and diverse society, I received the 2018 Mayor’s Art Champions award for a new Immigrant making our community thrive and beautiful. Furthermore, I am the host and producer of some major community outreach events of different platforms. Some of them are; My City Speaks To Me, a storytelling project about people, places and events.

A project adopted by the City of Calgary through Calgary Arts Development to showcase happenings within the creative Calgary Society. This is a weekly online show that he started some years ago as a passion to documents happening within his community. He has done this in many parts of the world he’d visited and it’s no surprise that he is doing the same here in Calgary.

This platform has given him the privilege of speaking with different member of our society to shed lights on what is making our community thrive. Lanre is creating this storytelling projects to showcase and make our community a beautiful place and helping the tourism industry in so many ways.

The Global Talk-Active Series. An initiative to keep entertaining, educating and engaging the community as we continue to fight the pandemic challenges ravaging our community during this time. I am also the Artistic and Creative director behind Alberta’s premier Black History Month Festival called Ethnik Festival of Arts and Culture. A platform to celebrate the vibrant and beautiful culture of the Afro-Canadian and the Caribbean. Exhibitions of my works at;

1. ATB Bank for Arts and Culture 2. The Grand 3. Studio C Collaborative Art Centre 4. Space King Edwards 5. Yoruba Foundation of Calgary 6. Hope Alive Ministries, Calgary Volunteer Works;

1. Woods Homes 2. Calgary Dream Centre 3. All Women Ministry, Calgary 4. Food Bank Drive 5. Encounter International Calgary 6. Calgary World Harvest Contributions;

1. Salvation Army 2. Hope Alive Ministry 3. Shine F.M Christmas Miracle Mayor’s Art Champions Legacy Award Winner – 2018 Winner – Best Host and Supervisor at Triple B Centre, Calgary Stampede – 2018 1st Runner Up in Monologue Competition – Faces West Model & Talent Conference Vancouver – 2017 I am an advocate for a cause about making life beautiful for our community through organizing a drive and awareness to give food and shelter to those in need.

This is what make me a regular donor to Shine FM Christmas Miracle to make food available for those who couldn’t afford a decent meal especially during the festive season. This is one of the reason why Calgary Food Bank is dear to my heart because if the issue of food is tackled, our community will have an opportunity to do things creatively.

In my country of origin, there is a proverb that says “If a man is hungry, no amount of words or instructions given that will enter him unless food enters first”.

I hope one day, I will have a bigger platform to help raise a global awareness and help provide food for as many as I have the opportunity to help.

Dr. Odame-Ankrah (Calgary)

Dr. Odame-Ankrah is an air quality scientist, inventor, and educator. He is currently research manager with Global Analyzer Systems and Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Coast.

Dr Odame-Ankrah is also a proven community organizer. He consistently advocates for equity and accessibility especially for minority and marginalized communities. He has strong skills in leadership, teaching, policy and planning which he brings to boards, committees and any volunteer role he serves on.

He is the President of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Calgary, a Founding Director of the African Coalition Club, and Chair of the Personnel Committee of Calgary Church of Christ.

Towunmi Coker (Edmonton)

Towunmi Coker of TCLI foundation is a Community Leader. Towunmi, in spite of being a newcomer herself, has distinguished herself as a Community Leader by making sure women, children and families that arrive Canada after her have the resources they require to settle in and to thrive. In the areas of Digital Literacy, Finance and Community and resource building she has shown great leadership and deserves an award.

AC Awards 2020 Nominees – Professional of the Year

Angie Goredema (Red Deer)

Angie Goredema completed the Leadership Wood Buffalo Program which is
an eight-month educational program designed for people who are
interested in community development. During this program, Angie and her
team examined issues that were affecting the community and devised a
roadmap to help organizations with ideas on collaborating and making a
bigger impact.

 Angie’s high respect for values that enrich lives is exuded through
her experience with not-for-profit organizations. Her position with HIV
North Society (for five years) as the Program Team Lead created
opportunities for her to work with a variety of community stakeholders
in creating positive change.

 Angie was part of the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) which took
place in the United States. GYLC is a unique leadership program that
brings together outstanding young people from all over the world (195
countries were represented) to build critical leadership skills in a
global context. Angie was representing Zimbabwe.

 Angie loves to write and has published a children’s book called
Living in Different Countries. The book explores different cultures and
in this book, Angie connects the two  main characters living in
different continents.

 Angie has also contributed published articles to Northword magazine as
well as Edmonton’s Child Magazine.

 Angie was one of the presenters for the Strategic Roadmap which was
presented at ConvergenceYMM2015.

 Angie is passionate about the world and changing the world one step at
a time. Angie co-organized one of Red Deer’s Black Lives Matter event
to bring the community together. At the event, she addressed hundreds of
people and shared a message of hope and of unity and moving forward.

 Angie spent time working with seniors documenting their stories,
touching on important social issues including ageism and changing gender
roles in community. The intergenerational film initiative brought
together younger and older Canadians across Red Deer and the crucial
conversations were impactful and life changing for the community.

  In 2019, Angie organized a Human Rights Conference for youth and she
hopes to continue to be a positive influence to young people who will
bring change to Red Deer and beyond.

 Angie is a recipient of the 2020 Canadians for a Civil Society Award.

Sharif Haji (Edmonton)

Sherif Haji is the Executive Director of Africa Centre, a Non Profit Organization in Edmonton, Alberta.

Since last two years, Sherif Haji has done extremely positive changes at Africa Centre, especially with the African diverse Communities. Since he took the position as the Director of the Centre, more African’s programs and events have been taking place in and out the Centre to educate, empower, and to motivate young and old African’s folk around the Province of Alberta.

