AC Awards Stories
It is with great pleasure that we announce the hosts for AC Awards 2017 from a list of 50 applicants. You will be in the wonderful company of Award winning MCs; Rudy and Susan.
Rudy Jay Aimus
Susan Arigo Dut (left)
Judges and organizers of the upcoming exciting AC Awards share fun time after a hectic planning day at Diversity Centre. AC Awards is scheduled for September 23 from 5 PM
Thank you very much for AC Awards Judges; Rudy, Courage, Adi, Susan, Kemoh, Committee Co-Chair Harriete and Beryl
Exhibition Tables at AC Awards
With an endless list of exhibition tables, inspiring people making a difference in the community, the AC Awards 2017 brings together the quality of people you will want to join hundred others to meet and chat with. AC Awards this Saturday is FREE to meet others and be inspired, motivated, share the fun moments, support those making a difference in our community and connect. Some organizations setting up exhibition tables include: Diversity Centre, Edmonton Regional Immigrant Services, Afro Quiz, Heritage Education Fund, Business Link, M E Lazerte School, CCI-LEX,Edmonton Election Candidates, Mello Hair, Access Emploi, Shitf Management, Traffic Ticket, Iftin, Ribbon Rouge, Smoothies Basics, Edmonton Police Service,and more.
First Phase of Voting Opened for Artist and Entertainer of the Year Category
Dear AC Awards Nominees for Artist and Entertainer of the Year 2017.
The AC Awards judges decided to do two sets of votes this year; online and live. To get the winner, they will add the online votes to the number of people who voted for the artists and entertainers on the day of the event live.
So please encourage your supporters to come out and vote for you on the the day of the awards live after voting for you online. This year, it will be more intense with the voting, as you will also have to perform live and add the two votes together to get the Artist and Entertainer of the Year 2017.
The good news is, there is no cost to go in. Entry is FREE!
Vote for Artist of the Year 2017 here
Vote for Entertainer of the Year 2017 here
AC Awards 2017 Nomination has ended!
Expected attendance: 1,000
Entry Cost into AC Awards 2017: FREE! Entry for everyone
When does nomination Opens? Nomination opens on July 17, and ends on August 5, 2017
What is the Cost of an Exhibition Table to Engage Community Members? 50 exhibition tables available at just $100
What of Sponsorship? Sponsorship range from $500 – $5,000, please see details below
Will there be drinks? Yes! Cash bar available
What of Food? Delicious food made fresh at the kitchen on sale for an affordable price
Can you Name an Award in your Name? Yes! Naming rights for awards available for some categories
Interested, please call 780.236.2526 / 780.709.0965 /403.616.0210 /
What does AC Awards winners Get:
- A trophy inscribed with their name and the name of the award category presented to them on the day of the award in front of family, friends, peers and the most important people in Alberta.
- A video highlight of the journey to where they are now and some media interviews to shine a light on their achievements.
- A big profile in Diversity Magazine print, Online, website and social media pages.
- Why not step up today and let your light shine? Nominate someone today and shine a light on their achievements.
AC Awards Categories
Professional of the Year: Someone who demonstrated professionalism and measured success in a career; professional, entrepreneur, trades or any other field.
Community Leader of the Year: Someone who have created significant impact in the community; volunteer, community worker or any other field.
Writer of the Year: A secondary published writer. Self-published books are accepted with the exception of personal blogs and social media posts.
Entertainer of the Year: This includes DJs, promoters, hyped MC, dancers, and other forms of entertainment.
Junior Achievement: A youth between 16 and 30 years old who has shown persistent success and demonstrable impact in the community.
Lifetime Achievement: Someone who has accomplished lifetime goals, remarkable achievements, overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.
Fashion Designer of the Year: Someone in the fashion industry who designs and help to bring African fashion to the markets.
Artists of the Year: This includes singers, comedians, choreographers, poets, painters, and those who produce their own original works.
Unsung Heroes: This includes those who do all kinds of work in different industries but are not given credit for their contribution. This category gives voices to the voiceless.
Re-branding Afro-Canadian Awards to AC Awards
Very hard working community members, you all have the right to succeed and you deserve an opportunity to shine a light on your success. After 7 years, we are re-branding the Afro Canadian Heroes Award into AC Awards and bringing in more community involvement to appreciate you for your hard and smart work in the community, in art, in business, in design, in fashion, achievement throughout your lifetime, as a professional, and as an academic, in whatever you do.
Writer of the Year
Bakar Mansaray
Fashion Designer of the Year
Dan Muthui of Kilele Creations
Miriam Makau of Marie Allure
Lifetime Achievement Award
Keli Tamaklo
Keli Tamaklo is a former Edmonton Police Commissioner. Keli has an MBA and a Sociology, major with a Diploma in Education. Keli has about 25 years experience in the field of local government administration and organizational development with expertise in governance, financial and strategic management.
For several years, Keli has been principal advisor to Grand Chiefs, Chiefs, Mayors and Councillors. For 13 years, he lived and worked on the Atikameg First Nation Reserve as a Chief Administrative Officer. He also served for 4 years as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of High Prairie. As an administrative head of the municipality and the First Nations, Keli implemented and administered several programs to serve the needs of the communities and surrounding areas.
Keli was a consultant for many organizations such as; The Alberta Lung Association, University of Alberta Global and Health Research, Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mines, Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council, Kakeeyaw Oil & Gas Industry, Whitefish Logging and Whitefish Inn Restaurant.
