AC Awards 2022 -Edmonton Chapter in Photos

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MEET YOUR HEROES

Calgary and Southern Alberta we are ready to celebrate your heroes tomorrow!

AC Awards 2022 for Southern Alberta will be celebrated on December 2, 5-8 PM, at the Four Points by Sheraton Airport Calgary.

Afro Canadian Heroes Awards (AC Awards) celebrates Black Excellence in Alberta for 12 years now and it is organized by Diversity Magazine, Alberta’s largest multicultural publication.

For any questions, please contact Producer Frankline on 780.709.0965 or Event Manager, Anna on 780.340.0476

Entrepreneur of the Year

Olutoyin Oyebola (Lethbridge)

Olutoyin Oyebola, popularly known as Toyin by all is a Nigerian Canadian who resides in

Lethbridge Alberta. Born in 1977, Toyin is a wife and a mother to 3 beautiful young ladies.

Toyin can be described as an exotic mix of different continents. Born and raised in Nigeria, she migrated to Denmark in 2003. Toyin integrated into the Danish system by diligently learning Danish language. In her quest to see more of this world, Toyin and her family decided to take another leap of faith by relocating to Canada.

Toyin’s passion for the vulnerable population motivated her career change from Computer Science to Public Health. Toyin is a proud graduate of Public Health with distinction from the University of Lethbridge. She took up employment in community living support services within our community, which gave her access to mentoring her individuals.

Toyin together with her husband in 2017 started Genesis Exotic Market (GEM) in Lethbridge Alberta. This is an exotic retail store located in Lethbridge Alberta. It provides commercial services to meet the dietary and fashion needs of immigrants with nostalgia, and to the generality of Canadians with adventurous taste. This commercial centre captures the needs of its customers and provides adequate solution.

Toyin’s passion for relationship building and community engagement is second to none and is evident in the way she conducts her business.

Toyin is one of the initiators of the newly rebranded Association of Nigerians in Lethbridge (ANL). Toyin was a member of the caretaker committee who came together to chart a new course for the association by developing new constitutions and by laws.

Toyin is also dedicated/committed to mentoring adolescent and young adult immigrants, especially among the young international students. Having been once an international student herself, Toyin understands their struggles and challenges especially regarding adaptation to their new community.

Toyin runs Graceful Friends in her spare time. This she founded to provide role modelling, mentorship and to enable capacity building for young black kids as they navigate through elementary and high school.

Toyin is a regular participant at the different organized Southern Alberta Ethnic Association summer gatherings. She anchored 2022 Heritage Day event in Lethbridge.

Toyin’s motto in life are equity, justice, and fairness.

Said M’Dahoma (Calgary)

Said M’Dahoma is a French-Comorian pastry chef in Calgary, Canada. After he graduated from his PhD in Neuroscience in Paris, he moved to Canada for a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Calgary.

A few years later, he decided to quit his neuroscience career to follow his passion: baking.

He launched his company “The Pastry Nerd” in August 2021. His company generates revenue mainly by selling online pastry classes, running pop-up events where he sells his pastries and sponsored posts on social media on which he cumulates almost 100,000 followers on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook under the name of “Said the Pastry Nerd”. He also shares a lot of recipes for free on social media both also on his blog “thepastrynerd.com” and on his YouTube channel”Said the Pastry Nerd”

What I really enjoy about Said’s baking is how he incorporates his multiple cultures into the desserts he makes. For example, one of his signatures cakes is a Mango and pecan cake, a dessert made with Comorian and Canadian ingredients, using French techniques.

When creating new pastries, he is mainly influenced by ingredients and believe that even the simplest baked good can shine if the best ingredients are used. Ultimately his good is to make baking accessible to everyone. He firmly believes that, with good guidance, anybody can bake and would like to help people getting comfortable in the kitchen and create their own goods where they could showcase their personalities.

Neveen Dominic (Calgary)

Neveen Dominic is a full service transformation coach. She lost 115 pounds in 18 months and earned herself the title of Canada’s Weight Loss Diva. She achieved this by using her revolutionary five dimensional shifts that guarantees clients 100% success. These shifts are established during her wellness evaluations and client-focused personalized plan, accountability, and success metrics. Her passion is making a positive impact by increasing quality of life for her clients through healthy mindset, mental and emotional well-being, positive energy and vibration, nutrition, and exercise. She also offers the community free coaching services at 8 am during her daily Rise N Grind challenge at New Horizon Mall. She is building a healthy community and safe haven for members to work on themselves while getting support from her and members of the community. Anyone can join her community for free by going to her website and registering. Neveen is a licensed hairstylist who owned and operated 4 salons and beauty supplies in Windsor and Detroit prior to moving to Calgary. She is a certified makeup artist with ITEC advanced certification which allows her to practice makeup application as a licensed professional worldwide. She also owns her signature cosmetics company Neveen Dominic Cosmetics and her waist trainer Move which helps clients with flat tummy and performance enhancement during exercises. Aside from helping her clients with physical transformations, Neveen builds her clients confidence with hair, makeup, image consulting, fashion styling, photo shoots, and personal branding services. She graduated with honours from SAIT with a business administration diploma majoring in marketing and management with passion for branding. Neveen uses her marketing skills and visually positions her clients for confidence and personal brand identity.

Oluremi Oyejola (Calgary)

My name is Oluremi Oyejola. I am the founder and CEO of Okrewfashion. I have been into unisex fashion for both adults and children for Five years. As an entrepreneur, I am a job provider. I have been able to create jobs for myself and others. I am a God-fearing wife and a mother of four great nations. I am a lover of God and a kingdom addict. I have a strong affection for gospel music. As a way of impacting my world and bringing joy to others, I have a ministry of empowering women for financial freedom. Which is based on educating women on how to make money, be free from debt and invest in assets that will help build generational wealth.

Okrewfashion is a line of business under Okrew Consulting, an IT consulting business that we run as a couple and was registered in Canada in the year 2012. Okrew was an acronym for our names as a couple. Okrewfashion started like child’s play in 2017 and we have since focused on selling quality that is also affordable. I have a saying that if I cannot wear it, I won’t sell it. At Okrewfashion, we do wholesale and retail, we sell unique asoebi, jewelry sets, wigs, dresses, suits, fascinators, shoes, bags, and whatever you want for you and the family.

Our short-term goal is to help families build their self-esteem through their dressing at an affordable price. On a regular basis, we have been able to achieve this by empowering families such as the new immigrant to live beyond social norms and be able to express themselves and build self-confidence through their dressing. At Okrewfashion, we make monetary donations to charity organizations and support the less privileged as a way of giving back to the community and to humanity.

Our long-term goal focuses on reaching the world irrespective of their race, tribe, colour and others. The vision is large! We are looking at a place where men, women, and children can find what works for their body composition. Clothing and accessories that can help them elevate their self-esteem. Ensuring that these are ethically sourced and can get them ready for their events, job interviews, having family time together, special occasions, and many more. We are also looking at having our own charity organization that takes care of people in need, especially women.

We at Okrewfashion look to help with the right fabrics that will match the body composition and bring out the best in our clients, we source for what will work best for them with accessories to match to help them express themselves better. By divine intelligence, we are able to depict what our audience wants per time per season. And by God’s wisdom, we can discern what our target audience is looking to get, for example during winter and source for them, which varies from what they are looking for during summer and other seasons. We also work with families, friends, individuals, and our communities to ensure we are giving our best in terms of quality and affordability.

Lulu Mashonganyika (Airdrie)

A black woman who has shown resilience and determination in spite of the barriers and challenges of starting a business.

Lulu started building her business in 2020 June in the middle of a pandemic, her passion behind building a digital village stems from her love for children, being a mother a once a childcare provider herself. As a non-tech founder with minimal entrepreneurial experience, she has remained optimistic as she braves each hurdle that has come her way.

Lulu is building a platform that is more than just transactional but a community where parents and childcare service providers from all walks of life, especially those of the minority group can belong.