Sharif Haji comes with over a decade of experience in policy and program design, development and implementation. Mr. Haji has a strong background in project management as an instrument for community development. Mr. Haji brings a blended experience of both public and non-profit sectors. Before accepting the role of Executive Director at the Africa Centre, Mr. Haji has worked with the Ministry of Seniors and Housing and the Ministry of Health for over five years. During his tenure in the public sector he led and/or managed various provincial files including; implementation of the Provincial Affordable Housing Strategy, Alberta’s Primary Health Care Strategy, the design of the Family Care Clinics and the first review of Alberta’s Primary Care Networks. Prior to working with the Government of Alberta, Mr. Haji have had extensive experience in the non-profit sector locally and internationally. Locally, he worked with Edmonton Multicultural Coalition in different capacities. Internationally, Mr. Haji worked with World Vision International in different countries where he led or managed major bilateral and multilateral grant-based initiatives. Educationally, Mr. Haji has a Bachelor of Arts in Health Science and Social Services from the University of South Africa (UNISA), and Master of Public Health in Global Health, from the School of Public Health, University of Alberta.

Dr. Unati Makiwane (Calgary)

Dr Unati Makiwane is a Family Physician for over 14 years and a Health Coach focusing on Men’s Health and Children’s Mental Health. She is currently pursuing her MBA in Business and Corporate Communications. She immigrated from South Africa in 2010 and worked in the Rural & Urban Saskatchewan. She later relocated to Alberta in 2014.

She is the founder of United Medical Clinic in Calgary, Canada. Outside her clinical practice, she is involved in the community building mental health projects working with Immigrant Services Calgary, Schools and other private Organizations.

She’s also the Medical Director and a Host of “Black Mental Health Matters” weekly Show for United States of Africa. She is quite active on Facebook & IG under Dr M Health Corner Name. Dr Unati is the first Black Female Physician in Canada to host a Men’s Health Talk Show which runs once a week where she interacts with a global community of Men seeking to lead healthy lives mentally, physically and spiritually. She recently launched her online course “Men Get Depressed Too” available at www.drmhealthcorner.ca

Dr. Unati shared virtual stage with Ambassador Dr Arikana Chihombori Quao, Dr Kassa Kebede Tsegaye, Professors Runoko Rashidi and Richard Chinomona discussing Africa’s Renaissance in May 2020. She recently shared a virtual stage with Dr Aberra Molla at an African Business Conference.

Kene Ilochonwu (Calgary)

Kene Ilochonwu was born and raised in Nigeria. He graduated from Abia State University and the Nigerian Law School, and obtained a Master of Laws degree from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Kene moved to Canada in 2007 and worked as a supply chain professional for oil and gas majors in Calgary and Fort McMurray for several years. He is currently a Legal Counsel at Parkland Corporation and a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian and Calgary Bar Associations.

 Kene is an active member of his community, he is deeply involved in volunteering and giving back. He has served in various capacities as a mentor to law students and internationally trained lawyers in Calgary through the Canadian Bar Association mentor program and Global Lawyers of Canada.

 Kene is a member Anambra State Association Calgary and Igbo Cultural Association Calgary. He provides pro bono services through his involvement in the civil claims’ duty counsel with Pro Bono Law Alberta, and as a volunteer at the Calgary Drop-In Centre and Parkland’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.

 Kene is an avid soccer fan (Up Chelsea FC!) and enjoys bike riding, exploring new places, daddy duties, connecting with people and quiet time.

Dr. Banks Odole (Calgary)

Dr. Banks Odole, a husband and father of three beautiful kids, he is an ICT Consultant, owner and CEO of BSF Systems Inc., an IT and Telecom Consultancy outfit situated here in Calgary. Originally from Nigeria, migrated to Canada in 2015.

His is an astute IT and Telecommunication engineer with vast technological background and ranges of expertise, from Telecom Network Designing and Implementation, Performance and Optimization, Engineering Process Management to IT and Cybersecurity, and Programming.

He is currently a Professor, in the School of Information Communications Technology at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary, AB. Where he teaches Computer Security, System Vulnerability and Malware Analysis, NID and NIP, Digital Telecommunication Technique, Wireless Telecommunications and Emerging Trends in Technology, to name a few.

 Education Background

Ph.D., Management                    – United State

MBA, Engineering Business Management      – United Kingdom

M.Sc., Organizational Leadership          – United State

Pg.D., Computer Science                     – Nigeria

B.Sc., (Hons.) Physics                         – Nigeria

 Professional Experience

Owner / CEO                      BSF Systems Inc.,                      – Calgary, AB

ICT Instructor                    SAIT Polytechnic                 – Calgary, AB

Process Analyst                  Amazon Canada                  – Calgary, AB

Specialist Business Systems Canadian Pacific Railway              – Calgary, AB

Project Consultant               TopRon Inc.,                      – Mississauga, ON

Territory / Program Manager        Aviat Networks Inc.             – Santa Clara, CA, USA

Senior Project Manager               Ericsson EAB                      – Sweden

Project Manager                 Airtel Network                    – Nigeria

 Professional Affiliate

Fellow                       Institute of Operation Management               – United Kingdom

Member                     Project Management Institute (PMISAC)        – Calgary

Member                     Int. Institute of Business Analysis         – Calgary

Member                     Nigeria Institute of Management           – Nigeria

Natasha B. Russell (Calgary)

Natasha B. Russell, BCMM, PCC (NBR) is the Founder and CEO of NBR Strategic Solutions. She was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta Canada, is family-oriented and loves to travel. Her business offers coaching, speaking and consulting services to support aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, corporations and non-profit organizations with achieving their business goals.

