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The Nominees

Entrpreneurs of the year

Sylvio and Vivie Prophete

Sylvio and Vivie Prophete own Caribbean’s Finest Restaurant. The couple, has over the past 5 years worked greatly in developing their business and have contributed to helping the Haitian community by supporting and organizing fundraisers such as a fundraiser for the last Earthquake that hit part of our country, community events, and even volunteering their time, money and effort in order to promote the Haitian culture.
They have supported the Haitian community but also have supported the Edmontonian community at large. During the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires, they opened their doors and offered food and beverages to all in need.

Caribbean’s Finest is more than a restaurant serving Haitian food. It is a hub where Haitian newcomers and also friends of the Haitian community come together and share information crucial for their integration in the community at large. It is where Haitians gather and are able to get help when need be.
Caribbean’s Finest Restaurant does not only employ Haitians, but they employ anyone that is willing to work. They employ members of the African community in their restaurant and studio. In 2018, Caribbean’s Finest Restaurant received an award celebrating its positive impact on 118th avenue as a business contributing to the development of the area.
Caribbean’s Finest owner Sylvio and his wife, have contributed to providing jobs, shelter and food to many Haitians in need and to non-Haitians as well.
They are pride for not only the Haitian Community but for the Edmontonian community at large and deserve this award in our view as they continue to expand their business which has opened a second location and in doing so, increase their impact on our community as well as other communities

Charles Osuji

Charles Osuji is the owner/Managing Partner of Osuji & Smith Lawyers, an Alberta full service law firm that has been in business for over 38 years.

After graduating at the top of his 160 graduating class, Charles proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where he was called to the Bar in 2010. Shortly afterwards, Charles immigrated to Canada in 2011. He quickly completed his accreditation process, joined Smith Law Office as a law student in 2013 and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2014. A year and half later, Charles became a named Partner at Osuji & Smith and the sole owner of the firm a few months later. Shortly after Charles took over the Firm, Osuji & Smith was rated one of the best employment law firms in Calgary and has maintained that rating for 3 consecutive years. Osuji & Smith has also been rated one of the best business lawyers in Calgary. Osuji & Smith has also been nominated for the 2019 Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment, given by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Charles has been featured by the Lawyers’ Daily, IAF Canada and the Global News and has been nominated for the 2018 Immigrant of Distinction (Achievement under 35) Award by Immigrant Services, Calgary, the 2016 Professional of the Year award by OBSIDIAN and the 2019 Hope Awards for his community services. Charles is a passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable lawyer. He is one of the leading young lawyers in Calgary and takes pride in providing effective and practical legal advice to his clients: http://www.osujismith.ca.

Stuch Joseph

 Stuch migrated to Canada from Antigua and Barbuda in 1981 with his mother and siblings. He always had the dream to have his own business and has always lived his life with an entrepreneurial spirit. Stuch became a self made business man, he gained experience in everything from hair & beauty, restaurants [Over by Stuch, The Caribbean; Chicken & Roti Restaurant], dj’ing [still presently known as DJ Stuch] and so much more. In May of 1993 Stuch opened his first business in the SE of Calgary, Alberta; Island Beat. Island Beat started as a small shop with records, cassettes and more carrying his Caribbean influence into a local Canadian shop, it developed into many things over the years. He had a turn at a clothing store, grocery store, dollar store, nail salon and even massage but Island Beats most reputable and most important influence had in the community is his reputation as the longest standing Unisex Hair Salon/Barbershop and Beauty Supplies Store in the city specializing in Black Hair. Over the years Stuch has been a staple participant in the community and many of you know him, too. Whether it was the man who DJ your wedding, or who hosted your favourite artists like Mighty Sparrow, Beenie Man, Chaka Demus & Plies, Byron Lee & The Dragonaires, Lady Saw, or Leroy Gibbons to name a few. Maybe the man who you use to see at the disco doing the limbo! Maybe he was the man who provided a consistent market place for you to purchase your hair & beauty needs and where you went or brought your kids to get their hair done, maybe you were in the Carifest or Cariwest dancing behind his truck in the parade. Maybe he was that loving father you saw with his kids. Whatever it may be, Stuch is the man who got to make his dream reality, that 38 years ago was just a seed, and now it is so much more.Stuch migrated to Canada from Antigua and Barbuda in 1981 with his mother and siblings. He always had the dream to have his own business and has always lived his life with an entrepreneurial spirit. Stuch became a self made business man, he gained experience in everything from hair & beauty, restaurants [Over by Stuch, The Caribbean; Chicken & Roti Restaurant, djing [still presently known as DJ Stuch] and so much more. In May of 1993 Stuch opened his first business in the SE of Calgary, Alberta; Island Beat. Island Beat started as a small shop with records, cassettes and more carrying his Caribbean influence into a local Canadian shop, it developed into many things over the years. He had a turn at a clothing store, grocery store, dollar store, nail salon and even massage but Island Beats most reputable and most important influence had in the community is his reputation as the longest standing Unisex Hair Salon/Barbershop and Beauty Supplies Store in the city specializing in Black Hair. Over the years Stuch has been a staple participant in the community and many of you know him, too. Whether it was the man who DJ your wedding, or who hosted your favourite artists like Mighty Sparrow, Beenie Man, Chaka Demus & Plies, Byron Lee & The Dragonaires, Lady Saw, or Leroy Gibbons to name a few. Maybe the man who you use to see at the disco doing the limbo! Maybe he was the man who provided a consistent market place for you to purchase your hair & beauty needs and where you went or brought your kids to get their hair done, maybe you were in the Carifest or Cariwest dancing behind his truck in the parade. Maybe he was that loving father you saw with his kids. Whatever it may be, Stuch is the man who got to make his dream reality, that 38 years ago was just a seed, and now it is so much more.