Keli sat on and chaired several Municipal, First Nations and African Canadian boards. He is the President of Ghana Friendship Association of Edmonton and past Vice-Chair of the Africa Centre. Keli is also the past chair of the following committees of the Edmonton Police Commission; Finance and Audit, Governance, and the Ad hoc Operations Review.
Keli has travelled extensively through North America, Europe and Africa. He loves public speaking, reading, soccer, ping pong, scrabble, and mastermind.
Kasoa Tropical Food Market Entrepreneur of the Year
Mariama Kamara
As a result of the war, Mariama moved from Sierra Leone to Holland. In 2007, Mariama moved from Holland with her four years old daughter in search of a better life as a refugee, seeking asylum in Canada. After three years, she was granted permanent resident in Canada. With some of the wise words given to her by the Judge who granted her permanent residency, she went to school and upgraded in her English Language. After a couple of years, Mariama graduated with a health Care Aide certificate. Though life was very difficult for Mariama, she did not give up, but looked for an extra way to make ends meet. Mariama started ordering wigs online, and sells them to her classmates for a little profit, which helps towards bus passes and lunches. She went further on by selling the wigs to members in her community.
Since Mariama is very determined to have a better life for her and her children, she worked hard and saved up every penny she could save. With the help of a friend, Mariama was able to go to China and purchased some goods for her business. During this time, Mariama has started thinking of opening a little shop of her own.
Through hard work, determination and the support of her family and friends, Mariama was successful in opening her first store; a store that sells beauty supplies for male and female. The struggle continue for this hard working woman; the location was not good enough for business, so no profit was being made. Mariama was bold enough to make that big move, located to a different place. With the continuation of working hard, extra income from her Health Care Aide job, and lucrative from her business, Mariama is now moving to a bigger store, and is opening another store at Red Deer.
Mariama has three beautiful children. She is a caring loving individual who is always willing to lend a helping hand to her family and friends. When Mariama is not working at her store, Leon’s Beauty Supplies, or her Health Care Aide job, she enjoys spending time with her children. A typical day for Mariama will be taking care of her children, especially the little baby. Mariama would like to get involve in a cause, especially the Cancer foundation. Mariama’s personal motto is fairness in the world; she feels that the world is not fair, and that everybody deserves fairness in order for the world to be a better place.
Abdoulie Samateh
Abdoulie Samateh, the owner of Zarah Beauty Supply and Fade Zone Barbershop, is a successful business owner of two businesses today as a result of his hard work and determination. He started as a door to door retailer, with his merchandise in a suitcase, moving from one city to another. He was able to grow the business gradually and rented a shop where he sold the few merchandise he had and rendered hair services as a barber. Subsequently, he decided to include hair and beauty products, and as a result of the rapid increase in the number of customers he hired someone to work with him.
The business had been growing, and today he is a successful business owner of two businesses (Zarah Beauty Supply, 8807 118 Avenue and Fade Zone Barber’s Shop, 9003 118avenue) on the Alberta Avenue as a wholesaler and retailer of all kinds of hair and beauty products. Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires focusing on making a difference instead of making money. He motivates himself by having a vision and focusing on the vision, continuous learning and self-development, risk taking and staying hopeful by believing that he can actualize his view of a great future by working towards it with determination.
He believes that giving back to the community is important as it can be linked to corporate soial responsibility. He sponsors events and renders discounted services to students and seniors.
Abdoulie Samateh is a good listener; he ensures that he communicates effectively with his team; he is not afraid to make mistakes. He tries as much as possible to surround himself with smart and talented people, and he is willing to delegate, he practices accountability and he believes in continuous learning; he is optimistic and forward-looking. It is evident that you have to love what you are doing to be successful at it. You have to surround yourself with good people, and you have to be willing to fail and learn from your mistakes. Without those key ingredients, you will never know how good the ride could have been in life. He is a risk taker; his words are “What is the worst thing that can happen if you try?” He would not be here today if he has allowed the fear of failure stop him.
Abdoulie Samateh has everything it takes to be called a successful entrepreneur; he is full of determination; he is not afraid to take risks. Abdoulie demonstrates a high level of confidence; he craves learning; he understands that failure is part of the game, passionate about his business.
Charity Durowaa
A shy, very private, and soft spoken Charity Durowaa had a dream. That dream has made her to become known as “Kasoa” because of her passion to provide cultural foods to Africans in Alberta through her grocery store “Kasoa Tropical Food Market”, with the same freshness, taste, aroma, appetite, and excitement as they have known back home. That irresistible dream and passion, Charity has accomplished by developing, arguably, the largest Afro-Caribbean grocery store in Alberta, employing 15 staff of African descent in the process. She has since diversified into a Filipino Store next door, called “Mama’s Bodega” for our Filipinos brothers and sisters. She has not stopped there; she recently opened Kasoa South to take care of the food needs of our brothers and sisters in the south of the city. Great to say that the paint is still drying off her new elegant all-in-one beauty store called “Marvelous” next to her Kasoa South grocery store. She supports numerous events in the community such as Afro Fest, Africa Soccer Tournament, Cameroon independence, The Red Cross, Kaleido Festival, and from time to time attends a few. Charity is married and has a son.
Harriet Tinka AC Unsung Heroes Awards
Martha Sellu
Martha was born and raised in Sierra Leone, West Africa where she lived until the civil war in 1995 when she moved to Cape Coast, Ghana as a refugee. Having given preference to immigrate to Canada, she was resettled in Edmonton, Alberta in 2003.