Evelyne Nyairo (Calgary)

Evelyne Nyairo, Founder of Ellie Bianca, came to Canada from Kenya on her own at the age of 16, hoping to build a better life. After working her way to a power position consulting in the oil and gas industry, she followed her passion into the business of skincare. During one of her engineering projects, she travelled to Chad in Central Africa, and couldn’t help but notice how beautiful the women’s skin were – they were tapping into the power of plants and superfoods all around them. During that trip, she also noticed how much women were unfairly treated. When she was purchasing mangoes, she was told to pay the husband when it was the wife that picked the mangoes for her. This was unfair and wrong, and she was motivated to help improve the lives of the women there. That is when she decided to start her own natural skincare company.

Now in our seventh year of operation, Ellie Bianca is a Canada-based skin care line that boasts thirty- five all-natural products. We use organic oils and butters from Africa and all over the world to formulate and produce many of our products. With Evelyne’s background as a chemist, we are combining modern day science and the power of plants that have been used for centuries. We have since launched skin oils, face oils, face serums, bath salts and lip balms. All of our products are scientifically formulated with naturally sourced ingredients and are environmentally friendly, organic and non-GMO. Recently, as a result of the current pandemic, we pivoted and have been manufacturing hand sanitizers and liquid hand soaps to keep our customers safe. We also launched Hydrating Face Toners in Nov 2021 to help combat mask-ne.

Ellie Bianca is a holistic skin care line that cultivates, sustains and empowers women through sustainable business practices and fair trade. We are committed to creating a superior beauty brand that is luxurious and provides a sustainable livelihood and a fair supply chain for the men and women who cultivate the ingredients we all love to use on our skin. We are also heavily invested in the Ellie Bianca Woman Scholarship, offering financial support to single mothers who are pursuing a post-secondary education. We also support boys and girls in Africa who are striving for a higher education.​

“When you invest in Ellie Bianca, you are not only investing in your skin but are also investing in bettering the lives of others around the globe.”​ -Evelyne Nyairo, Founder

We are fully committed to the following pillars:

Kind to your Skin: We believe that beauty is more than an aesthetic, that’s why each of our products is carefully formulated using all-natural ingredients that have been specifically chosen for their quality and effectiveness.

Kind to the Earth: We actively work to source directly with producers for our raw ingredients. This allows us to have more control over ingredient quality, it greatly reduces our carbon footprint, and it ensures that we are applying fair trade practices.

Kind to Women: We are passionately committed to bettering the lives of women around the world by empowerment through business, including profit sharing, fair trade programs, and education. The Ellie Bianca Foundation is an educational bursary which supports single mothers in Canada and boys and girls in Africa pursuing their studies.  To learn more, visit
Website: All Natural Certified Organic Face & Body Skincare (elliebianca.com)
Facebook: Ellie Bianca | Facebook
Instagram: Ellie Bianca Beauty (@elliebiancabeauty) • Instagram photos and videos
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elliebiancabeauty/
Twitter: Ellie Bianca (@EllieBiancaInt) / Twitter
Blogs: Beauty Blog – Ellie Bianca

Temi Okesanya (Calgary)

Temi is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Road Aider. Road Aider is a fast-growing tech startup dedicated to facilitating and simplifying roadside assistance and auto services through on-demand digitalized platforms. The first and only of its kind in Canada, It is outstanding that a black founder achieved this feat. Temi is a graduate of the University of Alberta with an honours Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was formerly the Head of Strategic Partnerships for the award-winning Clavis platform.

Temi has a reliable track record of managing agile software projects and providing technology solutions to multi-industrial problems. Recipient of multiple professional and academic awards, including graduating top of his engineering class. Temi possesses an astute array of technical knowledge in product design, business growth, data analytics, project management and agile software management.

Florence Maddren-Mullen (Calgary)

Mum of 3, grandmother. As an island woman I feel my concept in business would eventually enable with opportunities to offer programs to young aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether acting, the dream or vision and build on strength to inspire. As a business owner the goal is to be supportive mentally, emotionally, business aspect. I help from my heart, input without judgment. My Business is a consulting Talent Management, a Global Brand AMBASSADOR bringing forward new Solutions to business, Humanity Globally and a chance as an entrepreneur to accelerate to newer levels. Community support and making a difference.

Chinenye Ezeibekwe (Calgary)

Angel’s Collection is the brand name of my Nominee, the CEO CHINENYE ANGEL EZEIBEKWE have been a very strong Black woman in business, she has been a source of help to the community in Calgary. Her donation to the new comers especially is so encouraging.
She is a BLACK WOMAN IN BUSINESS that needs to be praised for her consistency and growth in her business.

Veronica Olalere (Calgary)

Veronica is the owner of Ahinkes Kitchen a restaurant here in Calgary. She is a woman in business whom I seen who took Covid as an opportunity to take her business to the next level. Even though Covid was a very challenging time for her at first, like for everyone else it was extra difficult being a single mother and an entrepreneur who had to manage having her children full time when the schools were closed. I have seen many restaurants close during Covid and Instead of it being a set back for her, it ended as a set up for a come back. She is a true superstar now who is shinning more now more then ever before as a Black Women in Business.

Ahinke’s Cooking Show was created to inspire harmony in homes so that families can spend more time together by having quality mealtimes, thereby creating memories of times filled with laughter, peace, love, and harmony. season 1 was Daddys recipe, now Season 2 Mummy’s Recipe captures a supportive and involved mother preparing her favourite recipe with her child. Mummies are superheroes who can perform miracles anywhere, including the kitchen! Because we understand that it is not only about the food, but also about spending time together learning skills and raising a healthy child. We simply hope that some of the meals being prepared will be adopted as a healthy staple home recipe by viewers.

I plan to showcase these unique stories to change some of the narratives about immigrant families, patriarchy and food.

The first have of the season is Daddy’s Recipe I have a close relationship with my dad that was very special. I hope that telling my story and showcasing Dad and child cook, it can help nurture innovation and bring positivity into the community

I hope to tell visually with real families in the community the possibility of raising a healthy child through memories built while cooking and I simply hope that some of the meals being cooked can be adopted amongst viewers as a healthy staple home recipe.

Adebola Esan (Calgary)

Adebola Esan moved to Calgary with a background in education, but her passion for the food and beverage industry inspired a switch in careers. Adebola is married with four children plus 1.

She is the proud owner of Flavours Restaurant. She loves to cook, sing, and dance.

– The pioneer of African Restaurants since 2013.
– Started the restaurant from scratch when there was no one to take cue from.
– Rose to be the best African Restaurant voted on Avenue Magazine in 2021 and #2 in 2022
– Maintains consistent and excellent quality of food and service, 4.6 rating on google with 415+ reviews
– Representing African heritage with a positive influence and a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere
– Community involvement with culinary education, donations, corporate events
– Amplifying black economic strength through hiring and support of more than 5 black families.

Jonas Hila (Calgary)

At Jonas Driving School in Calgary, we love teaching teens and adult how to drive. Whether you are learning to drive or planning to update your driver training Jonas Driving School in Calgary is the car & truck best driving lessons provider in Calgary and surrounding communities. Our skilled car & truck driving instructors will ensure that you are as comfortable as much as possible when taking our driving lessons.

• Our instructors speak English, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tagalog, Amharic
• We are licensed by the Alberta Ministry of Transportation
• We have over 20 years of experience
• We provide high quality driver’s ed with a unique teaching approach
• We are unique driving School in Calgary
• We make sure every driver that takes our course completes it successfully.
• Our driving lessons are held 7 days a week
• We schedule our lessons at the convenience of our students
• Senior citizen gets 10% off
• Jonas driver’s ed is the most affordable driving school in Calgary

We totally understand we are not the only driving school in Calgary but we believe that our experience, honesty and friendliness make us unique. We appreciate for choosing us.

Jonas Driving School’s Mission is Making your Learning as Convenient as Possible.

BCW In Action Black Women is Business

Olutoyin Oyebola (Lethbridge)

Olutoyin Oyebola, popularly known as Toyin by all is a Nigerian Canadian who resides in

Lethbridge Alberta. Born in 1977, Toyin is a wife and a mother to 3 beautiful young ladies.

Toyin can be described as an exotic mix of different continents. Born and raised in Nigeria, she migrated to Denmark in 2003. Toyin integrated into the Danish system by diligently learning Danish language. In her quest to see more of this world, Toyin and her family decided to take another leap of faith by relocating to Canada.

Toyin’s passion for the vulnerable population motivated her career change from Computer Science to Public Health. Toyin is a proud graduate of Public Health with distinction from the University of Lethbridge. She took up employment in community living support services within our community, which gave her access to mentoring her individuals.