Sariette Banyk Kwedja Tanda

Dear Sir/Madam My name is Banyk chia I am the ceo of ALSF. Alternative Legal Service Firm Inc, Certified Mediator, Certified Entrepreneur and Qualified legal assistant with years of legal experience. I am writing you because I would want to nominate myself for the Entrepreneur of the year or Professional of the year. I landed in Canada in 2014 with my international Background as Lawyer. Being francophone in Alberta was challenging specially because I wanted to have legal experience in the Canadian legal system to build my future. In 2015 I graduated from CDI College with a legal assistant diploma. From 2015 to 2017 I was a job hunter hoping to find a job in the legal system as legal assistant no one wanted to hire me may be because at that time my English was not that strong. I had to volunteer from 2016 to 2017 with may law firms and organizations. While volunteering I learned it was possible for me to sell legal services as independent paralegal in Alberta. In February 05 2018 I incorporated my company and since I have been running successfully. Why I deserve one of the Award is because of my perseverance, integrity and consistency I want to use my award to encourage all Internationally Trained Lawyer not to give up to their dreams just because of the adversity in Canada. Today I am not yet a lawyer but I got what I wanted a job and experience to better sell myself tomorrow when I become a lawyer. I will continue to fight hard until I am finally a lawyer in Canada. I want to use the award as a motivation to finally accomplish my dreams. I want the award to remind me how the road was not easy but I was able to make it happen. Sariette Banyk Kwedja Tanda CEO of ALSF. Alternative Legal Service Firm Incorporated Phone: 780-719-4113 website: www.alsfi.com

Yinka Oladele

Yinka with her UPS store also does a good job understanding who is doing what in the community career-wise and is helping in promoting the various businesses in the community so as a Community, we can all support each other

 

Alimamy Samura

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 haircutting 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.

Judges : I present to you, Mr. Alimamy Samura for the award of Entrepreneur of The Year. Thank you.

Professional of the Year

Temitope Oriola is a professor of criminology at the University of Alberta. Temitope Oriola is joint Editor-in-Chief of African Security journal. He is vice president and president-elect of the Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS), the major national multidisciplinary body of scholars in Canada engaged in studying the African continent. A recipient of the Governor General of Canada Academic Gold Medal, Oriola’s book Criminal Resistance? The Politics of Kidnapping Oil Workers (Routledge 2016 [orig. 2013]) is one of a small number of book-length sociological investigations of political kidnapping in the English language.

Oriola’s ongoing research focuses on the ascendance of extremist non-state transnational actors, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin. This research investigates the intricacies of the ascendance of Boko Haram, the trends and patterns of Boko Haram’s operations, the gender dimensions (particularly kidnapping of and sexual and gender-based violence against women and young girls) and the backdrop of global jihadi terrorist trajectories. Oriola’s research expertise encompasses terrorism studies and violent extremism, sexual and gender-based violence, transnational crimes, oil insurgencies and state crimes, political violence, policing and use of force by police, kidnapping and human rights. Oriola’s expert opinions are regularly sought by various governmental and non-governmental agencies.

Professor Oriola has published in leading scholarly venues such as the British Journal of Criminology, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, Third World Quarterly, Sociology, Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Ethics and Critical Studies on Terrorism, among others.  His research has received funding from organizations such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the Killam Trusts. Oriola is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship (2015 and 2017).

Professor Oriola is committed to international education and professional development on the African continent. He has served as resource person during professional development workshops at universities in countries like Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. These activities have brought him in contact with many students and faculty who have benefitted from his experiences as a journal editor, scholarly evaluator and academic in a top 100 global university. Oriola has contributed to raising academic standards among students and faculty at universities such as the University of Port Harcourt, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Ekiti State University and Nile University, among others. Through his academic leadership and career mentoring, Oriola motivates students, particularly those from non-mainstream backgrounds to pursue their educational goals.

Over the years, African and non-African students at the University of Alberta have benefitted from his presence in the classroom. Oriola views teaching as a conscientious and unwitting process of shaping minds and society. As he notes in his teaching dossier “Teaching, for me, provides the pedestal for the socio-genesis of the human, material, and ideational infrastructure of society. A teacher may choose to assist students adapt to the vicissitudes of society in order to guarantee their survival and those with whom they share the most intimate relationships, while leaving the society — irrespective of historical trajectories and social flows — unperturbed. On the other hand, a teacher may painstakingly engage students to think critically about their society, their place in it, and duty to humanity. I elect the latter.”

Professor Oriola brings his experiences to bear on his pedagogical practices having lived and studied on two continents, Africa and North America. He espouses a unique international dimension of knowledge dissemination as a citizen of a developing country and a transmigrant in Canada. He furnishes students with the necessary critical, analytical, and sophisticated theoretical tools and engagement techniques fundamental to understanding society. Professor Oriola encourages students to think “glocally” (i.e. both globally and locally) even with respect to issues that do not directly concern them. Professor Oriola’s pedagogy has an unflinching commitment to social and economic justice.

Finally, for outstanding contributions to teaching, international education and professional development, I heartily and unreservedly nominate Professor Temitope Oriola for the Professional of the Year award.