In Sierra Leone, Martha attended a well-regarded school from kindergarten to high school. Thereafter, she attended and graduated from the Teachers College. It is from there that she embraced teaching children and working with families. In Canada, she completed upgrading at Alberta College and gained admissions to Grant MacEwan College where she completed the Diploma in Social Work. She obtained a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Thompson Rivers University in British Colombia,a Masters degree in Human Services from Walden University and in the process of pursuing a more higher qualification.
Martha is role a model in representing her community and providing mentorship. She is an inspiration to many particularly women of the African Diaspora. She plays a pivotal role in guiding the development of non-abusive relationships in families and goes “above and beyond” to intervene and facilitate harmonious family dynamics. Her dedication to society is countless. She is also an ardent volunteer. She has served as member of board on several of the city’s initiatives. She is also a passionate volunteer. She volunteers with the Multicultural Health Brokers. She also regularly volunteers during elections, since 2009, as a Deputy Returning Officer or Returning Officer. She was Secretary General for the Sierra Leone Women Association and is currently the Social Secretary for the Sierra Leone Association. She is known for her selfless effort in whatever she pursues. She is a true community hero willing to do whatever has to be done to keep things going. She is married with two sons.
Muru Kharmisi Abditam
A man that we cannot list all his achievements, awards, accomplishments, and recognition. But if we attempt to, quickly will be talking of playing drums for Queen Elizabeth or Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Four Dimension of the City of Edmonton Recognition, the formation of Edmonton’s Safe City and translation in court.
Elder Muru left Uganda to Kishasa, Congo in 1978. He left to Khartoum, Sudan in 1979. He will finally move in 1982 to Edmonton, Canada. He has worked as a translator, help to organized music festivals, help to found Africa Centre, co-founder of Uganda Association in 1997, served as Council of Black Organization as Communication Director in 1987, help found Afro Caribbean Dancing and Drumming Group in 1991, help to found Africa Centre in 2005, performed with Ugandan Association for Queen Elizabeth II in 2005, had dinner with Queen Elizabeth II, join in Wajjio performance and lots of other performances for so many groups to promote African culture.
Performed for Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu in 1995, taught drumming to University students in 1995, help found Ugandan Relief Foundation to help transition Uganda out of war in 1998, HIV Advisor to Government of Canada.
He received an award from Edmonton Police, he taught drumming to the Edmonton Public School Board, obtained a Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Alberta for his work in the community. He helped in community engagement and mobilization for the Federal Liberal Party leaders. In 2006-7, he served as Director and later as Board Chair for Landlord and Tenants Advisory Board for the City of Edmonton. He also served as Board of Director for Africa Centre from 2006 – 2013.
He trained as a mining engineer, joined the Ugandan Military in 1971 and as a captain in Ugandan Airline, trained as a pilot in 1972 in UK and USA.
He attended the prestigious UK Sanhouse Military University in 1975. He joined the Ugandan Airline as a captain.
Joseph Luri
Joseph Luri is a community Activist, a strong advocate and a natural leader. Joseph has been involved in so many activities and initiatives. Some includes:
– He is involved in advocating for better testing tools for new immigrant students. Before that students were diagnosed as having behavior problem or not compliant even though it is the energy that some students have.
– Involved and played a key role in closing the gap between families and children services thus engaging children services to be pro active and supportive but not otherwise.
– Engaged youth and parents in conflict resolution and after school supports. Students were best supported and developed more interest in learning.
– Engaged and enlightened teachers on appropriate cultural approaches in supporting new comer immigrant students and families.
– Involved in initiatives to stop sexual exploitation and supported victims and families affected with this unfortunate act
Joseph Luri as a result has earned the following awards:
– RISE award twice
– Crime prevention award twice
– Men of Honour from the Centre to end sexual exploitation
– Prestigious Salvos leadership award
– Recognized by the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Police Service with a civil award
– Men of integrity with outstanding services to families and youth from Edmonton Public schools
– Outstanding role model and a true natural leader from the Sudanese Fellowship
Joseph is a fearless fighter who takes the principles he believes in very seriously. He cautiously takes risks with courage and determination.
Joseph is currently running as a Public-School Trustee for ward. He has served in the various schools with the growing diverse population for nearly ten years. Currently Joseph is the Coordinator of the Domestic Violence Prevention at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. You can find more about Joseph Luri on the internet and on (Josephluri.com) Call Joseph 780-200-3684.
Belmead Dental AC Junior Achievement Award
Fatima Turay
Growing up Fatima has always been passionate about helping people, especially her peers or those younger than her. Throughout her education she has been involved in many leadership organizations. In high school she was involved with a youth leadership program which helped her to volunteer with many events around the school. Fatima was able to organize a black history month event for the school, while organizing the entire logistics behind the event as well as putting together a Rehabilitation organization.
In college and University Fatima was able to work with an organization called African Community Services of Peel, it was through that program she developed a passion and focus towards at risk youth and youth within the immigrant communities. While working with this organization Fatima was able to start the programs to engage youths and out of trouble, or help youths fulfill their court order in gaining hours.
Although Fatima has been an active participant and volunteer within the Sierra Leone Community, it was when she moved to Edmonton that she became very determined to working with the youths in her community. Fatima started a youth program which was focused on empowering youth with goals to promote leadership, knowledge, and success of their own. Whether it’s a phone from one of the youth’s parents or the youth themselves in the middle of the night, Fatima would make sure she up and out helping those families.
Currently; Fatima works as a youth intervention specialist at The Family Centre, and she also volunteers with Sinkunia as a youth mentor on weekends.
Samuel Mensah
Born in Sierra Leone and moved to Ghana at the age of 9, during the war. Became the director for the childrenʼs choir (at the refugee camp). We had the opportunity to perform at many venues within Ghana, including the National Theatre (In Accra).