Toyin together with her husband in 2017 started Genesis Exotic Market (GEM) in Lethbridge Alberta. This is an exotic retail store located in Lethbridge Alberta. It provides commercial services to meet the dietary and fashion needs of immigrants with nostalgia, and to the generality of Canadians with adventurous taste. This commercial centre captures the needs of its customers and provides adequate solution.

Toyin’s passion for relationship building and community engagement is second to none and is evident in the way she conducts her business.

Toyin is one of the initiators of the newly rebranded Association of Nigerians in Lethbridge (ANL). Toyin was a member of the caretaker committee who came together to chart a new course for the association by developing new constitutions and by laws.

Toyin is also dedicated/committed to mentoring adolescent and young adult immigrants, especially among the young international students. Having been once an international student herself, Toyin understands their struggles and challenges especially regarding adaptation to their new community.

Toyin runs Graceful Friends in her spare time. This she founded to provide role modelling, mentorship and to enable capacity building for young black kids as they navigate through elementary and high school.

Toyin is a regular participant at the different organized Southern Alberta Ethnic Association summer gatherings. She anchored 2022 Heritage Day event in Lethbridge.

Toyin’s motto in life are equity, justice, and fairness.

Neveen Dominic (Calgary)

Neveen Dominic is a full service transformation coach. She lost 115 pounds in 18 months and earned herself the title of Canada’s Weight Loss Diva. She achieved this by using her revolutionary five dimensional shifts that guarantees clients 100% success. These shifts are established during her wellness evaluations and client-focused personalized plan, accountability, and success metrics. Her passion is making a positive impact by increasing quality of life for her clients through healthy mindset, mental and emotional well-being, positive energy and vibration, nutrition, and exercise. She also offers the community free coaching services at 8 am during her daily Rise N Grind challenge at New Horizon Mall. She is building a healthy community and safe haven for members to work on themselves while getting support from her and members of the community. Anyone can join her community for free by going to her website and registering. Neveen is a licensed hairstylist who owned and operated 4 salons and beauty supplies in Windsor and Detroit prior to moving to Calgary. She is a certified makeup artist with ITEC advanced certification which allows her to practice makeup application as a licensed professional worldwide. She also owns her signature cosmetics company Neveen Dominic Cosmetics and her waist trainer Move which helps clients with flat tummy and performance enhancement during exercises. Aside from helping her clients with physical transformations, Neveen builds her clients confidence with hair, makeup, image consulting, fashion styling, photo shoots, and personal branding services. She graduated with honours from SAIT with a business administration diploma majoring in marketing and management with passion for branding. Neveen uses her marketing skills and visually positions her clients for confidence and personal brand identity.

Oluremi Oyejola (Calgary)

My name is Oluremi Oyejola. I am the founder and CEO of Okrewfashion. I have been into unisex fashion for both adults and children for Five years. As an entrepreneur, I am a job provider. I have been able to create jobs for myself and others. I am a God-fearing wife and a mother of four great nations. I am a lover of God and a kingdom addict. I have a strong affection for gospel music. As a way of impacting my world and bringing joy to others, I have a ministry of empowering women for financial freedom. Which is based on educating women on how to make money, be free from debt and invest in assets that will help build generational wealth.

Okrewfashion is a line of business under Okrew Consulting, an IT consulting business that we run as a couple and was registered in Canada in the year 2012. Okrew was an acronym for our names as a couple. Okrewfashion started like child’s play in 2017 and we have since focused on selling quality that is also affordable. I have a saying that if I cannot wear it, I won’t sell it. At Okrewfashion, we do wholesale and retail, we sell unique asoebi, jewelry sets, wigs, dresses, suits, fascinators, shoes, bags, and whatever you want for you and the family.

Our short-term goal is to help families build their self-esteem through their dressing at an affordable price. On a regular basis, we have been able to achieve this by empowering families such as the new immigrant to live beyond social norms and be able to express themselves and build self-confidence through their dressing. At Okrewfashion, we make monetary donations to charity organizations and support the less privileged as a way of giving back to the community and to humanity.

Our long-term goal focuses on reaching the world irrespective of their race, tribe, colour and others. The vision is large! We are looking at a place where men, women, and children can find what works for their body composition. Clothing and accessories that can help them elevate their self-esteem. Ensuring that these are ethically sourced and can get them ready for their events, job interviews, having family time together, special occasions, and many more. We are also looking at having our own charity organization that takes care of people in need, especially women.

We at Okrewfashion look to help with the right fabrics that will match the body composition and bring out the best in our clients, we source for what will work best for them with accessories to match to help them express themselves better. By divine intelligence, we are able to depict what our audience wants per time per season. And by God’s wisdom, we can discern what our target audience is looking to get, for example during winter and source for them, which varies from what they are looking for during summer and other seasons. We also work with families, friends, individuals, and our communities to ensure we are giving our best in terms of quality and affordability.

Lulu Mashonganyika (Airdrie)

A black woman who has shown resilience and determination in spite of the barriers and challenges of starting a business.

Lulu started building her business in 2020 June in the middle of a pandemic, her passion behind building a digital village stems from her love for children, being a mother a once a childcare provider herself. As a non-tech founder with minimal entrepreneurial experience, she has remained optimistic as she braves each hurdle that has come her way.

Lulu is building a platform that is more than just transactional but a community where parents and childcare service providers from all walks of life, especially those of the minority group can belong.

Evelyne Nyairo (Calgary)

Ms Nyairo is an exemplary entrepreneur within our black community. Her work has been recognized by many including being awarded the Covid-19 leader award, RBC woman of influence in 2021 and many more.

She has managed to grow a brand from start to national brand while being active in the community.

Florence Maaddren-Mullen (Calgary)

Mum of 3, grandmother. As an island woman I feel my concept in business would eventually enable with opportunities to offer programs to young aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether acting, the dream or vision and build on strength to inspire. As a business owner the goal is to be supportive mentally, emotionally, business aspect. I help from my heart, input without judgment. My Business is a consulting Talent Management, a Global Brand AMBASSADOR bringing forward new Solutions to business, Humanity Globally and a chance as an entrepreneur to accelerate to newer levels. Community support and making a difference.

Chinenye Ezeibekwe (Calgary)

Angel’s Collection is the brand name of my Nominee, the CEO CHINENYE ANGEL EZEIBEKWE have been a very strong Black woman in business, she has been a source of help to the community in Calgary. Her donation to the new comers especially is so encouraging.
She is a BLACK WOMAN IN BUSINESS that needs to be praised for her consistency and growth in her business.

Veronica Olalere (Calgary)

Veronica is the owner of Ahinkes Kitchen a restaurant here in Calgary. She is a woman in business whom I seen who took Covid as an opportunity to take her business to the next level. Even though Covid was a very challenging time for her at first, like for everyone else it was extra difficult being a single mother and an entrepreneur who had to manage having her children full time when the schools were closed. I have seen many restaurants close during Covid and Instead of it being a set back for her, it ended as a set up for a come back. She is a true superstar now who is shinning more now more then ever before as a Black Women in Business.

Ahinke’s Cooking Show was created to inspire harmony in homes so that families can spend more time together by having quality mealtimes, thereby creating memories of times filled with laughter, peace, love, and harmony. season 1 was Daddys recipe, now Season 2 Mummy’s Recipe captures a supportive and involved mother preparing her favourite recipe with her child. Mummies are superheroes who can perform miracles anywhere, including the kitchen! Because we understand that it is not only about the food, but also about spending time together learning skills and raising a healthy child. We simply hope that some of the meals being prepared will be adopted as a healthy staple home recipe by viewers.

I plan to showcase these unique stories to change some of the narratives about immigrant families, patriarchy and food.

The first have of the season is Daddy’s Recipe I have a close relationship with my dad that was very special. I hope that telling my story and showcasing Dad and child cook, it can help nurture innovation and bring positivity into the community

I hope to tell visually with real families in the community the possibility of raising a healthy child through memories built while cooking and I simply hope that some of the meals being cooked can be adopted amongst viewers as a healthy staple home recipe.

Adebola Esan (Calgary)

Adebola Esan moved to Calgary with a background in education, but her passion for the food and beverage industry inspired a switch in careers. Adebola is married with four children plus 1.