Daniel Oldfield

Daniel Oldfield has been a Journalist/Broadcaster over the last forty years ; even prior to his assignment in Edmonton to cover the IAAF World Athletics Championship in 2001. Daniel started active journalism after completing school in 1976. After several classes in journalism, Daniel worked for several media houses including PROGRESS Newspaper, and the African Standard/Sports Stars Newspapers. Daniel then worked for Liberty Voice and Salone Times Newspapers. In 1988, he joined the staff of the National Media House, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Services (SLBS/TV) News Rooms until departure to cover the IAAF World Athletics Championship in Edmonton.

In Canada, Daniel teamed up with the veteran journalist, The Late Alhaji Saramadi Kabba to launch an African Magazine in 2010. Three years ago, Daniel opened a Facebook Page – Daniel Oldfield’s Corner, where he reports events from across the world.

Daniel Oldfield’s Corner is now the main source of information for Sierra Leoneans both within Alberta and overseas including as far as Australia. He covers all issues relating to all sorts of life: community events, sports, politics, topical issues, etc. His reporting has helped drawn attention to needy community members such as bereaved community members who received help via community donations and Go-Fund Me page campaign largely due to publications put out by Daniel Oldfield.

Daniel has been serving our community both as a journalist and host, covering various community events including our Independence Celebrations, award ceremonies, receptions, moderating panel discussions, and conducting and publishing interviews. Because of his invaluable services to our community, Daniel has been awarded the position of Community Journalist and recently won an award given by the Solid Rock Church.

Judges: Considering his admirable track-record as a journalist with more than forty years of service, both in developed and developing communities, I strongly nominate Daniel Oldfield for the award of Professional of the Year.

Charles Osuji

Charles Osuji is the owner/Managing Partner of Osuji & Smith Lawyers, an Alberta full-service law firm that has been in business for over 39 years.

After graduating at the top of his 160 graduating class, Charles proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where he was called to the Bar in 2010. Shortly afterward, Charles immigrated to Canada in 2011. He quickly completed his accreditation process, joined Smith Law Office as a law student in 2013 and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2014. A year and half later, Charles became a named Partner at Osuji & Smith and the sole owner of the firm a few months later. Shortly after Charles took over the Firm, Osuji & Smith was rated one of the best employment law firms in Calgary and has maintained that rating for 3 consecutive years. Osuji & Smith has also been nominated for the 2019 Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment, given by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Charles has also been rated one of the best Business Lawyers in Calgary for 2019.

Charles has been featured by the Lawyers’ Daily, IAF Canada, and the Global News and has been nominated for the 2018 Immigrant of Distinction (Achievement under 35) Award by Immigrant Services, Calgary, the 2016 Professional of the Year award by OBSIDIAN and the 2019 Hope Awards for his community services. He was recognized as of the “Outstanding Africans” in Canada for 2018, and the recipient of the 2019 CY Ekwulugo Award for Community Service and volunteering from the Igbo Community, Calgary.

Charles is a passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable lawyer. He is one of the leading young lawyers in Calgary and takes pride in providing effective and practical legal advice to his clients.

 

Abdoulaye BARRY

Abdoulaye BARRY is a Program Lead at A4HC. He obtained a Master Degree in Finance, Entrepreneurship and Business Development from Nancy University in France and completed a Project Leadership and Management Certificate from NAIT, Alberta. He is strong supporter of Economic Development.

Abdoulaye has over 10 years of experience working as a Project Team and/or Manager, 5 years in business development. As a project manager for Association des Reseaux d’Experts en Environnement et Developpement (AREED), Abdoulaye conducted a feasibility study and deployment strategies to equip a rural community in West Africa with an integrated project by converting a pure vegetable oil (Jatropha Curcas Linn) produced locally into gasoline to generate electricity and power a grain mill, a local hospital, a school, and an irrigation generator of women’s vegetable gardens. He developed a model to provide income generation activities for youth and women coops.

Since 2008, Abdoulaye has been helping thriving International NGOs, communities, youth and marginalized people by assisting them in defining and implementing their organizational diagnostics, strategic planning, including fundraising and building income-generating activities. As Oxfam Youth Entrepreneurship and Civic Engagement Program Manager in Burkina Faso, he participated in advocating entrepreneurship within 35 high schools, colleges and universities which equivalent to 4500 direct targets/students. He has planned, implemented, monitored, and evaluated many socio-economic projects, which led to policy and national strategy changes. He also led and managed a team of 9 staff with Government of Alberta funded project in employability and social development.

Abdoulaye has strong experience in project management, including risk management, budget planning and monitoring, project evaluation and quality control, etc. He was awarded 2 major competitions in France, all oriented on sustainable development and community socio-economic growth. He finally participated in a Research and Development on social enterprises in Ontario to identify and define their scale, scope and impact in Ontario economic growth.

He is well involved in Edmonton Community as a Board of Director, where he occupies different chair and steering committee positions for strategic planning, Bylaw and HR policies development and/or review. Under his leadership, Edmonton obtained the first brand New Francophone Elementary Public School, approved in the 2018 provincial government budget.

Abdoulaye is bringing to AHC his abilities in conceiving sustainable projects that can lift people with barriers and communities. His knowledge of integrated program has been supporting AHC socially responsible and its communities strong and viable.

 

Natasha B. Russell

Natasha B. Russell, BCMM is a Public Relations Communications and Public Relations Consultant. She is a confident communication and mindset coach, as well as a motivational Speaker.