She is a Confidence Communications and Public Relations Expert, International Certified Health and Life Coach and Certified Motivational Speaker, who is passionate about supporting individuals and organizations in achieving greater success, using effective coaching strategies. NBR obtained a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations with honours from Mount Royal University and has additional certifications in life coaching, health coaching, motivational speaking, crisis and risk communications and online reputation management.

With more than 17 years of professional communications and public relations experience working within the legal, agency and energy sector, Natasha continues to pave the way with optimism, knowledge and charisma.

She has done several TV, print and radio interviews on behalf of large corporations to get their brand and key initiatives in the public eye, and recently launched her own online talk show in May, 2020, The NBR Show via Instagram Live, to support business owners with getting their brand in the public eye.

As a Transformation Coach, Natasha specializes in mindset, confidence communications, healthy habits, clarity and strategic planning coaching. Additionally, she enjoys hosting events to empower women and men to achieve greater success in life and business. To learn more about the speaking and coaching business side of NBR, please visit, http://www.natashabrussell.com/.

Natasha is passionate about mentoring our youth, volunteering and creating partnerships with likeminded organizations who provide personal and professional development growth opportunities and support for youth in need. She is on a mission to make this world a more loving, safe and accepting place by transforming as many lives as possible for the better, from the inside out.

To book a complimentary 30 minute discovery chat with NBR, visit: http://www.natashabrussell.com/book-with-me.html and get started on your personal journey to achieving greater success, according to your standards!

Lola Olorunfemi (Edmonton)

Lola Olorunfemi is a Registered Nurse and is certified in both the United States and Canada. She has over ten years of nursing experience. She has worked in various areas of nursing. She is currently a Nurse educator and faculty at one of top universities in Alberta.

She had her Undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing education in the United States. Her master’s degree in nursing from Jacksonville university with a focus on Leadership in Healthcare Systems. She also has a certificate in Inter-professional Healthcare Informatics, from the University of Minnesota and Legal Nurse Consulting from AALNC (American Association of Legal Nurse Consultant.

She is an entrepreneur, an active Board of Director with the Legal Nurse Consultants Association of Canada, a Masters level Registered Nurse both in the United States and Canada, a published author and co-author, public speaker, Coach (Life, Wellness and Holistic).

Lola had a bachelor’s degree in Real estate and Asset management prior to starting her Nursing career.

She is the founder and CEO of DSG health consulting Inc. and Lolaempowers where she offers Legal Nurse consulting services, Expert witness, Medical malpractice services Nursing Consulting, Speaking engagement, Book writing services and Coaching services.

D.S.G. Health Consulting Inc. and lolaEmpowers seeks to inspire,  serve, empower and to educate .

She has authored and co-authored a couple of books, the third  on the way, which focuses on children’s health and Women’s empowerment- Women on purpose.

Currently, Lola is the active Director At Large for the Legal Nurse Consultant Association of Canada (LNCAC).

She is a member of many international honors organisations including Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society and Sigma Theta Rho International Honors Society of Nursing.  Over the past decade, she has served as an active member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the International Nurses Association, American Association of Legal Nurse consultants (AALNC) and worked as a dedicated member at the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Legal Nurse Consulting Association of Canada (LNCAC).

She is also a recipient of several scholarships, including the Wallace and Kathleen Irwin Nursing scholarship, which grants scholarships to the highest academic performers.

She is a mother and wife. She is married with 3 wonderful children. Her hobbies are reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

AC Awards 2020 Nominees – Entrepreneur of the Year

Ali Samura (Edmonton)

Alimamy Samura, most popularly known as Papani or Papus is a popular community barber; certainly the most popular in the Sierra Leone Community and probably one of the well-known in the African Community. His barbing shop is ever so busy, always having customers from dawn to dusk, waiting for hair-cut and/or spending time there to get news of events/issues in the community, or merely as a pass time.

Alimamy started cutting hair at the age of 15 in Sierra Leone just for fun. He then went to Guinea, Conakry as a refugee and was cutting hair as a means to survive. Alimamy was among the lucky refugees who were re-located to Canada. When he came to Edmonton, he cut hair at the basement of his residence just for fun (Free of charge). His intention was not to show-case his inner talent but merely to help people in need. After offering this free service for a while, family members and closed friends of Alimamy kept telling him that he was good in the hair-cutting business and should charge for his service. Still, Alimamy refused to ask for money from people for his service unless they willingly gave him an offer. At that point, Alimamy started taking the barbing business seriously and went ahead to enroll himself in the Hair-styling Program at Marvel College. After graduation, Alimamy started working at Shadified Salon and Spa. That was the moment when Alimamy developed the belief that he will one day own his own salon.

Today, Alimamy owns his own barbing business at the Alma’s Beauty Salon, making a living for himself and his family and at the same time providing a very valuable service to his community.

Daniel Mbewa (Red Deer)

Daniel is the founder of Marshall Technologii in Red Deer, AB.  He is originally from Kenya and came to Canada as a student at SAIT, Calgary in 2010. Moved to Red Deer to complete his practicum, loved it there and decided to make it his home town. With a degree in Computer Science and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Daniel wanted to find a way he could support his Dad and also himself while working, and that is when the entrepreneur bug hit him. And in 2016, Marshall Technologii was born.  Daniel became part of the Red Deer community helping local businesses access technology that will help their businesses. His passion is to see local businesses adopt technology that are cost effective, that will help them be competitive with the big brands who spends tens of thousands in similar technology.  He likes to give back to the community, spending time at the Red Deer soup kitchen, downtown. Where they serve the needy in the community with food, clothing and encouragements. He is also involved with the Youth Ministry at his local church, as he believes the Youth are our future and they need our guidance and support as much we need them.  As a Husband and Father, he enjoys more time with his family and Guru friends. Keeping active playing basketball and soccer. Marshall Technologii slogan is Start Somewhere.