She is the proud owner of Flavours Restaurant. She loves to cook, sing, and dance.

– The pioneer of African Restaurants since 2013.
– Started the restaurant from scratch when there was no one to take cue from.
– Rose to be the best African Restaurant voted on Avenue Magazine in 2021 and #2 in 2022
– Maintains consistent and excellent quality of food and service, 4.6 rating on google with 415+ reviews
– Representing African heritage with a positive influence and a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere
– Community involvement with culinary education, donations, corporate events
– Amplifying black economic strength through hiring and support of more than 5 black families

Community Leader of the Year

Councillor Courtney Walcott (Calgary)

Before being elected Ward 8 City Councillor, Courtney was a teacher and basketball coach at Western Canada High School. In his time at Mount Royal University, he focused his studies on African-American History with a special focus on post-slavery North America. It was here when Courtney chose education as a pathway to helping build up his community. After graduating from Mount Royal University, Courtney completed an Education degree at the University of British Columbia prior to coming back to Calgary to teach.

Courtney is a community builder and community organizer; his life has been dedicated to helping people realize their place in the world. In 2020, Courtney petitioned the Calgary Board of Education to form an anti-racism task force, and helped to bring together 15 community organizations to successfully advocate for $8 million in additional community funding from The City of Calgary. This was a good start but there is always more to accomplish. By the end of 2020, Courtney decided to run for City Council and asked thousands of Calgarians, “what kind of city do you want to live in?” The community and momentum behind Courtney’s vision for building a more equitable, accessible, and anti-racist city showed up during the campaign and in the polls. He is honoured to continue this work alongside you as one of your City Councillors.

Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah (Calgary)

Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah is an air quality research chemist by profession and has inventions to his credit which changing the world through the use of better technology for air quality monitoring as we fight Climate change. He is a keynote speaker and has travelled the world to present his cutting-edge technology. He works with Global Analyzer Systems Ltd. to help oil and gas companies with their emissions measurements, reporting and auditing. Charles has board roles with minority communities with advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Charles is a public service volunteer with numerous workshops for at-risk youth in the community. He advocates against racial discrimination in African communities in Calgary. He is a founding member of the African Coalition in Calgary and also Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation, an organization serving black seniors across Alberta.  In addition, Dr. Odame-Ankrah is a community leader and a motivational speaker focusing on “words to action”. He partnered with researchers at the University of Lethbridge to study issues affecting new immigrants, with a focus on men’s mental health and inclusion in Canada.

As a proven community leader and an advocate for mental health in minority communities in Calgary, Dr. Odame-Ankrah is passionate about sharing his experience as well as his commitment for more inclusion and empowerment of immigrants in Canada. He serves on many non-profit boards and he is the current President of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Calgary. He has had ground-breaking funding from the federal government to build a community centre for Ghanaian-Canadian in Calgary serving the youth and seniors alike. He serves as a board member of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council as well. It is his dream to see Africans in Canada work together more collaboratively to ensure that their collective needs are met. He has done this in the past through Covid-19 Vaccine drive in the African communities and continues to work with several black serving community leaders to advance causes that impact our communities positively.  He is a unifier.

When Latjor Tuel was murder by police, Charles led community leaders across the country to demand justice for Latjor. He organized and led a a peaceful demonstration in the City of Calgary to demand answers from the Police Service. This led to the City Mayor, The Police Chief and other apolicicoans to issue statements of making Calgary a better place for all. Calgary Foundation has given $75,000.00 dollars to the South Sudanese community to support their grieving and building of a more resilient community.

Adanech Sahilie (Calgary)

Adanech is a founder and Executive Director of Immigrant Outreach Society(IOS) . She has achieved huge community-based interventions around the COVID19 pandemic, BLM movement, NE hailstorm advocacy and widespread policy influencing activism. She advocated for marginalized and racially discriminated meat processing essential workers’ rights during their struggle with COVID19 pandemic. In March 2020 Adanech launched the Ethiopian and Eritrean Support Group now called the Immigrant Outreach Society, the first of its kind Calgary based non-for-profit organization that provides evidence-based, language-specific, and culturally appropriate mental health intervention for ethnic minorities from Ethiopia and Eritrea. She is a community organizer and volunteer coordinator dedicated to providing community outreach, community empowerment, activation and resilience who has more than12 years of experience in supporting multicultural clients with their settlement and integration issues.
In recognition of her work, Adanech has been awarded by community agencies:
• In 2022 finalist for Immigrant Distinction award for the community category by ISC
• In 2022 nominated Community Advocate on Individual and organization Category by the City of Calgary
• In 2021 won Black Community Achievement Awards by Calgary Black Chambers (CBC)
• In 2021 she selected to serve CPS Anti-Racism Action Committee
• In 2020 Community Achievement Award and received $1000 by Bhayana Award and United Way Agency
• In 2020 and 2021 awarded Leadership Recognition Award by Greater Forest Lawn Community Association and the City of Calgary
• In 2020 was named as an invaluable Community Connector by Sprawl Calgary. https://www.sprawlalberta.com/adanech-sahilie-communityconnector?
• In 2014 Passion for Excellence and Team Spirited Worker Awards by EEC Calgary
• In 2012 Certificate of appreciation and recognition of outstanding service to Ethiopia and Eritrean Community in Calgary by the city Mayer Naheed Nenshi, in recognition of my participation as part of Excel Family and Youth Society Team.

Sheyi Olubowale (Red Deer)

Thoughtful, Vocal, Creative & Collaborative leadership: work to find innovative and durable solutions. Support Diversity, Validate Equity, Enhance Inclusion, Dissolve Racism; dignity and mutual respect for all human groups.

President, Alberta Rehabilitation Consultants and Research Inc. o/a Timberlands Physiotherapy Clinic, Timberlands, Red Deer (2017-2021) Timberlands Physiotherapy Clinic- 1st Physiotherapy Out-patient Centre in Red Deer with a Seniors’ Care focus.

Provided physiotherapy to seniors in up to 5 long-term care and supportive living centres within Red Deer.

Physiotherapist, Alberta Health Services, Central & Calgary Zones; Manager of Rehabilitation Services, Prince Albert, SK (2012-2017)

Physiotherapist, Clinical Coordinator & Chief Physiotherapist, Northern Health, British Columbia 2010-2012.

President, Hi-Life Physical Therapy Inc. 2008-2010 Part-Initiator and Facilitator, Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Study Group, Bredin Institute, Edmonton- Physiotherapy Competency Examination preparatory classes- Instructing immigrant physiotherapists who needed to get certified to practice in Canada- 2008.

2021 Volunteer Interviewer, MSc. Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta

2021 Member (awaiting confirmation), Advisory Committee on Discrimination, Oppression and Inequity, Physiotherapy Alberta College & Association 2021 Aspiring Councillor, Red Deer City Council, Red Deer, Alberta

2017-2021 Organizer, COUPLES Night-out: Dinners and luncheons to support young families mostly recent immigrants and BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), in Central Alberta

2007-2008; 2015-2021 Volunteer, Potter’s Hands Ministry Kitchen: Cooking, Cleaning and Serving the homeless population, Downtown Red Deer

2020 Associate organizer and speechwriter, Black Lives Matter, 5th June 2020 peaceful rally for George Floyd at Red Deer City Hall.

2020 Conversation Starter, Facebook: Red Deer Against Racism RDAR Facebook Group with more than 2,000 members

2007-2008 Director & Initiator, Allied Health Street Clinic, Red Deer- a non-profit clinic founded to support vulnerable & immigrant populations in Central Alberta who cannot afford physiotherapy and other allied health services- pilotoperated for 6 months downtown, Red Deer

Contributor, Issues of Race Relations

Organized informal meetings with some church leaders in Red Deer and a CHANGE.org signature facilitator

August 2020- Initiator, Visible Professionals and Business Leaders of Central Alberta- unregistered Think Tank/Focus group to foster the cause of minorities’ future in Central Alberta Spoken, written, initiated and facilitated several meetings with stakeholders in my community in a bid to motivate action for human rights since 2019.