Natasha B. Russell is a successful entrepreneur who has more than 17 years of professional communications and public relations experience working in the corporate world in a variety of communications advisory and project management roles for large, reputable organizations within the agency, legal and energy sector. Natasha graduated with honours from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations. She also has certifications in Life Coaching, Motivational Speaking, Crisis and Risk Management and Online Reputation Management from IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) and is media trained. Additionally, she is a Director with the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA), is the Chair of the AEEA’s Membership Committee and is a Business Mentor with Futurepreneur. Natasha is passionate about making a positive impact in as many lives as possible through coaching, speaking and consulting. She enjoys volunteering with non-profit organizations who support and educate children and youth in need.

Joy Gihana

Joy holds a Bachelors degree in Legal laws (LLB) and a masters degree in counselling psychology. I think I deserve this award because moving to Canada 10 years ago, it was easy to penetrate through the education system. But despite the hurdles and hardships I was able to enrol in school while I worked full time and was mothering 3kids all under the age of 5 (at that time).
In addition I was able to do school without accruing any student loans which wasn’t an easy thing to do.

Neva Perrotte

Neva owns her own Insurance Agency and does an amazing job in her career by doing an amazing job training her staff and always being around to answer questions and assist in any way she can.

Community Leader of the Year

Tope Akindele

Tope Akindele was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada since 2010. As soon he got here, he sought to connect with the community members and was part of the rallying force that brought different groups from the Nigerian community together under one umbrella. He is a community minded individual who has contributed a lot of his time, volunteering in the community and ensuring that newcomers and members of the Nigerian community embrace and integrate into the Canadian culture and society. His community spirit, his patience and ability to connect with people on different levels has made him a go to person to bridge connections and problem solve within the community. He is a natural servant leader who has been and continues to be exemplary in service.

Some of his community initiatives Tope has successfully strengthened the Nigerian Canadian Association of Edmonton Ceremony (NCAE). Nigeria being a country made up of lots of different ethnic groups, there was some difficulty coming together as a group to speak with one voice and provide community and support to other newcomers who want to identify with the Nigerian community as group. Prior to his joining the leadership of the association, it was fledgling. He grew the organization to one that serves over 200 families in Edmonton, with fourteen board members currently.

He organizes community events. A recent one is the celebration of the 59th Nigeria’s Independence on October 05 2019. This brought together members of the community to network and have a fun gettogether, with music and food. It was a way of bringing families out of isolation and providing a platform for socializing, engaging with one another and expanding circles of friendship. The attendance was up to 210 persons. This event also brought together the immigrant community with the mainstream organizations and resources, who were sponsors for this event. Community leaders like Honorable Amarjeet Sohi and Counsellor John Dziadyk were in attendance. Counsellor John Dziadyk represented the Mayor Don Iverson and declared October 1st Nigeria Independence Day in Edmonton.

Tope also coordinated the raising of the Nigerian flag at the flagpole of the Winston Churchill square in Edmonton as part of the activities to mark the independence celebration. This sparked such a joy and pride in Edmontonians of Nigerian heritage and boosted community spirit, especially in young people. This year’s Heritage Days celebration was a unique opportunity he took to create an avenue for young people to volunteer in key roles at the Nigerian stand, to identify with the culture and engage with people in a fun way.

He is a community activist who speaks out against racism and delivers the community’s stand against all barriers to full integration.

He saw many projects within the association to fruition, most of them with a focus on connecting community members to each other for various supports and in a variety of settings –social, education, empowerment sessions, etc. He also connected many families to the organization to network and access resources available for them. He connects newcomers to resource through the immigrant serving agencies in Edmonton.

He makes time from his full time employment to do all these and his efforts has enabled the Nigerian association to become stronger. Tope has dedicated himself to the service of community and assistance of those struggling to settle into a new city. And all of these contributions were on volunteer time, without payment.

Why he has chosen to become involved in these initiatives Tope believes that it is important for newcomers and members of the community to fully contribute to the health of the Canadian society. When he moved to Edmonton, he found a niche. He knew that he could support many newcomers that were making Edmonton their new home, and also the Canadian born Nigerians. He spends a lot of his time serving to bridge the integration of newcomers in the city and to create networks that serve both newcomers and other Nigerian community members. His mission is to ensure that the Nigerian newcomer has a support network to help their transitioning into a new life in Canada and to ensure physical and mental stability for them.

The need that is served through these initiatives and the impact it has on the community Tope brought a new hope and motivation to the Nigerian community to come together as one and support each other. He is a tireless leader who emotes trust. The community strongly feels the positive impact of his leadership style. The NCAE is now playing a significant role in integrating people into the larger Canadian Society. Tope’s work has been of great benefit to not only the Nigerian community but to the larger society. 1. He supports families in learning about the Edmonton system. 2. Mental and physical wellbeing for the community is enhanced by his involvement. 3. He builds capacity among members of the community. 4. He informs the community of resources and keep them current regarding news that would impact families in any way. 5. He connects resource persons with the Board of NCAE and community members to provide information sessions, workshops and trainings in leadership and capacity building. Some of the workshops were with: 6. His support for the youth enables them to focus on their short-term and long term goals. He is such an active multi-tasker and an ardent believer in self-giving.

Measure of the impact of his work Tope’s work has helped in many ways to prepare Edmonton for newcomers and vice versa. The NCAE has partnered with other agencies and organizations, both communities and mainstream, to explore synergies and to promote the understanding of the diverse members of the City and to create a sense of belonging for all. Some of the impact of his work can be seen in the following ways: 1. The community now has a visible and vibrant organization that newcomers can quickly connect with to ensure they have the support they need. 2. More and more members of the community are brought out of isolation as they connect and be a part of the events that he organizes. 3. Reducing the gap between the Canadian culture and the Nigerian culture by helping his community members to integrate with the Canadian society.