Neva Perrotte (Calgary)

Neva Perrotte Biography: Neva Perrotte is the owner of a Desjardins Insurance and Financial Services Agency in Calgary. She is originally from Grenada, located in the Caribbean and came to Canada in 1969. In 1992 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary and started her insurance career right after graduation as a claims advisor, supervisor and then manager.

In 2009 her career path led to opening her own insurance agency, she opened her doors with no book of business or clients and (2) employees. Now 11 years later she has built a successful business with a team of (6) employees and continues to grow with a focus on service. Her core belief is that a business built on service will lead to growth.

As a mother of 2, wife and business owner, Neva understands there will be obstacles along everyone’s path but patience, perseverance and hard work combined with family support and faith are important ingredients to reach your life goals.

Community involvement is also important, Neva contributes to the community with a scholarship in her late months name, annual food bank drive in the office, annual mustard seed dinner, Grenada Association and Youth Summit to promote social, education and mental health in our youth. Neva’s favourite quote is, “It always seems impossible until its done” – Nelson Mandela

Ayo Olajide (Calgary)

Ayo Olajide is an expert in managing fast-paced, high-growth companies. Ayo holds a Management degree with majors in Information Systems and Human Resources and Labour Relations from The University of Lethbridge. He is also a professional accountant and entrepreneur. Ayo is a relentless achiever who always sets high standards for himself and people around him. Throughout his career, Ayo has played key roles at companies that have created millions of dollars in revenue.

Between 2007 and 2015, he served in various management roles for Shell Canada Exploration Operations as well as Shell’s Downstream Operations business. To date, Ayo has founded and invested in 5 venture businesses, employing over 50 people who work hard daily to create value for customers. He is a Co-Founder and CEO of Sui Generis Homes — a custom home builder that specializes in building unique and beautiful homes that are masterpieces in style and craftsmanship. Established in 2017, Sui Generis is one of Canada’s fastest growing home building companies. In that time, Ayo has raised significant start-up capital, hired world class management team, artisans and craftspeople — who continue to design and build some of Alberta’s most elegant and sophisticated homes.

Prior to Sui Generis Homes, Ayo founded and was managing partner of Platinum Heritage Construction Corp — a residential and commercial construction services firm that delivers exceptional construction projects to individuals and businesses. Ayo has also been investing in the childcare industry for over 5 years. His love for children, coupled with his passion to help families, has been the driving force behind his quest to initiate and build a model family-oriented, Christian childcare business.

Ayo and his wife co-founded Kiddies Daycare Centre in Calgary in 2020. A visionary leader, Ayo volunteers on various Boards and is a mentor to several start-ups and entrepreneurs. He is on a mission to inspire others by showing them that regardless of where they come from or what happened in their past, everyone has the tools to change their circumstances and solve problems in the society.

Ayo lives with his wife and two children in Calgary, Alberta, where he provides pro bono financial advisory services to different non-profit organizations, which includes several parishes of The Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Mwabeni Lavusa Indire (Calgary)

Mwabeni Lavusa Indire is an entrepreneur from Los Angeles living in Calgary. He founded Indire Entertainment Inc., a US-Canadian film-production company that produces videos for individuals, organizations and companies. He also owns a company that provides graphic design, illustration and photography, as well as a Kiswahili language tutoring business.

Mwabeni Indire is a first-generation American of Kenyan, and North-East African descent who fluently speaks and writes in three languages – Maragoli, English and Kiswahili, as well as a smattering of other languages like Amharic, Kikuyu, Spanish and Swedish. He’s lived and travelled extensively in Kenya, Canada and the USA, and also attended colleges in all three countries. Mwabeni is a graduate of the Vancouver Film School.

As a filmmaker, Mwabeni has produced projects for brands like Sotheby’s Realty, BMW, Honda, Hyundai and numerous other businesses.

Mwabeni enjoys community service (he currently serves on the board of the Kenya Calgary Association), and also serves as the Communication Coordinator of the local chapter of an international business networking organization. In his downtime, he enjoys cycling, nature, music production, history, the Holy Scriptures, soccer, drawing, working on cars and immersing himself in local affairs, like community literacy.

Mwabeni Indire has worked in a Kenyan cinema, managed a US college newspaper, worked in nightclub toilets, sold hotdogs, driven delivery trucks, taught a Ph.D class at the University of California, and more! He was also got a swift kick from a young zebra in a Kenyan animal orphanage when he was 9 years-old.

Hanna Kidane (Red Deer)

My name is Hanna Kidane. I was born in the city of Addis Ababa Ethiopia. I am a wife and a mother of two boys. I have always had a dream of becoming a business woman; although I had a lot of barriers owning my business when I was in my home country. However, I was lucky to open an Internet cafe there because I was one of the few people who had their own Internet cafe.

Therefore, I wanted to achieve my passion by pushing myself forward by opening another business which was my owned company that produced construction material input like crushed sand. Since I came to Canada nine years ago I was fortunate to work with Catholic social Services, where I was helping newcomers to settle in Central Alberta.

However, I was so determined to pursue my passion of becoming a business owner then I followed my dream as an entrepreneur. Finally, I successfully opened my owned and operated store in Red Deer Alberta, where I called home now.

My business name is Abissinia Village Market; which I am proud of myself for achieving my dream to become a reality and I am super grateful for God. My store provides mostly Africa and Asian populations. Also I sell Ethiopian Coffee & Enjera.