When i moved to Canada at the age of 14yrs, i had friends who were interested in arts (dancing, singing and poetry) aswell.. i continued in that path. In high school, i decided to get behind the scene and focus more on producing instrumentals and a bit of graphic design.
After teaching myself the basics, i started uploading my instrumentals on the internet forsale. Years later, i started receiving emails/calls from independent artists/businesses and music lovers in the U.S, Asia, Africa and Europe to inquire about my service. One of my beat websites has over 8million streams and has sold over a thousand leases and hundreds of exclusives.
After awhile, I decided to improve my skills, by enrolling in an audio engineering program. During this program, I learned about photography and videography on the side (self taught). Because Of my love for art itself and also wanted to offer more to my clients.
In a short period of time, I’ve done photo and video work for businesses, weddings, individuals and some of the biggest events in the city.
In 2017, I was approached by some close friends and created an art program to help the youth. The prime objective is to prevent targeted and at-risk youth in Edmonton from increasing their engagement in high-risk lifestyles by submitting it with visual arts and music. The goal for this program is to provide an outlet for youth to be emotionally and physically engaged, for the purpose of forming healthy relationships that enhances their emotional regulation, thought and behaviour.. and also teach them useful life skills on which they can build upon. So far itʼs been a success.
Iʼm still learning and growing everyday. Iʼm ready to conquer any challenges.
Sam Oboh/Michael Lawal AC Awards Professional of the Year 2017
Dr. Abu Conteh
Dr. Abu Conteh is an Environmental Biologist by training and a university lecturer by profession. He holds the following qualifications: B.Sc. (Hons.) in Zoology – Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Master of Engineering in Environmental Science and Technology – Delft, The Netherlands. Ph.D. in Environmental Science – Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Originally from Sierra Leone, Abu is now a Canadian citizen. In January, 2011, Abu and his family moved from New Zealand to Canada, under the Skilled Migrant Program. Abu Conteh is passionate about his career as a university lecturer and has developed in this capacity in the last 23 years. Since 1994 to present, Abu has lectured, conducted research, participated in workshops and conferences in various institutions in every continent in the world except Asia. In addition, Abu has held administrative positions at the university systems including serving as Head of Department, Warden of a Students’ Hall of Residence, Director of Studies, Mentor, and Research Project Supervisor. Abu’s research is focused on Biodiversity Conservation and how these natural resources could be sustainably used for development. Some of Abu’s recent publications in peerreviewed journal articles include the development of a novel method for investigating illegal resource use (Journal: Biological Conservation), assessments of the impacts of war on conservation capacity and threats to biodiversity (Journal: Biodiversity and Conservation), influence of war on hunting patterns and pressure (Journal: Environmental Conservation), Codes of Ethics in Conservation Research (Journal: Biological Conservation), and the use of aquatic macrophyte in cleaning polluted waters (Journal: Pure and Applied Sciences).
Abu is a member of various professional organizations in the field of Biodiversity Conservation such as the Society for Conservation Biology (Arlignton, USA), BioNET International (Cardiff, Wales), Tropical Biology Association (Cambridge, UK), Earthwatch Research Institute (Oxford, UK), and Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (Freetown, Sierra Leone).
Activities in Canada. In the last five years, Abu’s activities in Edmonton have been focused on two areas:
academia and involvement in community functions.
Academia. Current Employments University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences: Contract Ecology Lecturer. MacEwan University, Department of Biological Sciences: Instructor, Ecology & Organisms in their Environment.
Other Employments Robertson College, Edmonton Campus: Instructor – Oil and Gas Administration. Robertson College, Online Program: Instructor – Oil and Gas Administration.
CDI College: Instructor – Oil and Gas Administration.
Community Engagements.
Below are some of the activities that Abu has been engaged in:
1. Chair, Working Committee for the revival of the Sierra Leone Canada Friendship
Association.
Investigated the structure, operations, opportunities, and threats of the Executive.
Planned for the way forward.
Made presentations to update community with findings.
Got elections conducted.
2. Chair, Bylaws Committee, Sierra Leone Association of Alberta.
Prepared draft bylaws, together with other committee members.
Did the first reading to the community and received feedback from community.
Revised draft and prepared final version of bylaws and presented to community for adoption.
3. Chief Electoral Commissioner, Sierra Leone Association of Alberta.
Set up a team of Electoral Commissioners to run the Elections for the Eighth Executive Committee of the association.
Planned and conducted Elections.
Together with the President, planned and presided over the Inauguration
Ceremony for the Eighth Executive Committee of the association.
4. Moderator/Facilitator for various community functions such as Naming Ceremonies,
Memorial Services/Prayers for deceased, Celebrations for pilgrims and families.
5. Spokesman at Engagements/Weddings.
6. Mentor to some young Sierra Leoneans.
7. Coordinator and Adviser to a mentorship program (SLEMP) that supports children with their studies and acquisition of knowledge in Sierra Leonean culture.
8. Creating network and supporting some community members with employment opportunities.
9. Plan, service, record, and communicate different community sub-group functions such as meetings, supplications, fund-raising and correspondence with different stakeholders.
10. Chair, Board of Directors of Sinkunia Community Development Organization (An NGO helping immigrants in Edmonton and with development in Sierra Leone and sister nations).
11. Director of Programs, Maroon Descendants Association (A Registered charity helping immigrants in Edmonton and with development in Sierra Leone).