Demonstration of ongoing commitment Tope has always been a very cautious, caring, and intuitive leader and has proven this repeatedly. He is always on top of his game not only because of is great instinctive ability to lead, but also the amount of time and effort he takes to find the best resources for the NCAE. He sources funds to ensure that projects in the community are executed without a hitch. He connects with community members who can be a resource in their different professions to support members and community projects. Some of them are researchers, doctors, lawyers, all helping the community in one way of another to thrive. Tope continues to pour himself into the community work solely on volunteering basis, showing commitment and passion
for helping and mentoring. He constantly coaches young people and tries to develop up and coming community leaders in order that there will be a succession plan for the Nigerian Community leadership.

Qualities that make him an excellent candidate to receive this Award? Tope is an individual who is very community minded and works to ensure full participation of individuals in the community. I believe that some of the qualities that have shown up in his community work are:  responsibility  creativity  Being proactive  effective communicator  honesty  empathy

He is tireless when it comes to volunteering for the community. He is usually available and responsive even at tough times of the day. He puts others needs ahead of his own. He always brings new initiatives to support the current NCAE board and to expand the work of the organization. He is so involved in the community that he proactively suggests initiatives that move the community forward and help the youth and their parents live fuller and more integrated lives in Edmonton.

Kazir Coulibaly

If everyday our communities are concerned first with their members by their own skills, their work and by the enthusiasm of the people that leaders have to galvanize, communities will improve better their daily life. Born in 1978 in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa), Salif Kazir Coulibaly was a former City Councilor and President of Social Affairs commission from 2013 to 2015 in his home town of Fronan in Côte d’Ivoire. He did not hesitate to engage in non-profit organizations upon his arrival in Canada in May 2015. CANAVUA, WATERWING Department at BOYLE STREET COMMUNITY SERVICE, ACTION FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITY and COMMUNAUTÉ IVOIRO-CANADIENNE D’EDMONTON (CICE) where he is the current President, are some organizations which Kazir did not need to be asked twice to be a volunteer. Kazir has spread his energy, used his skills to help communities and organizations to move forward. In his role as President of CICE, he is ensuring the empowerment of women as well as working hard on building intercultural relationships rather than multicultural.

He likes to say women are the backbone of humanity and if they are well organized in diversity and love, there is no reason Peace will not be achieved. The traditional fashion describing the culture of communities and countries has been one of his tools he used to make women association great again. Also, giving half of the seats of CICE board to women in order to involve them in decision making has provided new thoughts and understanding of some concepts. One of his projects was to design the website of the community and create a YouTube Channel to easily spread what communities do all over the world. He has completed this project and he is on track to perform those services.

Regarding the intercultural project, his commitment remains high. Working to bring all communities together by sharing experience, sharing reliable and accurate information, providing support, are some challenges Kazir and his team are working on. “We cannot help everyone but everyone can help someone”Ronald Reagan said. Cultural events, workshops, barbecues, becoming a member in all organizations, attending other communities’ activities, are some actions he achieved with his team during the past 6 months. Many projects need to be executed so let’s work side by side with community members in order to achieve the greater goal of completing the required projects, Kazir said.

Giscard Kodiane

Giscard Kodiane was the first french speaking immigrant in Edmonton to promote the cultures of newcomers by promoting a strong tradition of oral history and the value of traditional dance competitions in different communities throughout their youth, with the goal of retaining the right to ‘teach history to future generations about their ancestors, which gives rise to a positive attitude of the host society.

Giscard arrived in Canada in March 2009 from Côte d’Ivoire, and he quickly inspired the creation of the Ivorian-Canadian community of Edmonton, then the community of French-speaking African associations in Edmonton, as well as the creation of a consular office of representation of Côte d’Ivoire in Edmonton. Today, as a board member of Pont Cultural Bridge (PCB, of which he is a co-founder) and also as FRAP-PASE’s Community Connection Agent, he continues his tireless work of gathering and unification of community members, and community associations in Edmonton.

Joy Gihana

Joy Gihana is Mental Health/Family psychotherapist. She is the owner of family Life and Beyond, a private practice with a mission for empower individuals, couples, parents and families to be their best version through counseling, workshops and seminars.

Joy Gihana wears many different hats; wife and a mother (of 3 gorgeous babies), community leader, Psychotherapist, College instructor, to mention but a few.

 She holds a Bachelor Degree in Law (LLB) and a Master Degree in Counseling Psychology. In 2009 when Joy moved to Canada she secured herself the first job in Canada as a case worker in the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for newcomers. Having worked with the United Nation High commission for Refugees as resettlement worker, Joy was able to support newcomers and immigrants to Canada integrate in the new foreign land.

In 2012, Joy Gihana secured herself a job as a Family Intervention Generalist, whose job was to work in partnership with the Ministry of Children Services  (Edmonton) to support and protect children and their families.

In 2014 Joy Gihana decided to purse a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. This was one of the hardest phases of Joy’s life as she had three kids all under the age of 5 at the time. In addition mothering her 3 children, she was still holding down a 3 full time job. What sets Joy Gihana apart is that despite all the hurdles that life brought her at point in time, she was able to graduate with honours Masters degree from Yorkville University in 2016.

In 2016, Joy Gihana was able to secure a job with Mcman youth, family and community services as a clinician. As a clinician Joy ensured the program met the therapeutic needs of the clients while ensuring the agency’s values are maintained. Additionally Joy provided individual counseling and therapy to families, coaching and training staff, and on-going support and problem solving to staff within the programs.