• Member, Canadian Obesity Network (a public health network)
• Member, Orthopedic division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
• Licentiate, Physiotherapists of Alberta College & Association
• Member, Canadian Physiotherapy Association CPA since 2008

Femi Akinsanya (Calgary)

As a young, 1st generation, millennial black woman growing up in Calgary, Femi has experienced immense gaps and systematic barriers in various services and sectors locally. As a racialized person, not only has she faced the systemic hurdles of Canadian society, but her experiences were compounded with by cultural values, religious affiliations, family, and sense of community. Sexual violence is an incredibly complex topic to broach in racialized and marginalized communities despite its prevalence; for many, sexual violence does not exist in a vacuum. Instead, it is coupled with several other forces and experiences inside and outside families, communities, systems, and institutions.

Femi is deeply passionate about unearthing communities’ unique experiences regarding gender-based violence, gender equity, and human rights. Whether professionally as the Education Team Lead at CCASA or as an advocate, a community-centred approach through a decolonized lens is an integral part of her work. This approach aids in directing services, agencies, and institutions in bettering and more purposefully serving diverse communities.

Femi Akinsanya (she/her): As the community development coordinator, Femi fosters relationships with diverse communities, professionals, stakeholders, and community partners.

Femi is currently working as the Education Program Lead at CCASA and a health and social care course instructor, and also human rights and gender equity advocate. She is passionate about unearthing communities’ unique experiences regarding gender-based violence, gender equity, and human rights. She does this through a community-centred approach to support, education and advocacy. This approach aids in directing services, agencies, and institutions in bettering and more purposefully serving communities.

Her educational background in psychology and health sciences allows Femi to interact with diverse people compassionately and support their overall wellness.

Robert Micah (Calgary)

Mr. Micah, popularly known as Bobby J, is a prodigiously knowledgeable and hardworking community activist.
He spearheaded the distribution of the culturally relevant Food Distribution System for the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Calgary, GCAC during the pandemic era. He also deployed his organizational skills and volunteered his services in the food hamper program under the auspices of The Church of Pentecost Canada, Inc., under a similar program.
Mr. Micah has taught, supervised and invigilated numerous students in professional examinations in the city of Calgary. He has been a role model to many in the areas of business entrepreneurship, leadership and community advocacy.
He is an active member in the black community and a freelance writer and media personality in broadcasting.
He currently works as the Community Liaison Specialist for the Calgary African Community Collective, CACC.
He serves on several Boards and supervises candidates in professional certification exams for doctors, engineers, accountants, nurses, psychologists etc, etc.

Georges Pigoué (Calgary)

Georges Pigoué is a seasoned teacher with many years of professional experience in education. A very committed advocate for minority interests, he has dedicated several years of his life to serving several community organizations since 2010.

As such, Mr. Pigoué has contributed to improving the integration of many Francophones in Southern Alberta. As a board member of the Africa Coalition Club, we have contributed to the establishment of an all black membership organization whose mission is to contribute to the emergence of blacks in Canadian society. President of the Cameroonian Canadian Association of Calgary, this tireless worker has created a new dynamic that has allowed the Association he leads to set up tutoring programs to improve the academic performance of children in his community. Moreover, under his leadership, the Welcome Newcomers Program (PANA) which is in place within our association has helped more than 100 people in four months. Newcomers are met at the airport, then we drive them to their homes. We help them not only to find housing, but also to find a job and finally to choose which school system best suits the needs of their children. Finally, we refer them to the appropriate partner agencies for further settlement and integration services.

Natacha Pierre Pierre (Calgary)

Natacha was born in Haiti and moved to Calgary in 1988 and has lived here since with her three daughters and family. Natacha was educated at the University of Calgary with a bachelor’s in nursing. She has worked for Alberta Health Services since graduation as a staff nurse and has been in the role of Clinical Nurse Educator since 2007. Natacha was the Black Clinical Nurse Educator in Calgary and has paved the way for many other black nurses in this leadership role. She is also the Health Care Aide Coordinator at Rosewood College. She was also an instructor at Bow Valley College teaching in the LPN program for over 10 years. Natacha believes in life-long learning. Natacha is a passionate about community work and community development. She has been involved in community work for over 20 years with the Haitian Association of Calgary, church and many other organizations. She is inspired by the work of Florence Nightingale and Edith Cavell both nurses who made a difference. She has a spirit of “service” and helps everyone who has crossed her path. Her goal is to take her work to her home country Haiti and development small communities. Natacha’s biggest accomplishments include her beautiful 3 children and being a full-time dance mom for over 10 years travelling in Alberta and Los Angeles. starting a new Haitian club that has secured six grants (federal, provincial, and local) in less than 2 years. One of these grants enabled the club to provide four youths with summer job. Natacha Currently serve on the following Boards: Haiti Alberta Sports et/and Culture Club National Canadian Orthopedic Nurses Association Lions Youth Camp Calgary Eastport Lions Club, and Caribbean Heritage Sports Council of Calgary Natacha enjoys spending her free time reading books and poetry, watching Christian movies, share Haiti’s history, spending time with her family and volunteering in the nursery at church.

Professional of the Year

Christopher Usih (Calgary)

Christopher Usih is Chief Superintendent of Schools at the Calgary Board of Education, a position he has held since December 2018. He has more than 30 years of experience in K-12 and postsecondary. He began his teaching career in an Indigenous community in northern Manitoba but spent the majority of his career in diverse roles with the Toronto District School Board including teacher, principal, superintendent, executive superintendent, and Associate Director. Additionally, he was course director for the Ontario Principal’s Qualification Program. A lifelong learner and PhD student, Mr. Usih is a champion for public education. He is highly regarded for his commitment to equity, raising academic standards and addressing achievement and opportunity gaps. His responsive and collaborative approach has brought change to how students are
supported.

Gelila Mast (Calgary)

Gelila has been very supportive of Black entrepreneurs in Alberta. She is an astute banker. years ago. She is currently the Regional Manager of Black Community Business Development at TD Bank.

Her career in banking started as a Teller over 20 years ago while going through university. She has had the fortune of enjoying roles such as Account Manager in Small Business, and various advisor roles, and most recently Branch Manager in the Calgary Market. Every role she has done has afforded her with vast banking knowledge and the amazing relationships she has built over the years. Dedication to exceptional client experiences and innovative financial strategies are the foundations that have made her successful over the last 20 years.

She has received 4 Annual National recognitions during my career so far. As a Regional Manager, of Black Community Business Development (Western Canada), her primary role is to serve as a trusted liaison between TD and the Black Community. Going out to the Black Community and building relationships with New and existing Customers and bringing the bank to them is her forte.

With each individual and or business, she works with, she does a deep discovery process to understand their priorities and unique need, and connect them to a core team of TD specialists. She is fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with a wide range of talented colleagues from multiple lines of business, including Wealth Management, Business Banking, and Personal Banking, to help provide the Black community with the best financial advice and legendary service they deserve.

Her role allows her to do what she loves, building relationships and making a positive impact in the community she comes from. In her spare time, she is an avid walker, loves to see new places each time she travels, and loves Hallmark Movies. She is passionate about volunteering doing Financial Literacy and mentoring youth in Black Communities.

Sheyi Olubowale (Red Deer)

Thoughtful, Vocal, Creative & Collaborative leadership: work to find innovative and durable solutions. Support Diversity, Validate Equity, Enhance Inclusion, Dissolve Racism; dignity and mutual respect for all human groups.

President, Alberta Rehabilitation Consultants and Research Inc. o/a Timberlands Physiotherapy Clinic, Timberlands, Red Deer (2017-2021) Timberlands Physiotherapy Clinic- 1st Physiotherapy Out-patient Centre in Red Deer with a Seniors’ Care focus.

Provided physiotherapy to seniors in up to 5 long-term care and supportive living centres within Red Deer.

Physiotherapist, Alberta Health Services, Central & Calgary Zones; Manager of Rehabilitation Services, Prince Albert, SK (2012-2017)

Physiotherapist, Clinical Coordinator & Chief Physiotherapist, Northern Health, British Columbia 2010-2012.

President, Hi-Life Physical Therapy Inc. 2008-2010 Part-Initiator and Facilitator, Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Study Group, Bredin Institute, Edmonton- Physiotherapy Competency Examination preparatory classes- Instructing immigrant physiotherapists who needed to get certified to practice in Canada- 2008.