Beatrice Ghettuba
Born and raised in Kenya, Beatrice moved to Canada in 1998. As the country was transitioning from colonialism into limited self-governance, she was caught in a sense of urgency and curiosity as to what lay beyond her boundaries. She knew that she had to aim higher than her age mates because she wanted to live and work in the big city!
Desiring to become a lawyer, Beatrice was persuaded and agreed to become an accountant instead (much safer for a woman). Inclined differently, she still tackled the Bachelor of Commerce degree accounting major. Beatrice thereafter was accredited as Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA).
Beatrice started her career in earnest with the national airline Kenya Airways as a management trainee and rose to become Manager Insurance and Risk Management for the airline. She later joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as the Regional Manager for Eastern Africa.
Moved to Guinea West Africa to work with the International Rescue Committee as a Finance Coordinator, Beatrice came face to face with the harsh impact of refugee problem on the victims. ‘This is not withstanding the fact that my country of birth, has the world’s two largest refugee camps, Kakuma and Dadaab. I was sheltered, removed from the realities that was the lot of the others. In West Africa, it hit me how poverty is a business for the locals and the international benevolent organizations. It was here, that I wished I had become a lawyer after all, equipped to better fight injustice’.
On arrival in Canada, Beatrice was not spared the problem of underemployment and “rejection” of accreditation earned abroad.
After 10 years working in Grant MacEwan University as an Accountant and Risk Management professional, Beatrice now works full time at K2Z an accounting firm that she cofounded in 2008. Growing the business by offering diverse services to businesses in Edmonton has been slow but rewarding. “At K2Z Accounting Associates, I can counsel on financial matters to my clients”, she says. “I can also reach out and mentor accountants trained abroad, by giving them opportunity to get hands-on Canadian experience in my office. I couch them on Canadian workplace norms and serve as their reference to get employment”. She wishes there was someone who could have taken her by the hand in those early difficult days of settlement in Canada and under-employment. She uses her professional experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant and a businesswoman to advocate for small to medium businesses who are deeply affected by the impact of economic changes.
Beatrice finds time to be in the church and community to do volunteer work so she has firsthand information on important social issues affecting African Diaspora in North America especially women. This led her to take a position, stand and run as a Canadian Liberal Party candidate in the 2015 federal election and now running for Municipal elections to represent Edmonton Ward 4. The CPA fraternity was curious that their member ran for political office…an oddity in the profession!
For hobbies, Beatrice is a workout diehard, an avid reader and enjoys good food!
Beatrice is a proud mother of four and two cute grandsons!
Dr. Bukola Salami
Dr. Bukola Salami is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta. Prior to her academic career, she was a Registered Nurse and subsequently an Interprofessional Educator on immigrant child health and cultural competency at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Windsor, her Masters of Nursing from the University of Toronto, and her PhD in Nursing from the University of Toronto.
During her doctoral program, she completed certificate programs in International Nursing, Critical Qualitative Health Research, and an (equivalent) graduate diploma in Health Service and Policy Research. Her doctoral work was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Her main area of research is immigrant’s health. Over the last 3.5 years, she has been involved in over 25 funded projects in the area of migration and/or health. She has conducted studies on the wellbeing of temporary foreign workers in Alberta, the influence of diverse health determinants on the mental health of immigrants in Canada, the perspectives of employers of migrant caregivers, the migration of nurses to Canada to work as lower skilled care workers, the parenting and mental health promotion practices of African immigrants, and the mental health of immigrant children. While she is largely a qualitative researcher, she has also used quantitative approaches in her research projects.
Her research has been disseminated through publications and presentations in multiple venues. Her research has been presented to international policy makers at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development in Geneva and she has been invited to submit a paper for the World Health Organization Director General’s Report on Migrant Women on the Move.
At the University of Alberta, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on: 1) Immigrant’s Health; 2) Public Policy and Nursing Leadership; and 3) Community Health.
She is involved in several volunteer capacities including as Board Member of Africa Centre, Public Member on the Council of the Alberta College of Social Workers, and Council Member and Research Committee Co-chair of the Edmonton Local Immigrant Partnership. She has a firm commitment to improving the well-being of immigrant populations by capitalizing on the agency of immigrants. In 2016, she was named by Alberta Avenue Magazine as Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40. She is originally from Nigeria.
Sam Juru
Sam Juru is a Strategic Planner/Project Manager with the City of Edmonton.
Sam is from Zimbabwe and started working for the City of Edmonton in 2014 after working for a political think tank as a National Analyst and Reports Writer in Zimbabwe. Sam’s career spans a dynamic range of project management roles; working with international development agencies such as Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the European Union, in different provinces of Canada and various African countries such as Swaziland, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Sam’s dynamic experience includes working as the regional programs manager and acting executive director for the Nova Scotia Environmental Network where he established and maintained delicate advocacy process among environmental organizations, private sector, local communities and provincial governmental departments.
Sam works on complex and multifaceted projects for the municipal government and brought his unique blend of regional and international best practices to managing this project. He has facilitated the development of the major projects by planning and facilitating complex discussions with City of Edmonton staff, inner city agencies, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and the provincial government.
Key to Sam’s success with this project is the ability to build great relationships with not only the team he works with but also with stakeholders. Where challenges have arisen, Sam has been able to resolve issues through his soft and respectful approach.
He is known for his up-beat manner and positive personality and his drive for results. He has put in long hours to meet deadlines without compliant, always ensuring that the project keeps moving forward. In the short time Sam has worked for the City of Edmonton, he has also provided leadership and support to some key City Initiatives such as MacEwan West Project, and Social Development Framework.
This year Sam was nominated by the Canadian Institute of Public Administration (IPAC) Award, for New Public Servant Award for Emerging Excellence.