Joy also works as an instructor curriculum developer and at Norquest College in the faculty of health and community studies.

Joy also has a deep-seated passion for community; she has tirelessly worked for her community and beyond her community. Joy has as a member on various boards in her community, church and her kids school.

Joy believes that it takes a thriving individual to make a thriving family that makes a thriving community, it takes one to tango.

Oury Barry

As a president of Guineans in Edmonton, I have done lot of thing, for example:

1. offer an organized framework of consultation, reflection for the defense of the interests of the Guineans in edmonton

2. Establish good working relationships with others Alberta communiques and associations

3. Establish bonds of friendship and solidarity between Guinean and Albertan associations

4. Welcoming new Guineans who wish to settle in edmonton

5. Organize cultural and social activities to make known, appreciate, and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the community of guineans

I started helping my community since 2010 until now.

 

Mini Leon Star Coaches

I would love to nominate the mini Leon star couches for their delectation and hard work put into our youth every Saturday of the year for about 3 years and also Wednesday or Thursday doing the summer. The mini team carry the Africa tournament cup two years in a row. I am nominating them for job well done.

Zainab Mohamoud

Zainab Mohamoud completes bachelor’s degree in 2019 @U of C . She has 3 years of experience in social work. Zainab has founded the Education for Somali Girls and Boys Fund in Somalia in 2014. The school was finally completed in 2015 and currently has 200 students enrolled. The reasoning for her founding of the school is due to the fact when she was living there (post 1990 war) she found it difficult to get an education and to be treated equally in Somalia. She made it her mission to make a difference and to do her best to ensure that children in the next generation would not encounter the same problem.

As of right now, the school is currently teaching grades 1-8. Zainab has received several awards including Daughter of the Year Award in 2014, the Soroptimist Ruby Award in 2015 & the Recognition of Women of Excellence in 2016. Award Friends with Diversity Magazine in 2018. She has been featured for her social work expertise and achievements in Somalia in various local newspapers in Red Deer, Shaw TV, Red Deer College Alumni in 2016, Edmonton newspaper & interviewed on the radio station in Ohio Columbus. Canada which is where she resides currently.

She’s been living in Canada since 1997. The next project she has in mind is to provide room/board for the students in her school. She is looking to reduce the travel time for them and provide them with housing and meals to facilitate the process. The key to her success has been strictly networking and making connections with others internationally. Her greatest accomplishment has been pursuing her degree and starting the school in Somalia.

Donnovan Simon

Donnovan Simon is the consummate contributor to the community. Since moving to Calgary from Jamaica in 2001, he has been involved in numerous community organizations. He is currently the President of the Jamaican Canadian Association Alberta (JCAA). He has been leading the Association since 2015. Donnovan was also President of the JCAA from 2008-2010. He has served on the board of the Caribbean Community Council (the organizers of the annual Carifest parade), the planning committee for Reggaefest as well as served on the Executive of the Calgary and District Cricket League.

As President of the JCAA, Donnovan has spearheaded numerous initiatives including, financial literacy programs for youth, integration support for new Jamaicans to Calgary as well as rejuvenation of the brand of the JCAA. He was instrumental in building the organization’s strategic plan (2016-2021) as well as creating key strategic partnerships to support their flagship event, Taste of Jamaica, which is an annual showcase of Jamaican culture. Additionally, he has forged partnerships with other community agencies such as The Centre for Newcomers and Action Dignity to further the presence of the Jamaican community and to contribute to the cultural diversity of the city. He has also served as a mentor in the Multicultural Mentorship Programme offered by the Centre for Newcomers.

He has also been the primary architect and driver of the collaboration forum for Caribbean Associations in Calgary. The Caribbean Presidents’ Forum, a collaboration of Associations (representing Haiti, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Guyana, Caribbean Community Council and the Caribbean Heritage Sports Council) was formed out of Donnovan’s idea in 2017 and this collaboration has produced the Caribbean Black History Celebrations and the Caribbean Youth Summit for the last two years (2018 – 2019) He is the current Convenor of the Caribbean Presidents’ Forum.
In addition to his activities within the Caribbean Community, Donnovan has also served on the School Council for the Ecole St Pius school for three years (2014 – 2017).

Professionally, Donnovan is an Executive for a medical device manufacturing company here in Calgary. He is the author of two business books, The Way You Make Me Feel – 20 Lessons in Customer Service and Social Media Equals Social Customer: Managing Customer Experience in the Age of Social Media.

Kemoh Mansaray

Mr. Kemoh Mansaray, Former President of The Sierra Leone Association of Alberta, is a wellrespected and sought-after community leader. He has served in many elected positions on notfor-profit boards of directors. He has been President/Chair, Vice President, Secretary, Committee Chair and Board Member for organizations such as the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition, the Clareview Multicultural Centre, and the Sierra Leone Association of Alberta. He also served as a community representative on the Advisory Committee to the City of Edmonton’s Council Initiative on Public Engagement, bringing important insight into creating more inclusive public engagement practices for all Edmontonians.

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition, Mr. Mansaray worked in fostering and strengthening partnerships with a wide variety of existing and new stakeholders (community members, social service organizations, and regional and provincial funders), improving programs, addressing personnel and financial issues, and developing organizational policies.

Kemoh was the founding board chair of the Clareview Multicultural Centre that is now a nonprofit organization serving many new immigrants and refugee communities in the Northeast of Edmonton.