2021 Volunteer Interviewer, MSc. Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta

2021 Member (awaiting confirmation), Advisory Committee on Discrimination, Oppression and Inequity, Physiotherapy Alberta College & Association 2021 Aspiring Councillor, Red Deer City Council, Red Deer, Alberta

2017-2021 Organizer, COUPLES Night-out: Dinners and luncheons to support young families mostly recent immigrants and BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), in Central Alberta

2007-2008; 2015-2021 Volunteer, Potter’s Hands Ministry Kitchen: Cooking, Cleaning and Serving the homeless population, Downtown Red Deer

2020 Associate organizer and speechwriter, Black Lives Matter, 5th June 2020 peaceful rally for George Floyd at Red Deer City Hall.

2020 Conversation Starter, Facebook: Red Deer Against Racism RDAR Facebook Group with more than 2,000 members

2007-2008 Director & Initiator, Allied Health Street Clinic, Red Deer- a non-profit clinic founded to support vulnerable & immigrant populations in Central Alberta who cannot afford physiotherapy and other allied health services- pilotoperated for 6 months downtown, Red Deer

Contributor, Issues of Race Relations

Organized informal meetings with some church leaders in Red Deer and a CHANGE.org signature facilitator

August 2020- Initiator, Visible Professionals and Business Leaders of Central Alberta- unregistered Think Tank/Focus group to foster the cause of minorities’ future in Central Alberta Spoken, written, initiated and facilitated several meetings with stakeholders in my community in a bid to motivate action for human rights since 2019.

• Member, Canadian Obesity Network (a public health network)
• Member, Orthopedic division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
• Licentiate, Physiotherapists of Alberta College & Association
• Member, Canadian Physiotherapy Association CPA since 2008

Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah (Calgary)

Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah is an air quality research chemist by profession and has inventions to his credit which changing the world through the use of better technology for air quality monitoring as we fight Climate change. He is a keynote speaker and has travelled the world to present his cutting-edge technology. He works with Global Analyzer Systems Ltd. to help oil and gas companies with their emissions measurements, reporting and auditing. Charles has board roles with minority communities with advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Charles is a public service volunteer with numerous workshops for at-risk youth in the community. He advocates against racial discrimination in African communities in Calgary. He is a founding member of the African Coalition in Calgary and also Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation, an organization serving black seniors across Alberta.  In addition, Dr. Odame-Ankrah is a community leader and a motivational speaker focusing on “words to action”. He partnered with researchers at the University of Lethbridge to study issues affecting new immigrants, with a focus on men’s mental health and inclusion in Canada.

As a proven community leader and an advocate for mental health in minority communities in Calgary, Dr. Odame-Ankrah is passionate about sharing his experience as well as his commitment for more inclusion and empowerment of immigrants in Canada. He serves on many non-profit boards and he is the current President of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Calgary. He has had ground-breaking funding from the federal government to build a community centre for Ghanaian-Canadian in Calgary serving the youth and seniors alike. He serves as a board member of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council as well. It is his dream to see Africans in Canada work together more collaboratively to ensure that their collective needs are met. He has done this in the past through Covid-19 Vaccine drive in the African communities and continues to work with several black serving community leaders to advance causes that impact our communities positively.  He is a unifier.

When Latjor Tuel was murder by police, Charles led community leaders across the country to demand justice for Latjor. He organized and led a a peaceful demonstration in the City of Calgary to demand answers from the Police Service. This led to the City Mayor, The Police Chief and other apolicicoans to issue statements of making Calgary a better place for all. Calgary Foundation has given $75,000.00 dollars to the South Sudanese community to support their grieving and building of a more resilient community.

Chidinma Thompson (Calgary)

Dr. Chidinma Thompson is a Partner at the law firm of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. She is also an Adjudicator, and an Arbitrator. She has experience in all levels of court in Alberta, courts in some African countries, various Canadian tribunals and arbitrations. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a member of the ICC Canada Arbitration Committee, and a member of Arbitral Women, among other arbitral institutions. She adjudicates multi-party matters relating to environmental, climate change and water approvals. Dr. Thompson has taught various law-related courses at the University of Calgary and regularly speaks at law conferences. She publishes in law journals and blogs and has contributed several law book chapters.

Forward Moving Organization

Jonas Driving School Inc. (Calgary)

At Jonas Driving School in Calgary, we love teaching teens and adult how to drive. Whether you are learning to drive or planning to update your driver training Jonas Driving School in Calgary is the car & truck best driving lessons provider in Calgary and surrounding communities. Our skilled car & truck driving instructors will ensure that you are as comfortable as much as possible when taking our driving lessons.

• Our instructors speak English, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tagalog, Amharic
• We are licensed by the Alberta Ministry of Transportation
• We have over 20 years of experience
• We provide high quality driver’s ed with a unique teaching approach
• We are unique driving School in Calgary
• We make sure every driver that takes our course completes it successfully.
• Our driving lessons are held 7 days a week
• We schedule our lessons at the convenience of our students
• Senior citizen gets 10% off
• Jonas driver’s ed is the most affordable driving school in Calgary

We totally understand we are not the only driving school in Calgary but we believe that our experience, honesty and friendliness make us unique. We appreciate for choosing us.

Jonas Driving School’s Mission is Making your Learning as Convenient as Possible.

King Solomon’s Kitchen (Calgary)

King Solomon’s Kitchen serves and cooks from the heart, serving all customers in a courteous, friendly and efficient manner. Achieving a superb level of customer satisfaction

The food is distinctively excellent, tasty and fresh. Through the power of superb cuisine and excellent service, being a preferred food.

King Solomon is running the Yard Core Seeds none profit and putting on diversity focused events. He just held a first ever Afro-Caribbean Food Festival in Calgary and had 4500 people show up to experience different cultures and foods. He is working hard to put it on for another year and his tenacity and dedication is unparalleled.

BIPOC Foundation (Lethbridge)

As part of the intricate tapestry of Canadian multiculturalism, BIPOC Foundation was established to create entrepreneurship opportunities for diverse populations at the intersection of economic development and social justice, starting with the Black community. With a three-year $2.6M federal investment announced by Government of Canada in February 2022, we work among a network of influential non-profits delivering on mandates to diversify the Western Canadian economy by establishing an accelerator program, providing foundational business and growth training, and connecting Black entrepreneurs with investors.

We aim to close economic involvement gaps, address the low number of Black-owned businesses regionally, create open and relatable pathways to opportunity, and address the impacts of systemic racism and discrimination.

BIPOC Foundation is doing a fantastic job offering unparalleled service to members of the Afro-Canadian community across Western Canada. They provide programs, mentorship, business support, one-on-one advisory services, insightful webinars seminars and talk shows and products that make entrepreneurs within their community gain deep insight, standout and grow in confidence as the start, grow and scale their business ventures. The impact of their work is already being felt within the community and I believe they deserve to be awarded in the category of Forward Moving Organization. as someone that have had the honor of interacting with both the management and staff of the foundation, I can say for sure that they embody everything the entrepreneur needs to succeed in today’s market. They are very respectful and show genuine care and interest in my work and truly wants to see me succeed. This organization and their entire team are filling a very important need in the Western Canadian BIPOC business landscape, and they come highly recommended. Clement Esene is the Executive Director and Sinmi Adeoye-Esene is his Co-Founder and Director of Equitable solutions and Partnerships.

Unsung Heroes

Clare Jagunna (Calgary)

Bisi Clare is the CEO and founder of Hands lifting Hearts Initiatives she is selfless dedicated woman to the African community, Mrs. Clare Jagunna is a mother to three awesome children and loving wife. She is selfless giver and lover to all. She is graduate of law from Ahmadu bello university and Business Administration university of Ilorin both in Nigeria. She has passion for education a product of university of Lethbridge and Canadian institute of management certified. She is worked in telecommunication, banking, oil and gas industries and volunteer in children’s dept of her church, the women ministry, Calgary seniors’ community She is the CEO of Hands lifting hearts initiates an organization she started 7 years ago looking after women and children displaced from their homes thru domestic violence, religion insurgency or natural disasters. Among the initiatives she is doing are adopt a Nigerian child, feed the elderly, setting libraries in schools.