AC Awards 2020 Nominees – Unsung Heroes

Rachel Fallah (Edmonton)

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. ” Proverbs 22:29.

Rachel Fallah is the Unsung Hero whose recognition is well overdue! Rachel is a people’s person, a genuine supporter of those in need and strong promoter of community business. Rachel never waits to be invited; she jumps in and performs when she realises that her expertise/support would make a difference.

We consider Rachel as one of the bed-rocks of our community. She is always there to welcome Newcomers, direct them to sources of support/help, and establish the necessary networks for them within and outside our community. Rachel takes this as a passion and performs this service without bragging or making any fuss.

At a time when the Sierra Leone Association was dormant, Rachel was one of those concerned community members who took upon themselves to constitute an Interim Executive Committee to keep the association running and to avoid a vacuum in governance. Rachel and her colleagues served voluntarily for eight years before been relieved by the democratically elected executive committee in 2014.

Amidst all these, Rachel served in other administrative capacities including as Chairlady of the Sierra Leone Women Support Group. During her reign, she succeeded in establishing her support group as a formidable partner in community development. She helped build self-esteem in her membership and encouraged volunteerism in community development. For many years, Rachel co-ordinated a programme wherein community members received Christmas Gifts from philanthropists. Even though she is no longer the women leader, Rachel’s passion and enthusiasm for community work is still alive and kicking and does not seem to be diminishing at all. My memories run to her various roles such as leading praise and worship in vigils, giving keynote addresses, serving as MCs, and being an out-spoken political advocate.

Lyse Riza (Calgary)

My name is Lyse Riza. I was born and raised in an central-eastern country of the Motherland, called Burundi. Traditionally, Burundi is a herding society where cattle “Inka” holds a great deal of power in its culture. Such a power that it is even reflects in the way they greet one another – “Amashyo”, translated as “may you have herds of cattle” – or the way they name their children. My surname Riza was inspired by that tradition for it translates as the first born female calf, given that as I am a first born-girl.

I immigrated to Canada in the Autumn of 2002 with my young family, pursued my postsecondary education thereafter, graduated in 2008 and started my career as a public servant that same year. I am a blessed mother of three beautiful children. I enjoy long walks in nature, playing music, staying active and I speak a total of five languages – English, French, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda and Swahili. My passion for arts, the love for dance and the knowledge of what People of African Descent have contributed to the world in terms of arts and beyond; are all to be credited for what started as an aspiration to connect with others, to a fully-fledged and active involvement in all affairs that seek to bring unity and collaboration, to build an even stronger community.

Armed with a mission to promote Burundian rich cultural heritage, I have lead, organized, planned and coordinated through musical and theatrical performances, my Burundian fellows of Calgary since 2016 and together we have been part of many wedding ceremonies; communities celebrations; festivals; workshops; sport and cultural events. Namely: • Marcus Garvey Youth Leadership Recognition and Awards Presentation • United Nations Association of Calgary for the United Nations’ 70th Anniversary Celebration • Global Fest YYC 2016 • Canada Day Celebrations (2016-2017) in the community of Rosscarrock • Unity Dance Across Africa with Woezo • Ethnica Events organized by Afrikadey Arts and Culture Society • Caribbean Heritage Sports Competition (5th Annual) • 60th Guinean Independence Day Celebration • Umuco Cultural Dance Black History Heritage Workshop • Journée Internationale de la Femme 2018 &2020 by the Portail de L’Immigrant Association.

My leadership and planning skills served me well when I organized the 2019 Black History Month workshops. These informative workshops were scheduled throughout the month of February and spoke on: • Diversity and Inclusion, • Mental health, • Parenting, • Personal finance and real estate, • The arts of motion picture, • Les Franco-Africains de Calgary, • The role of the Black Church in Calgary • Visual poetry, and • Youth and the Law.

I also appreciate the need to relay the cultural knowledge and musical heritage to younger generations. My dance company Tuvyine Inc. with Lyse Riza in collaboration with INGO Solidarity Association of Alberta through the Burundi Connection Program provides dance lessons to a group of youngsters between the ages of four and fifteen since Spring of 2019.

I prepared their dance choreographies and authored their scripts at the following events: • INGO Solidarity Association of Alberta’s 2020 New Year celebration • 2020 Ethnik Festival. My involvement in the Multi-cultural community of Calgary has not gone unnoticed. I am a proud recipient of the following accolades: • 2018 Certificate of Appreciation For Support and Inspiration in Service to the AfroCaribbean Community of Calgary, by Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, Ward 9 • Le Prix Bénévole 2018, by PIA Association • Indo-Canadian Community Association Award for Diversity • Certificate of Appreciation as a Community Partner by the Black History Heritage Society 2019 • Le Prix Leadership et Bénévole 2020, by PIA Association. I am also an avid volunteer who sits in on a few local and national organizations’ Boards: • The Fountain of Orphans and Vulnerable Women (FOVW) • Calgary BLACK Connection (CBC) • Soutien Entre les Burundais du Canada (S.E.B.C – Dushigikirane) • Dernière Demeure Internationale (DDI)

• Calgary Burundian Community I believe in working together to build a better tomorrow for all of us. My slogan is “live and love without reserve” in order to have a fulfilling journey on earth.

Caroline Etuhoko (Calgary)

Caroline Etuhoko is a marketing strategist and co-founder of Occaplex……an online event planning platform.

A stay at home mom, building a business online.

An Advocate of stronger and wealthier together

A business owner who understands the power of collaboration and support in boosting business growth and advocates for it. And this reflects in her weekly Business Showcase and Marketplace.

She is on a mission to empower entrepreneurial women to build faster with less effort using the effective power of word of month marketing strategies through collaboration.