During his term as president of the Sierra Leone Association of Alberta, the association’s membership expanded. He also helped built collaborations with mainstream and other community organizations. He led the Sierra Leone community to have its first Flag Raising Ceremony at the City Hall Plaza (Churchill Square Community Pole). Mr. Mansaray encouraged and promoted the culture of Sierra Leone by supporting community sub-groups in showcasing their cultures. ARIE Edmonton is one of the signature ‘look-forward to’ from the community. This has helped Sierra Leoneans reconnect to their roots.

Unsung Hero Nominees

Gizzie Arku

I have been part of the growth of my community through volunteering. I have represented my community at the heritage festival for four appearances and in those appearances we have been able to win twice best food categories. I also continue to serve in various like committees within my community to help move forward.

I also volunteers this year at Afro-fest to promote the act of volunteering to my fellow volunteers in my community as well. So, this is why I deserve to nominate myself as a leader of community of the year. And if anyone else nominate me from now on, those act of volunteering will be the reason why anyone will nominate me. Thanks for your understanding.

Rachel Fallah

“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 outspoken political advocate.

Judges: With passion, I do hereby nominate Rachel Fallah for the Unsung Hero Award. Thank.

 

Anane Dabala

Anane Dabala is a Settlement Community navigator at Action for Healthy Communities to connect with fellow new newcomers support a job club we collaboratively created with her to help newcomers get jobs. From our perspective she is has created and maintains the project with weekly support from our Employment Specialist, but mostly she defines and sets the content and largely delivers it.

From the perspective of people she supports, they know she will do whatever is necessary to help them get first jobs, but also to get better jobs and to recognize and plan to work on new skills necessary to build Canadian careers. From my perspective as a supporter of community-based empowerment I have never met anyone as ferociously committed to helping people grow and develop.

It is a real privilege to work with her and help her become more deeply a part of our city and to watch her take on new skills, ideas and abilities. If, as part of the selection process for the AC Award “Professional of the Year” there is anything else you’d like to know about Anane, please let me know, I’d be more than happy to oblige.

Althea CLARKE/ Powell

I have gone through hills and valleys but I stay strong consistent, I have become a leader through perseverance I have to learn how to be positive be the change I want to see in other , I have removed the mask I can now teach others the fight in our community show hope much love me are lacking in i will help to teach that love to make us stronger as a unit rather than divide.

Andrea Cox

Andrea Cox volunteers in a lot of capacities to bring awareness to our communities and the people within. Her aim is to deliver actionable information to us for the purpose of keeping us informed on our options and helping us better take care of ourselves and our families. She works tirelessly organizing and participating in several events that bring much needed information to our communities. She gets very little for what she gives but seems undeterred as she is committed to improving the lives of those in our community.

Masani St. Rose

I am the owner of an established business, Masani Consulting Services, running in Alberta for the last 19 years that promotes leadership, community building and healing through African-inspired movement. I specialize in dance from the Caribbean as well as dance from Guinea and Senegal.

The most recent project that I have undertaken is bringing Canadian families who have adopted children from Caribbean and African countries together using dancing and drumming as a cultural experience. My goal is to get people moving from soul to sole!

 

Ashford Baker

Ashford is always out in the community being a positive person helping people and doing various activities with them. He works with the young and the old and just enjoys giving back. Even with his business, he gives more then he gets back.

Susan Jennifer Cambridge

Susan was born in Trinidad and Tobago and is a Caribbean girl as she likes to be called.

 She migrated to Canada in 2012 and has since made Lloydminster her home.  Susan is happily married and lives with her husband Dan, her three daughters and her step- daughter. A healthy family lifestyle is important to Susan as she thrives for balance whilst at work, volunteering, making a happy home, networking and keeping the sparks in her recent marriage of 4 years.

Prior to arriving in Canada Susan’s professional experience spans from 10 years in the Airline Industry, over 15 years in Broadcasting, 5 years in the Advertising Industry, 14 years as a Certified Event Manager, and 5 years as Manager of her own production company.

In Lloydminster, Susan took the challenge of adjusting and sought employment opportunities at Servus Credit Union, the then Source Newspaper, the Chamber of Commerce, and pursued studies and became a licensed Insurance Broker with Western Financial Group. Susan is the Business Owner/CEO of CAS Events Consultancy Ltd. Creative and Savvy is her motto. Susan is offering her services as an Event Planner, Consultant, and Event Host.

She currently volunteers at Catholic Services as part of the planning committee for events and offers her skills as Master of Ceremonies for their events as well as met with groups of families and gave tips for fun ways to study for the citizenship exam.  She has also offered time at the Learning Resource Council as an English Tutor to which she goes the extra mile in sharing her experiences with newcomers and giving words of encouragement and hope. Susan holds value to personal development and as such believes in using this to make a difference for immigrants who have chosen to settle in Lloydminster.  As such she sits as a committee member on the advisory council of the Lloydminster Immigration Partnership Program. In this capacity she offers suggestions, participates in surveys, supports the initiatives and helps in  other ways that she can.

Living in a Border City Susan has sought new friendships and has networked with Africa Center, Edmonton, and is currently a Board member on the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan

(MCoS)

In October 2017 Susan and her children became Canadian Citizens.

Multi-culturalism, socializing in cultural events, being creative, and fashion are just a few things that Susan is quite passionate about so it’s no surprise she is now the founder and President of the International Festivals Lloydminster Society. “Lloydfest2019” was her new project under this non-profit umbrella and the 2 days evet was held on August 24 and 25, with resounding success.