Lawyer Nnam Okoye
Mr. Okoye lives and breathes his law firm’s mission, “Providing quality legal services with a human touch”. He has shown and continues to show professionalism in his practice of the law in Alberta. He treats all his clients with great respect, empathy, candour and honesty. He defends his clients’ matters vigorously while still maintaining his integrity and upholding the rule of law. These he has done despite huge challenges that he had to overcome along the way. Most of his clients, rich or poor, always testify as to his integrity and his willingness to go above and beyond for his clients. He understands when a client is going through hard times, especially under the current Alberta economy.
His professionalism is not limited to the practice of law. He exemplifies professionalism in his community association (Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton), the Family Futures Network , of which he is a Board member, and in his church community – St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. As a member of these groups, he carries out his volunteer responsibilities with dedication, full respect for others, and mindful of other people’s time. When called upon to volunteer his knowledge on a pro bono basis, he answers. He does not shy away from responsibilities and the perceived difficulty or intricacies of a case would not deter him from giving it his best and from unravelling the knots to achieve a good outcome for his clients.
Nominees for Tony Muto Community Leader of the Year 2017
Life is a cycle of good times interchanged with bad times as your seconds change to minutes, minutes to hours, hours to days, days to years, years to decades, and decades to a life time. One thing that will always bring back your good time is a beautifully designed AC Award with your name engraved on it. Hmmm! What a sweet smile that paints on your beautiful face, a testament to your wonderful contributions to community. Congratulations and see you all on Sep. 23 at 5 PM at 12340 Fort Road, Edmonton.
It’s our pleasure to present the most wonderful nominees for AC Awards Community Leader of the Year 2017. Discover nominees here:
Oliver Kamau
Mr. Oliver Kamau has been an active community leader in Edmonton for the past twenty years. He has worked intensely in numerous educational initiatives, social justice issues such as equity, diversity and anti-racism education, immigration and settlement concerns.
As a result, he has been recognized for his work in the community. In 2014, he was awarded RISE Community Leader Award. In 2015, he was awarded the Medal of Excellence from MacEwan University and was also the commencement speaker at Faculty of Health and Community Studies. In 2016, he was recognized by Edmonton Public School Board for his work in the district. Oliver’s voluntary work has seen him serve in numerous boards such as Kenyan Community Association of Edmonton, HIV Edmonton, Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC) and the Council of Canadians of African and Caribbean Heritage (CCACH).
Oliver has been an active member of Racism Free Edmonton, and was involved with anti-racism initiatives to ensure inclusive practices and policies are adopted and implemented. He was instrumental in the formation of the Diversity Institute at Faculty of Education (University of Alberta) in 2005 where he taught the Race and Culture course to aspiring educators.
In 2006, with two other colleagues, Oliver co-founded Keshotu Leadership Academy. “Keshotu”, a Swahili term that means ‘Our Tomorrow’. The academy uses the performing arts to provide leadership training for youth of African heritage and many has provided a much-needed opportunity for African youth to showcase their artistic talents. His desire to see improved relationship between immigrants/refugees and indigenous peoples of Canada led him to develop the Bamboo Shield program in 2007. Bamboo Shield is an intervention initiative whose curriculum focuses on equipping immigrant, refugee and Aboriginal youth with personal and life skills. To date, this program has received over $1.7 million from federal government and its curriculum has been adopted by Edmonton Public School Board. The Somali community has been one of its greatest beneficiary.
For the past eight years, Oliver has been overseeing the largest Settlement Workers in Schools program in Central and Northern Alberta with more than 30 Settlement Practitioners based in 60 plus schools in Edmonton and Fort McMurray. This team has played a critical role in welcoming families and assisting new immigrants and refugees deal with their settlement and integration journey. On average, the team welcomes about 5000 newcomers to Canada every year.
Oliver is a proud Africanadian and loves working in the community.
Andrew Gersham Parker
Andrew Gersham Parker, perhaps more widely known as AGP, is a positive community figure who has been best known as the face of basketball in Edmonton for nearly two decades. From his unpretentious beginnings in North East Edmonton playing basketball for M.E. LaZerte High School to playing overseas in Europe, and returning as a player for the Edmonton Energy and coach at all levels of the game, there are few who can say they have done as much for promoting community through basketball in Edmonton and Alberta, as Andrew Parker.
More importantly than his achievements on the court, however, are his all-star abilities as a teacher and community leader. Through his tireless effort, Andrew has given hundreds of young Edmontonians the opportunity to see their potential through involvement in his own Flight School basketball program, development of the North Side Hoops community basketball partnership, and his establishment of the Pride of the North Basketball Tournament. Because of his efforts, he has earned appreciation and praise, but remains humble in his pursuit of more for the sake of others. As a teacher and community leader he works endlessly to see the young people that look up to him stay focused in their abilities, diligent in their studies, and proud of their character always.
A new father with additional responsibilities, Andrew has also hosted the opening ceremonies for Black History Month at WEM with Mayor Don Iveson as well as the recent 3 on 3 tournament. Born to Jamaican and Grenadian parents, Andrew is proud of his culture and heritage, taking inspiration from his mother Dr. Claudia Parker. He is a phenomenal community spokesperson, an advocate for his students and would make an exceptional candidate for Diversity Magazine’s AC Award for Community Leader of the Year.
Dicky T. Dikamba
Dicky T. Dikamba is the founder and Executive Director of Canadian Volunteers United in Action (CANAVUA). He is a lawyer, trained at the Université François Rabelais in Tours, France. He also holds a certificate from the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, a which enabled him to deepen his knowledge of international relations and comparative human rights law.