She consults with business owners to expand their business visibility and revenue using different marketing and collaborative strategies specific to their unique business.

Andrea Cox (Calgary)

Andrea Cox was born and raised in Calgary and has a twin brother and an older sister born to Jamaican parents.  In her latter years, she identifies as a JAMADIAN  (Jamaican and Canadian). She also identifies as a professional volunteer who enjoys opportunities to spearhead events like Black History Gospel Extravaganza and the main inventor behind the Business Extravaganza in Calgary under CAAA (Caribbean Association of Adventist in Alberta). These events serve as platforms in her Community to come together and share their talents and various businesses with others.

After working in the Human Resource field as a Staffing Consultant for many years, Andrea did a career change during an economic downturn. Over the last 5 years, she has gained valuable experience with helping others understand the importance of Getting Their Affairs In Order. As a Licensed Pre-planning Consultant who is licensed in both BC and Alberta (she holds double licenses in Alberta, including one with the Alberta Funeral Board), she created a seminar to help others when it comes to unexpected deaths. She along with her other colleagues from Getting Your Affairs In order have partnered with various Lawyers and Funeral Home Professionals to help facilitate this seminar. Andrea’s passion is to share this valuable information so that help families understand the importance of Getting Their Affairs In Order before it is too LATE.

Aurel Hossou (Calgary)

Aurel grew up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast; an important city in French Speaking West Africa, where he was exposed to many cultures. He frequently attended centers such as the French Cultural Center or the American Cultural Center back in Africa. He moved to English Canada after high school, and graduated from Engineering from Dalhousie University, after which, he continued his career in the Oil and Gas industry. However, Aurel did notice every time he moved to a new city in North America that People of African Descents in general did not have such similar centralized organization like the French or the Americans back in his country, to help guide them, with culture, heritage, assimilation, settling down, business, networking and more. In 2015, Aurel created the Calgary Black Connection which is a networking platform where members can receive and ask for services. The platform is inclusive with members from Africans; Afro-Caribbeans; Afro-Latins; Afro-Americans and Afro-Brazilians. It is a safe place where everyone can request or receive services in the spirits of networking and entrepreneurship. The organization has a free-rein type of management where all members are free to start and lead their own project and reach out to the community for guidance, referral or targeted consumers. It is also a place where Afro-Descendants can find their Doctors, Lawyers, Babysitters, Dance Night, Restaurants or simply make some new friends. Finally, the Calgary Black Connection places an emphasis on Group Economics, Group Networking and Knowing our Commonly Shared Black History. The platform is informal and it has currently more than 250 members online and 800 members on a mailing list. In his spare time, Aurel is an avid dance teacher and believe that structure dance classes, such as Afro-Latin Salsa or African Kizomba are some wonderful ways that can allow everyone, to share a common place, a common hobby, meet face-to-face frequently and increase their networking abilities while celebrating around African Heritage and Culture.

AC Awards 2020 Nominees – Junior Achievement

Ann Maina (Calgary/Edmonton)

As a young Kenyan who immigrated to Canada at a young age Ann grew up shy and unsure of herself. Growing up an athlete instilled in Ann a “down but not out” attitude that she used to come out of her shell. Playing basketball also showed Ann how important having a trusted team is.

She would say that finding and keeping a supportive inner circle of friends and family has been her greatest achievement in life. For the past several years, Ann’s life has revolved around school, community, and pageantry. She entered university being awarded a leadership scholarship for her life accomplishments and the example she sets on a daily basis as a full-time employee and student. Including, but not limited to graduating high school in two years rather than the standard three, coaching Jr. High senior girls basketball team for two seasons, serving as the Director of Youth for the Kenyan Community Association, and helping to organize a few events with the Young African Professionals of Calgary.

She is now in her second year of university pursuing a business degree in Strategic Management and Organization. Her goal is to one day own a consulting company working with small and medium sized businesses to streamline operations in order to succeed in their industry. In September 2020, Ann competed in the Miss Canada Globe beauty pageant held in Toronto. This being her second pageant, Ann found that beauty is more than just appearance, a beauty queen has a presence about her; in the way she speaks, the way she carries herself and in the way people feel around her.

To Ann, true beauty comes from owning who you are and amplifying it to be the light for others. As Marianne Williamson would say, “As we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Ann is the founder of her pageant platform Know.Love.Lead: the journey to becoming an empowered woman. Know.Love.Lead is on a mission to ignite women’s self-discovery so that they can be their own change agent in life.

A mission to empower women to embrace their perfect imperfections as they continue to better know themselves, love themselves, and lead themselves. It is an organization that welcomes every woman in every stage of life to join the conversation of self-awareness (Know), self-worth (Love), and self-mastery (Lead). Know.Love.Lead has goals to collaborate with powerful women, host life-affirming weekend events and to reach girls in all corners of the earth with it’s message. For months she worked hard to prepare for the pageant; from fitness, to finding sponsorship, to community engagement, to confidence and poise, to platform building and awareness, to outfits, hair and make up, Ann gave 110% to be her best and truest self during the week in Toronto.

All her hard work paid off! Not only did she receive the Miss Leadership award given to the girl who possessed good leadership skills and was a good role model within the pageant since day one, but she returned to Alberta victorious! Ann Maina was crowned and titled, Miss Canadian Multi-National 2020/2021. As a result of this win, Ann begins her preparations to compete in the international pageant Miss Multi-National 2021 proud to represent Canada in India! Apart from her passion for business and personal development, people would be surprised to know that Ann loves the magic of Disney. Disney not only takes her back to her childhood, but it reminds her to always be childlike.