Following the 2 days of Lloydfest2019, reviews from the local newspaper, the Meridian Source r read, “Lloydfest bursts into colour”, and indeed it was quite colourful as it was diverse in representation with over 15 different cultures supporting Susan on this venture. It was very well attended by the members of the community giving high ratings with an encore for expectations of 2020.

Susan’s vision for Lloydfest was a passion of hers in the making 2 years previously. This is an event that seeks to showcase Lloydminster’s rich diverse heritage through art, craft, food, poetry, music, traditional wear, performances and local talent. This was a huge undertaking for Susan given that this type of event was first for Lloydminster and for the participating countries.

Susan believes that Lloydminster is rich in diversity but with inclusion through events like Lloydfest is takes the richness to another level.

Danielle Brown-Myrie

I deserve this award because I have shown the community not only am I a promoter. But I also do other great things in the community.

I have helped out many people in the community put together different events each year.

Junior Achievement Award Nominees

Mohamed Bangura AKA Tiger

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.

Judges: Considering the fragile nature of youths and the therapeutic value of the entertainment industry, I hereby nominate Mohamed Bangura for the Junior Achievement Award.

Tabitha Nyaziel

One of the expensive gift you can share with someone is your time.  Time is one of the many things I have been giving my community. Most of the time I don’t have positions to act upon but a caring heart that sees the needs. Now though, I’m currently volunteering as a youth leader in the Edmonton area.  On the 3^rd of August, we held our very first youth celebration. We honored our youths in their educational journeys. But first we took them back to their roots by teaching them our cultural dances. The practices we did took us almost four months.  I’m now finding ways to officially open a center for our youths so that this amazing work carries on.   We also had been fortunate enough to be part of Africanival. Our youths shared the stage with many other backgrounds.  

A part from community, I also serve at our church.

Here are few things I’m still involved in.

I have been the chair leader for the Nuer Sunday school at Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton.

I have been the lead coordinator of Sunday school between English and Nuer services.

I have been the leading bible study teacher for children in Nuer service.

I’m currently acting as the head of education/communication. This position helps with bridging the two services together and work together.

Apart from all of that, I’m a mother of two beautiful girls. I’m student currently at Concordia University. I’m pursuing a four year bachelor degree in the field of psychology. I’m also a professional driver. I drive students from home and safely to school. And I love to write songs and sing them.

Amal Mohamud

Amal Mohamud – Arts Nomination for the Somali media program on OMNI OMNI Edmonton and OMNI Alberta channel has agreed to present a program called Somalis in Alberta. I love that OMNI promotes inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism.

If you didn’t know, OMNI is a Canadian Multicultural channel. The Somalis in Alberta program comes on every Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. and every Sundays at 8:00 a.m. My project highlights and showcases the contribution and important work the Somali community does in Edmonton. My project covers a wide variety of topics for its predominately Somali born and Somali Canadian viewers, including events in the Somali-Canadian community. For example, the Somali Canadian Women and Children Association is a non-profit organization that established in 2010. Their mission is to assist women and children in need— particularly the needs of Somali families and individuals living in Edmonton. Canadians can also enjoy this because this will give an insight and glimpse of what the Somali culture is all about. My job consists of editing, shooting, planning, coordinating, pitching, promoting, interviewing and producing these projects on my own. Then submitting them to OMNI’s team. The reasons and motivation behind the project: We are all influenced by media- television, film, music, internet culture – almost more than we are influenced by our surroundings.

I feel that the representation of minorities matters and, in my case, growing up I never saw someone that I was able to relate to, that looked like me. When characters who resemble us are portrayed in a positive context, we are empowered with the knowledge that we also can be those positive things. For that reason, I decided that it was my mission and purpose to give voice to the voiceless. Being a part of this project is important to me. Ask yourselves if you know any Somali reporter, actress or filmmaker in Canada? The lack of diversity and negative media representations of my community has motivated me to tell positive Somali stories. Often times in the media Somalis felt – and still feel – that their portrayal in certain sections of the media as criminals is grossly unfair and totally unrepresentative. It’s important minorities in Edmonton know they are included and celebrated. The Somali community is the largest African group in Alberta. This project will allow me to celebrate Somali stories and also educate others about the misconception they have about the Somali community in Edmonton.

My project is unique, fresh and offers a whole different perspective that’s never been done before. And most important this is the only mainstream media project at the moment that focuses on representing and showcasing the Somali community in Edmonton. As a Somali woman who grew up in Edmonton, I do not have any role models in the media field that I could relate to. I want to make sure the next generation don’t feel that way. The expected outcomes of the project in terms of work produced or results anticipated: Representation in the media has beneficial effects on the audience. Representation matters. In our society, the media has the potential to play a very powerful role in shaping human’s interests and ambitions. This project will showcase the hardworking, compassionate, talented and driven Somali Edmonton individuals that makes a difference in this city. These individuals will inspire and be role models for Somalis who never saw themselves be represented through the media. This will be a motivation for others to better themselves and make Edmonton proud. Edmonton is one of the most diverse growing cities. Let’s show an outsider what and how unique our people who live here are. Also, Canadians will get the opportunity to learn about the Somali community.

AC Awards 2019 Calling

Do you know of members in your community, friends, and family that have done a good job this year in their careers, in building your community or in business, please pick a  category, and send us their bios explaining why they deserve the award, with a photo to nominate them such that we can appreciate them at AC Awards 2019, on November 22 from 6 pm, at Central Lions Recreation Centre in Edmonton.

 

The Categories