Hands lifting hearts also celebrates the sick children in Alberta Children hospital at Christmas making it the first NGO to donating diapers and toys first of its kind. Working with some agencies in looking after our black youths with regards to racism, discrimination, harassment, and sexual abuse.
Lastly, HLH support pregnant immigrant families thru pre-birth, labour (be with the women in labour room) and post birth, provide support and counseling for Africa women who experience miscarriage, still birth or loss of a toddler or early disability. Supporting waiting parents seeking to adopt children from Africa.
Clare said passion to assist the needy was what she inherited from her parents. Her dad was a philanthropist within the Ekiti state and the catholic community, which propelled her to continue that legacy through her initiatives.

Bukola Ojemakinde (Calgary)

Bukola Ojemakinde is a Chemical Engineer in a reputable Oil and Gas Company but she is also a passionate community servant running two non-profits out of Calgary. In the last 5 years, she has grown Ladies in the Family Foundation as an organization that creates a friendly and culturally diverse platform for women and their families to develop healthier relationships with themselves and others towards emotional and mental wellness, increased social capital, increased productivity, and better integration into the Canadian culture through collaborative community building. Bukola is an unpaid volunteer at LIFF and takes the time to plan, curate and execute projects and events that bridge acculturation gaps, lessen social emotional incompetency, remove stigmas that are in the way of candid and non-judgmental conversations and inspire volunteerism and community engagement/development

The second non-profit she runs is called Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation, an organization whose mission is to support and empower seniors in the Black and African communities to be active and socially engaged, by supplementing the care provided by their family members. Our target audience are all Afro-Canadian seniors of diverse nationalities and cultures especially those who are within the low-income bracket, seniors who may be struggling with housing stability and successful tenancies, seniors (less than 5 years in Canada) struggling with establishing social connection, and all seniors longing to connect to their roots and build inner strength and resiliency to face the life ahead. Bridge to Oasis Foundation provides a central corridor for resources and information to flow to black seniors and is also working with other senior serving organizations to develop black seniors’ economic, social, and mental capital as they age in place or in seniors independent/ assisted living residences.

Jane Eruchalu (Calgary)

Jane is an excellent mum, wife, community volunteer and leader. She holds a B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering and M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from Norwegian University of Science and Technology-NTNU. Jane has served on various board and committees. Jane is a director at Mojek resources Inc. and Women of Vision Society of Alberta. Jane has been a member of the executive team of the Nigerian Canadian association Calgary (NCAC) for 6 years. Jane’s volunteer position in the community includes board treasurer, finance, media relations, fundraising, and house project. Finalist at the Entrepreneurship and innovation award category (22nd Annual immigrants of distinction Awards (IDA) 2018). Jane has successfully completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (DEP). She has accomplished so much despite the tragedies and challenges that she has experienced. She is indomitable and never gives up. She is the epitome of the word – heroine.

Gladys Afolayan (Calgary)

Gladys Afolayan is one of the unsung heroes of our community in Calgary Alberta. She is the founder of Creative Mindz Beauty Center in Calgary, a unique one stop multicultural salon located in the heart of Calgary. I work with her everyday and I see the hard work that she has put in to create a mega beauty center without help or handout from anyone. Her story is one of resilience, of the power of focus, of empowerment, of thriving during adversity, of a woman entrepreneur, of a woman of color under 40 achieving a dream

You would be surprised at how many men and women of color have difficulty finding a beauty professional who can provide them with service and after-care knowledge specialized to their hair type. This is because the current Alberta cosmetology curriculum only trains graduates on services for Eurocentric (straight) hair. This is a huge gap that requires immediate action considering the evolving demographics of our city. Therefore, guided by her passion to create inclusive experiences and interaction between stylists and clients with different cultural backgrounds, she is on a new mission to fill this gap by developing a training facility that caters to the development of educationally diverse cosmetology graduates.

Currently she is in the process of challenging the status quo and is challenging the Alberta Government’s Cosmetology curriculum to include Afro-textured hair in the curriculum through the launch of the first Black Hair and Beauty School in Alberta. This has received recognition from the Current Premier the honorable Daniel Smith, the Deputy Premier of Alberta, The Honorable Kayce Madu, M.L.A. Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions as well as the mayor of the city of Calgary who is a keynote speaker in her upcoming event on the 18th of November 2022

• She organized a summer braiding bootcamp that was attended by over 20 teenagers, male and female to teach them about taking care of afro textured hair and
  • She has developed a mentorship program to empower the Black community through creating awareness of cultural identity that is rooted in Afro textured hair.
  • She has created a bridge program for immigrants who may wish to transition into a new career in Cosmetology in Alberta.
  • Promote inclusivity in the beauty industry in Alberta.
  • Empower current Cosmetology practitioners with the skill needed to cater to clients of all ethnicities.
  Gladys Afolayan is an inspiration to young black women (and men) about what is possible if you put your heart to it and she continues to shatter glass ceilings as she proves that it’s not who you know but what you know that opens doors.

I believe that she is deserving of recognition and is worthy of the friends of Diversity Award.

Adebola Esan (Calgary)

Adebola Esan moved to Calgary with a background in education, but her passion for the food and beverage industry inspired a switch in careers. Adebola is married with four children plus 1.

She is the proud owner of Flavours Restaurant. She loves to cook, sing, and dance.

– The pioneer of African Restaurants since 2013.
– Started the restaurant from scratch when there was no one to take cue from.
– Rose to be the best African Restaurant voted on Avenue Magazine in 2021 and #2 in 2022
– Maintains consistent and excellent quality of food and service, 4.6 rating on google with 415+ reviews
– Representing African heritage with a positive influence and a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere
– Community involvement with culinary education, donations, corporate events
– Amplifying black economic strength through hiring and support of more than 5 black families.

Neveen Dominic (Calgary)

Neveen Dominic is a full service transformation coach. She lost 115 pounds in 18 months and earned herself the title of Canada’s Weight Loss Diva. She achieved this by using her revolutionary five dimensional shifts that guarantees clients 100% success. These shifts are established during her wellness evaluations and client-focused personalized plan, accountability, and success metrics. Her passion is making a positive impact by increasing quality of life for her clients through healthy mindset, mental and emotional well-being, positive energy and vibration, nutrition, and exercise. She also offers the community free coaching services at 8 am during her daily Rise N Grind challenge at New Horizon Mall. She is building a healthy community and safe haven for members to work on themselves while getting support from her and members of the community. Anyone can join her community for free by going to her website and registering. Neveen is a licensed hairstylist who owned and operated 4 salons and beauty supplies in Windsor and Detroit prior to moving to Calgary. She is a certified makeup artist with ITEC advanced certification which allows her to practice makeup application as a licensed professional worldwide. She also owns her signature cosmetics company Neveen Dominic Cosmetics and her waist trainer Move which helps clients with flat tummy and performance enhancement during exercises. Aside from helping her clients with physical transformations, Neveen builds her clients confidence with hair, makeup, image consulting, fashion styling, photo shoots, and personal branding services. She graduated with honours from SAIT with a business administration diploma majoring in marketing and management with passion for branding. Neveen uses her marketing skills and visually positions her clients for confidence and personal brand identity.

Aminat Popoola (Calgary)

Aminat Popoola M.Sc., P. Eng. Is a wife and a mother. She is a Managing Partner at RHAY Engineering Inc., and the President of RHAY Logistics Inc.

Aminat is a Professional Engineer with over 23 years of experience, with expertise in electrical system design for commercial, recreational, educational, semi- industrial facilities, and mixed-use buildings.

As the President of RHAY Logistics Inc., in May 2020, Aminat partnered with Amazon as a Delivery Service Partner to launch the First Delivery Service Partner (2.0) in Canada. RHAY Logistics provides Last Mile Delivery Services to Amazon and employs between 90 -120 full time staff, from more than 15 different countries. To date RHAY Logistics has delivered over 5 million packages to Calgary residents.

Aminat is a champion in her profession and in her community. She gives back through mentorship, and volunteering. She was the secretary of the Electrical Inspectors Association of Alberta (EIAA – Calgary Chapter 2018-2022), and a Board member at the Provincial level. She is a mentor to many Engineers and Newcomers to Calgary.

Aminat is the current PRO of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, an active member and volunteer with the Yoruba Foundation Calgary, and a volunteer with the Centre for Newcomers

She was the past Board Secretary of the Nigerian Canadian Muslim Congregation of Calgary (NCMCC), where she served for four years.