After working as a General Service employee for 9 years at the Clinique Saint-Gatien in Tours, he decided to settle in Canada (August 2008) where he discovered the evolving Alberta Francophonie and gained perfect mastery of the issues relating to the settlement and integration of newcomers.
Social Entrepreneur, Consultant and Motivator, Dicky Dikamba began his professional career in Edmonton by creating CANAVUA, motivated by the desire to promote and value volunteering in the French community in general, and especially among new immigrants and new Canadians.
In his learning about the experiences of immigrants, he notes that these New Canadians have emerging needs. As such, he created in 2011 the “Navigateur en santé” service, funded by the RSA.
In 2012, he created in collaboration with Edmonton’s Food bank, a branch of the food bank which operates in French. In February 2014, he created the Driver Licensing Training and Apprenticeship Program funded by the Alberta Traffic Safety Fund. Since 2014, with funding from Health Canada, he has been the promoter of The “Accompanying and Interpreting MJodels” project to facilitate access to health services for CFSMs in Alberta.
Okwuchi Nnani
Ever since Okwuchi became an active member of the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton (an ethnic group in Eastern Nigeria, West Africa) in 2009, he has volunteered his time and resources to supporting various programs organized by the association. His strong commitment to promoting the culture of the Igbos in diaspora led to his nomination and appointment as Public Relations Officer in 2010 – 2014 (2 terms).
Okwuchi involved his wife, children, parents and every member of his household in assisting and volunteering for every community event. Worthy of note is in 2013 when he convinced his visiting parents to volunteer for a crucial community assignment as there was a shortage of volunteers.
Okwuchi ran for the position of President in the Association’s first real election and won. He mobilized an unprecendented crowd that turned out to vote and won. That was a testimony to him being an effective community organizer. Okwuchi and his team have initiated programs and events for the community that were met with resounding success. These include Food Bank drive, Habitat for Humanity Lunch Program, 2016 Igbo Cultural Day with over 500 people in attendance and annual Christmas Party. His leadership style and ideas has inspired more people from the community, who were hitherto docile, to be actively involved in the association.
His vision of engaging the youths in promoting the Igbo culture has been effective and recently culminated into a very successful Igbo Youth Cultural Day. Unarguably, Okwuchi has been a strong community leader and this is attested by his re-election as President. Surely, his great team of Board Members is intergral to this success. Okwuchi is married to his wife, Nkyru, of 15 years and they are blessed with four children.
Olivier Hagera
My name is Olivier Hagera and I am the Region Director of the Christian Immigrant Support Services (C.I.S.S.) a charitable organisation and a member of the Alberta Construction Safety Association. I’m a truck driver and heavy equipment operator with 10 years of road construction experience. Each year CISS work with more than 100 adults from around the Edmonton to offer them a free of charge employment opportunity. Our work has seen many african immigrants gain not only knowledge, but confidence, self-esteem and allowed them to better integrate Alberta society.
Maxx: As a first generation Canadian with Rwandan parents Maxx has experienced the highs and lows of adjusting to Canadian culture all while still keeping his Rwandan roots strong. With his family being refugees in Canada, Maxx was born in Quebec and at the age of 4 his family moved to Ontario. Being first born Canadian, Maxx looked for opportunities to immerse himself in urban culture and lifestyle that he was fortunate to witness in Ontario. As he witnessed the music in his life affect people through mind body and soul he knew that this was his calling and how he was going to make a change in society one song at a time. In 2008 his family made a final move and settled in Edmonton, where he started the transition into school where he met fellow group mate Romario. This is where they both discovered their passion for making a change, and inpiring others to defy all odds and overcoming struggles thru telling their stories and lives with their gift of music. Along side Romario, Maxx made a choice to give back to the community and show his gratitude by volunteering with Black History Month for the last 3 years, fundraisers including Coats for Kids, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Ace Charity for youths, National Education Day as well as Multicultural Day among numerous other causes within the city. After winning Hip Hop Artist of the Year alongside Romario and DVC’s Dezy, in 2016, Maxx realized that his talent and love for music was deep within him, so he decided to put his focus and priority towards creating a new wave of music. With his dedication and focus he was blessed to perform as the weekend headliner alongside fellow group mates Romario and Slim Savage at the first annual Afrofest in June of 2017. With every effort Maxx puts forward creating new music, he never forgets his dream of blessing his home country and showing love for where his roots are so strong and carrying on his legacy that his family has engrained in him by performing with complete gratitude and giving hope to those who gave him courage.
Romario: Born and raised in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 10 years of his life Romario has experienced below average lifestyle. He grew up not having a lot but knowing his family values and where he stood in his life moving forward. The land back home he has in his family showed him the meaning of legacy and family unit which has grounded him. One thing Romario was quickly exposed to was music as radios were more common in the countryside where he grew up. At age 10, Romario joined his mom who was already in Canada to experience the better life that she sought out for him and his siblings. Migrating to Montreal is where he first experienced the value of learning a second language and the culture of music eastern Canada had to offer. Romario quickly became friends at that time with other islanders who helped expose him to the rap and hip hop culture. When his family decided to move to Edmonton that is when he really grew himself within his music and had a drive to make his last name mean something. As making the transition into school he met fellow group mate Maxx and they soon discovered they both had a passion for music and telling their story through that avenue. As Romario grew up and started to look forward to where music could take him, he wanted to reach back to his roots and give back to the community that welcomed his growth in music. That is where Maxx and him started to volunteer their time back into the community for Black History Month for the last three years, fundraisers including Coats for Kids, Ace Charity for youths, as well as National Education Day, and Multicultural Day at the University of Alberta. After winning hip hop artist of the year with fellow group mate Maxx as well as DVC member Dezy in 2016 that is when Romario decided to really focus on moving his music forward. In the process of being in the studio three times a week Romario looked for other opportunities to reach the community. That is where just recently in June of 2017 he was able to perform at the first annual Afrofest as the main headliner. With each passing day that Romario is blessed to wake up and record, he knows this is only the beginning of being an emerging artist who will help shape the face of new music in Canada.