The world is full of possibilities and it is more fun living in it through eyes of wonder, curiosity, and laughter. She believes it is not the world that has changed but people’s perspective of it from childhood to adulthood. No adult is sheltered from the challenges of the world; however Ann makes the conscious choice of looking at the world from a place of possibility and empowerment.

Mohomed Bangura (Edmonton)

Mohamed Bangura is our nominee for Junior Achievement Award. Mohamed, AKA Tiger, is a focal point for many youths and young adults. He has established an entertainment business for himself. He recruits young and promising talents, train, and promote them using his own resources. A case in point is Slim Savage and the Winners of the 2017 AC Awards Entertainers of the Year. Tiger also promotes and collaborates with other artists. A case in point is the recent concert – Zoezoe2Fresh & LB Spiffy Canada Tours he hosted here in Edmonton last Friday.

Outside his busy schedule, Tiger provides guidance to youths that seek such supports and is always willing to help with facilitating rehabilitation for the needy.

Richard Tata (Red Deer)

I am Richard Tata, Visionary artist, and professional in the mediums of
Painting, Drawing, Photography, Music Production, Design, Visual
Direction and Editing.

I was born in Uganda, Africa and raised in South East Calgary, Alberta,
Canada. I went to Bishop Kidd Jr, Father Lacombe High School and studied
Visual Arts at Red Deer College.

Growing up in Calgary Alberta, from a community where art was never
looked at as a successful career, with God’s grace and blessings, I
challenged the odds. Especially being from a different ethnicity, I had
to fight for creative freedom within the Western culture.

VISIONARY ARTIST

Richard Tata

Ex Breakdancer, Hip-Hop & Soulful Sound-Wave influenced, Visual Artist,
Writer, Poet, Editor, Advisor, Photographer, Music Producer, Designer,
Director, Film Editor/ Producer, Painter, Sketch artist, Pro African
Activist, Creative Genius & a full time thinker.

proud creator and owner of :

Youtube ( King Rich )

Instagram ( @King__Rich )

Clothing Brand ( Only-Godx )

Art ( Killmatic-Sketches )

Facebook Page ( Facebook.com/killmaticsketches )

Through out my career and life it has been an honour being a part of
these events and community support.

* Shoot/ edited over 80 visual projects with high quality for potential
artists who can not afford one for free.

* 2018 & 2019 sold out solo art show titled ?Most Young Kings Get Their
Heads Cut-Off) – calgary

* 2020 Central Alberta Refugee Efforts- featured AB cultural day Artist
– red deer

* 2017 & 2018 – Education for somalia Boys and Girls Fundraiser mothers
day Tea Party – red deer

* Achieved over 15 free sketches / paintings for family/friends with
children victimized by death.

* Reached over 20 million streams in collaboration with Paris DJ @Raeve
on sound-cloud and spotify

* Showcased visuals and sold merchandise at events such as ssyc 2018
raising awareness for the youth Sudanese community

* Top student in RDC Visual Arts Courses; painting and drawing classes

* Original visual director and member of African Caribbean Society in
RDC

* 2017 Red Deer Art Battle Competitor

* Hakili Canadian non-profit organization visual director candidate

* Over 6 sketches tattoo

For paintings/ sketches, and quotes, including custom and commissioned
projects,see “inquiries” on my website killmaticsketches.com [1].

AC Awards 2020 Nominees – Artist of the Year

Gibril Bangura (Edmonton)

There is a popular adage in the Lingua FranÇa of Sierra Leone (Krio) that states: “Gud player nor dae fet for vest”. A loose interpretation in English Language will be: “A professional needs not struggle for recognition”. His work speaks for itself. Artist Gibril Bangura is a seasoned practising fine artist whose works speak volume.

Gibril’s painting have been nothing but addictive to viewers. His works have been widely recognized, displayed in art galleries, used in award ceremonies such as the recently concluded 2019 RISE Award (See attached), and purchased by many.

Gibril’s work does not bring laurels only to him, rather, the admiration of his work spreads recognition to his community – The Sierra Leone community. At the recently concluded Heritage Festival at Hawrelak Park, Gibril single-handedly brought life and colours to the New Comers Pavillion (where the Sierra Leone Community was housed) with his various artworks. His paintings attracted many including top politicians who did not only admire Gibril’s artworks but also purchased some at great prices. As much as he could, Gibril made his admirers know that he is from Sierra Leone. He also routinely makes voluntary donations to our community from proceeds of his artworks sales.

Please see the attachment and access the following link for a taste of Gibril’s handiwork.
http://www.thepatrioticvanguard.com/edmonton-art-gallery-showcases-sierra-leonean-painter

Arlene Meredith (Calgary)

Arlene Meredith lives in Calgary Alberta. Even though she hides, she is usually invited to the most unusual events to sing Gospel. Arlene is a singer, song writer and director. At Bethlehem United church in Toronto, she started singing on the youth choir at age ten because her parents and choir director noticed that she had an incredible singing voice and a desire to sing.

Even though the age to join the youth choir was thirteen and up, it was there that she said she will never forget the incredible experiences of her great start with singing. She soon became a choir director of the local youth and adult choir and the director of the National Mass Choir across Canada.

Arlene sang with many renowned singers and for many years with her incredible community choir “Witness A Blessing.” It was worth this group that Arlene sang on Breakfast Television. Arlene also traveled and sang for Cofi National Mission who provided food, clothes and supplies for students. Now in Calgary she sings at churches community events, on Instagram, YouTube and Zoom.

Lately she released her single called “Heaven”. You can subscribe to her channel on YouTube and share. Arlene said by the grace of God listen up for more releases in the near future.