In 2015, Aminat launched a program called ‘Empowering Our Youths One Stitch A time” where she teaches sewing to young girls and boys in the community as a way of empowering the youths. To date Aminat has tutored over 100 students both youths and adults.

Artist of the Year

Sisay Shimeles (Calgary)

Artist Sisay Shimeles is a very talented artist who represents we Africans using his artistic talent very well. He also teaches African Art to children which is very important to aspire many of our talented kids in our communities and beyond. I have seen many of his beautiful public art pieces here in Calgary as well, and I think he deserves this award 100%.

Sylvester Ndumbi (Calgary)

Sylvester Ndumbi is an award winning filmmaker with over 10 years of experience. Recently, Ndumbi was selected as one of fifteen filmmakers to participate in the Alberta Accelerator Producer Program where he was mentored by Executives from Entertainment One and Warner Brothers among many others. His passion is telling original stories that highlight our shared experiences and help us celebrate what it means to be “human”.

Junior Achievement

Mirabelle Harris-Eze (Calgary)

Mirabelle is in her final year school of law school at the University of Calgary. Prior to law school, Mirabelle earned a BComm (with distinction) with a minor in English from a minor in English from the University of Calgary, interned at the Parliament of Canada, and worked at Pro Bono Law Alberta. Last year, Mirabelle worked for a federal government agency as a summer law student where she wrote memos on cross-jurisdictional legal matters and attended tribunal hearings.

Mirabelle has received numerous academic and leadership awards, including the Dean of Law Award of Excellence, McCarthy Tétrault Leadership Award, and 2022 JSD Tory Writing Award for excellence in writing and legal research. She is an avid mooter and was awarded Second Place Oralist in the 2021 McGillivray Moot.

Equity and advocacy often guide Mirabelle’s extracurricular activities. During law school, she has served on the boards of the national Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (BLSA Canada), UCalgary BLSA, and UCalgary Gender Equity in Law Association. Mirabelle is the 2022-2023 President of BLSA Canada.

In her spare time, Mirabelle can be found baking bread, reading short stories, and streaming Afrobeats. She is currently working on her first novel.

Veronica Olalere (Calgary)

Veronica is the owner of Ahinkes Kitchen a restaurant here in Calgary. She is a women in business whom I seen who took Covid as an opportunity to take her business to the next level. Even though Covid was a very challenging time for her at first, like for everyone else it was extra difficult being a single mother and a entrepreneur who had to manage having her children full time when the schools were closed. I have seen many restaurants close during Covid and Instead of it being a set back for her, it ended as a set up for a come back. She is a true superstar now who is shinning more now more then ever before as a Black Women in Business.

Ahinke’s Cooking Show was created to inspire harmony in homes so that families can spend more time together by having quality mealtimes, thereby creating memories of times filled with laughter, peace, love, and harmony. season 1 was Daddys recipe, now Season 2 Mummy’s Recipe captures a supportive and involved mother preparing her favourite recipe with her child. Mummies are superheroes who can perform miracles anywhere, including the kitchen! Because we understand that it is not only about the food, but also about spending time together learning skills and raising a healthy child. We simply hope that some of the meals being prepared will be adopted as a healthy staple home recipe by viewers.

I plan to showcase these unique stories to change some of the narratives about immigrant families, patriarchy and food.

The first have of the season is Daddy’s Recipe I have a close relationship with my dad that was very special. I hope that telling my story and showcasing Dad and child cook, it can help nurture innovation and bring positivity into the community

I hope to tell visually with real families in the community the possibility of raising a healthy child through memories built while cooking and I simply hope that some of the meals being cooked can be adopted amongst viewers as a healthy staple home recipe.

Femi Akinsanya (Calgary)

As a young, 1st generation, millennial black woman growing up in Calgary, Femi has experienced immense gaps and systematic barriers in various services and sectors locally. As a racialized person, not only has she faced the systemic hurdles of Canadian society, but her experiences were compounded with by cultural values, religious affiliations, family, and sense of community. Sexual violence is an incredibly complex topic to broach in racialized and marginalized communities despite its prevalence; for many, sexual violence does not exist in a vacuum. Instead, it is coupled with several other forces and experiences inside and outside families, communities, systems, and institutions.

Femi is deeply passionate about unearthing communities’ unique experiences regarding gender-based violence, gender equity, and human rights. Whether professionally as the Education Team Lead at CCASA or as an advocate, a community-centred approach through a decolonized lens is an integral part of her work. This approach aids in directing services, agencies, and institutions in bettering and more purposefully serving diverse communities.

Femi Akinsanya (she/her): As the community development coordinator, Femi fosters relationships with diverse communities, professionals, stakeholders, and community partners.

Femi is currently working as the Education Program Lead at CCASA and a health and social care course instructor, and also human rights and gender equity advocate. She is passionate about unearthing communities’ unique experiences regarding gender-based violence, gender equity, and human rights. She does this through a community-centred approach to support, education and advocacy. This approach aids in directing services, agencies, and institutions in bettering and more purposefully serving communities.

Her educational background in psychology and health sciences allows Femi to interact with diverse people compassionately and support their overall wellness.

Friends of Diversity

Elaine Spencer (Red Deer)

Elaine Spencer has been a social worker for 35 years and currently teaches at Red Deer Polytechnic. She has been a small part of anti-racist education and activism since 1985, when as a BSW student she joined with others to fight the rise of white supremist and neo-nazi groups in Alberta. Since 2016, Elaine has been the Vice-President of the Somali Girls and Boys Education Foundation, a grassroots group founded by a graduate of Red Deer Polytechnic’s Social Work Program, Zainab Mohamoud, that has built and now runs an accessible school for Somalian children. A believer in actions speaking loudest, Elaine continues to support where she can, most recently becoming the Founding President of a new local agency, the African-Caribbean Centre of Central Alberta.

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BCW in Action Black Women in BusinessUnsung Heroes AwardArtist of the Year AwardFashion Designer AwardProfessional of the Year AwardForward Moving Organization AwardLifetime Achievement AwardJunior Achievement AwardEntrepreneur of the Year AwardCommunity Leader of the Year AwardFriend of DiversityPlease select the category you are nominating for below

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For those who are still in the process of finalizing their AC/FOD 2022 nominations, you have up to the end of Nov 19, to submit your nominations.

Due to limited space in the event hall, entry to AC/FOD Awards 2022 event on Dec 2 at Four Point Sheraton Airport in Calgary is limited to Diversity Members, our highly respected nominees, Alberta Bites vendors, and event sponsors.

Should you want to attend these fantastic events in Calgary, please consider supporting the works of Diversity Magazine which is 100% funded by community members like you, join our Diversity Community by taking a membership today, from just $100 to $1,000 and network with resourceful and inspiring people in the community, connect with major organizations and service providers, enter all Diversity organized events for FREE, get profiled on all Diversity platforms, and support us tell your untold stories with pride and dignity; independent day celebration stories of your proud heritage and culture, inspiring profiles, places to take your family and friends to visit, help us create opportunities for young people and newcomers to develop their talents through Diversity platforms when no one will give them that valuable Canadian experience, share news relevant to your communities, bring you government Public Service Announcements (PSAs), advocate on behalf of your community and its issues, as well as, promote your culture and heritage through events and festivals.

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Having a beautifully designed Souvenir of Prominence Plaque can help keep our AC Awards memories as Kasoa Tropial Food owner, Charity Durowaa, did very well.You too can get a plaque with your bio, your photo of choice, and photo of all nominees including you.Interested, please call or text 780.709.0965
What is New this Year

About AC Awards / Friends of Diversity 2022

Welcome to the 12th Edition of AC Awards and 1st Edition of FOD!

In this edition of AC Awards, as always, will have a Trade Show, and Nine (9) award categories celebrated for people of African descent. In addition to AC Awards, Friends of Diversity (FOD) too will be celebrated at the same event – those from non-Black communities making a difference to foster diversity and inclusion.

Also, new this year, is Alberta Bites, an exhibition of local cuisine for participants of AC/FOD Awards to have the opportunity to enjoy local restaurants and catering.

The event will take place in Calgary on December 2, at Four Points by Sheraton Airport.

AC Awards Categories

The Gategories