ITOSH: ITOSH a.k.a International African Psyko! Is an independent ReggaePop – AfroFusion & Dancehall artist, recently released his first EP which got recognition from Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage & also got him awarded @GBEDU 2016 AWARDS as Best Male Pop & Most Versatile artist. He’s been topping Reverbnation music chart www.reverbnation.com/iToshMusic for best Dancehall artist @No1-5 since he dropped his track – WHAT YA DO 2ME www.soundcloud.com/iToshMusic Graining lots of fans in thedancehall in Europe & brazil he’s also gotten recognition and respect from Top producers in the United States like K.E on the Track (Rick Ross / Future) producers & also got interest from Warner Bros.
Slim Savage: Sammy Dumbuya known by his stage name Slim Savage was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone but at the age of 5 his mother decided to move to Canada and pursue opportunity. As the only son to a single mom life wasn’t always easy as he had to grow up fast and assume responsibility to help with his siblings. Even as Slim Savage had run-ins with the law and got into some trouble, the one thing that was a foundation for him was his love of music. From a young age Slim Savage always had a hunger to be great and his survival for his family is what kept him going to stay motivated. He used music as a way to stay out of trouble and off the streets. Much like other artists he used his love and passion for music to connect with people and tell his story of struggle, trouble but the blessing of overcoming. Slim Savage wanted to use his talent and passion of music to inspire others to show that anyone from any background can accomplish anything they put their mind to. The music has always been a part of Slim’s life from rap battles on the basketball court to free styling to showing the pain he has overcome. Slim wants to share his life thru music and any opportunity he has gotten he has shown gratitude. With his start in performing in nightclubs in Canada, he has made his transition to giving back to his community alongside his fellow group mates by performing for fundraisers such as the Stollery Children’s Hospital and Sierra Leones Independence Day Celebration in Toronto. After seeing how his music has affected his community and family, he has decided that this is the path that has been chosen for him. In 2016 Slim Savage was awarded Rap Artist of the Year and with that his passion and love grew deeper for music. Teaming up with Romario and Maxx, Slim recently took his career to another level by headlining the first annual Afrofest in Edmonton. This was a highlight for his career and personal stand as he is a proud Sierra Leonean and has nothing but gratitude for the people who have shown him grace. With every day he is blessed to have, Slim is making sure his community knows his gratitude and with every strive he makes within the industry he does it for his mother, who from nothing gave him everything and in return thru music he has a vision so big to change Africa, his family tree and the legacy of his last name Dumbuya.
Jayde F Crazy: I am writing today to endorse a highly suitable individual Jayde F Crazy, in many ways exceeding the challenging requirements and expectation for the best R&B, HIP HOP local artist of the year. To further support this nomination, I would be pleased to express in more details, my personal insight into Jayde, as a promoter and supporter, he is well known for few of his hit song, like fake friends, mupenzi, bleed for it to name a few. I have witness this individual grow into amazing, intelligent, uplifting, talented, great singer and person he is, he worked to hard to be where he is today with his music, he deserve to be nominated and rewarded for his hard work. Music change his life in so many ways, here are few of his amazing songs Mupenzi, Fake Friends ,I ain’t with the talking and I know. It’s has been a privilege to know this brilliant and dedicated individual. I nominate him and ask that to please call me if I can further assist you in this regard.
2017 Entertainer of the Year
Edmonton is a city washed with an ocean of talents that are leaving to seek opportunities else where. Appreciate an Edmonton talent today with your vote for AC Awards Entertainer of the Year 2017. Once again, pledge your unwavering support to this talent by voting at the live performance on Sept. 23, 2017 at 5 PM at 12340 Fort Road, Edmonton.
Danielle Brown-Myrie: Danielle Brown-Myrie is one of the best promoters in Edmonton & has been able to spread her services to the chorus s of Africa , booking for Jamaican, Carribean , American & African artist. As a female entrepreneur she’s been an amazon and an inspiration for young ladies and always goes all out to make sure she get events for her artists.
ITOSH: ITOSH a.k.a International African Psyko! Is an independent ReggaePop – AfroFusion & Dancehall artist, recently released his first EP which got recognition from Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage & also got him awarded @GBEDU 2016 AWARDS as Best Male Pop & Most Versatile artist. He’s been topping Reverbnation music chart www.reverbnation.com/iToshMusic for best Dancehall artist @No1-5 since he dropped his track – WHAT YA DO 2ME www.soundcloud.com/iToshMusic Graining lots of fans in the dancehall in Europe & brazil he’s also gotten recognition and respect from Top producers in the United States like K.E on the Track (Rick Ross / Future) producers & also got interest from Warner Bros.
Afro Revolution: Afro Revolution dance group has been serving the Edmonton Afro Community for over two years now. We have entertained the community through our unique dance styles and helping to keep the youths off the street by focusing on their talents. This award will make a great change in the organization and keep the lil dancers of Afro Revolution happy and also keep them motivated to keep serving the community.