Sydone Warren (Calgary)

Syd The Artiste, also known as Sydonne Warren, is a Calgary based Visual Artist who began her self taught art journey in 2013. Since then, Sydonne has developed into a professional Artist, Instructor and Designer and finally a student at Alberta University of the Arts. Sydonne predominantly creates portraits but has recently explored abstract works. Her artwork often showcases a combination of high contrasted subjects, bold but straightforward colour pallets, and a mixture of expressive strokes, drips and rigid lines.

Sydonne’s themes are usually a reflection of herself and her desire for people of the African diaspora not only to occupy but impact and own space.

AC Awards 2020 Nominees – Fashion Designer of the Year

Karen Stanley

Karen’s by Design Custom and Designer Sewing Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a second generation “self taught” seamstress knew from a young age that the art of creative design and sewing was innate.

Following in the footsteps of her mom and eldest sister, her passion and skill of transforming fabric into beautiful, elegant and formfitting apparel grew and continues to grow more and more. Karen obtained the knowledge and understanding in differentiating the uniqueness of the female body and what garment “lines” fits best.

This has enabled her to emerge as a Wardrobe Stylist/ Consultant, where she was praised for this ability as a volunteer at not-for-profit organization, Dress for Success, Calgary Alberta. Karen has over 10 years of “hands-on” training in dressmaking and alterations at Elegant Creations sewing studio in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In 2012/2013 Karen upgraded her knowledge and skills at the International School of Career/ ICS Canada in Dressmaking and Design graduated with Highest Honors.

Her confidence and efficiency have enabled her to provide remarkable, beyond expectation services in custom sewing, alterations, consulting to her clients for cultural, casual, evening, bridal wear, grad dresses and many other desired fashions. She has combined her love and aptitude for dressmaking in her most recent wardrobe designs for past two fashion shows she hosted in 2017 and 2018.

The skillfulness has materialized into custom designed creations for her customers and life changing tips for wardrobe mastery. She is capable and posses the knowledge to meet your every need in this ever changing world of fashion and manufacturing. She is focused, driven by quality and customer satisfaction. Karen’s by Design sews and design without borders.

Alèthe Kaboré

Alethe Kabore, designer for KYN Apparel that just launch a year ago has been a trail blazer in the fashion industry locally and beyond. her work incorporates African fabrics with regular western fabric in her modern and professional creations to make them suitable for everyday use and every weather use.

She has been an effective ambassador for the the African culture and proudly represents black entrepreneurs. He multiple appearances on the media, radio-TV-and print attests of her great work and her fresh look into fashion.

Recognizing her exceptional designs and the new vision she brings will not only encourage her to keep up her work of uplifting African culture but also recognized the great designs thus far.

Martha Yei-Caulker M’bayo

Martha Yei-Caulker M’bayo, born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, is a role model, celebrity, and the current leader of the Sierra Leone Women Support Group. Educated at one of the top Secondary Schools in Sierra Leone; the Freetown Secondary School for Girls, Martha also graduated with a Higher Teachers Certificate in Home Economics, specializing in Clothing and Textiles at the Milton Margai Teachers College. As a trained and practising Fashion Designer, Martha taught his discipline for ten years in one of the best schools in Freetown before coming to Canada. While in Africa, Martha, a model fashionist, was an icon to many including her peers and students. Her co-workers routinely looked forward to seeing what she would wear to work each day.

Martha is not only a model that show-cases various shades and designs of outfits, she equally produces them as well. She made outstanding outfits for friends, families, and co-workers. She did wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, regalia for various ceremonies and community functions.

Martha came to Canada in 2001 and since then, has been raising the bar in fashion design by making gorgeous outfits for herself, friends, families and members of various African communities. This invaluable service does not only satisfy community needs but saves community members the trouble and worries of having to send back home in Africa for their traditional/ceremonial dresses/regalia to be produced and shipped to them in a timely manner albeit at exorbitant costs.

Martha considers her talent as a blessing from God and is very thankful for it. Please check her personal Facebook account and that of SLAA for a glimpse of who this fashion designer is.

AC Awards 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award

Halima Ali

Halima Ali is the Executive Director, Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA).

 Employment History:  Currently with Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA), Red Deer, AB: 2005 – Present. Started when the organization was very small with only one office focused on one program, and transformed it to one of the most effective and well regarded immigrant service providers in Central Alberta.  Employed by COSTI Social Services, Toronto, ON, when I first came to Canada.  Prior to immigrating to Canada, I was employed by the “Women’s Education & Childcare Department” of the Ministry of Education in my home country of Somalia, where I was:

o Program Supervisor: Responsible for the coordination of seven “Women’s Education and Childcare Centers” in Gedo, south-west Somalia. Responsibilities included, planning, organizing, staffing and ensuring the effective and efficient operations of the Centers. o Consultant and Country Counter-part for a UNDP/FAO sponsored multi-year project, dealing with rural women education and development.

Education & Selected Professional Training:  Bachelor of Arts in Education (Major: Biology), National University, Mogadishu, Somalia.  Diploma Early Childhood Development, George Brown College, Toronto, ON.  Graduate, COADY Leadership Institute, St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia: 2012-13 (One year Leadership program).  Graduate, Red Deer Leadership Networks, Class of 2008 (One year leadership program for Central Alberta institutions, businesses and not-for-profit organizations). Membership and Volunteer work (Excepts):  Board member, Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIEW), Calgary, AB.  Board member, Central Alberta Diversity Association (CADA), Red Deer, AB.  Past member, Alberta Health Advisory Council (David Thompson Region): Nov 2011 – Nov 2014  Past Board member, Community Capital, Red Deer, AB. Awards and Recognition:  Winner, Alberta Daughters of the Year Award – 2020.  Winner, Red Deer Women of Excellence Award – 2009 (Community Services).