Avelia Stewart is the Director of Social Impact and Internal Communications at Western Financial Group. She is a dynamic and results-driven Senior Human Resources (HR) Leader with over 18 years of global experience who has shaped organizational cultures across Europe, North America and the Caribbean leaving a lasting impact. Her expertise includes spearheading enterprise change management initiatives and providing comprehensive HR expertise across the entire employee life cycle. Her expertise spans talent management, employee relations, performance management, leadership development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as corporate communications. She has worked with renowned organizations such as Google, General Electric, Wawanesa Insurance, J. Walter Thompson, and currently, Western Financial Group. Coupled with her robust HR experience, she is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Society for Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). She also holds both master's and bachelor's degrees from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In her current role, she is dedicated to driving transformative change. Avelia leads high-performing teams with responsibility for implementing social impact and internal communications strategies that resonate, inspire, and engage employees. Her analytical approach unlocks insights and tells compelling stories that deepen engagement and promote a culture of inclusivity, ultimately contributing to a positive impact to organizations and stakeholders.

Ayomide Olubowale, popularly known as Ayosingz, is a multi-talented teenager with a remarkable gift for songwriting and singing. He began singing at the age of five and currently serves as a worship leader in his home church and school choir. Ayosingz has released three singles-Rest, Testimony, and A Promise-which are available on all major streaming platforms. A skilled instrumentalist, he is a certified Grade 7 keyboardist with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Canada, and holds a Grade 5 certification from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, UK. He is also a self-taught guitarist, violinist, and music producer. His upcoming single, My Everything, is set for release soon. Beyond music, Ayomide has a strong passion for mathematics and enjoys solving complex problems. He is also an avid athlete who participates in badminton, volleyball, and track & field.

David Simmonds is Senior Vice-President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life. A member of the company’s executive management committee, David oversees brand, marketing, communications, media relations, government relations, reputational risk management, and corporate social responsibility. He leads an enterprise-wide team responsible for the company’s global sustainability and social impact strategy.

David joined Great-West Lifeco in April 2021 as Senior Vice-President, Office of the CEO, to support the design and execution of an enterprise-wide approach to building the company's first Environmental, Governance and Social (ESG) Strategy and Framework.

Previously, David worked as senior vice president, communications, and public affairs at McKesson Corporation. Here he managed high profile communications, brand, and policy initiatives during a period of significant transformation for the company. He also spent time as vice president enterprise strategy and head of the company’s transformation coordination office.

Throughout his career, David has held senior roles across public policy, consulting, academia, and media.

A passionate volunteer David serves as a Governor of the Stratford Shakespearean Festival, and as a Director at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. David is also a member of the Board of Directors at Rocky Mountaineer, a leading luxury North American rail tour operator.

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, David holds an Honours BA, MA, and completed the Executive Development Program and the Wharton School. He’s been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Canadians, is a recipient of the Harry Jerome Leadership Award, Western University’s Alumni Award of Merit, and been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Executive’s by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business.

‍

An accomplished physician, nationally ranked spoken word poet, and thought leader, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa is a multi-faceted powerhouse whose journey exemplifies authentic leadership in every aspect. Through powerful storytelling and compelling narrative, she draws from her diverse experiences - across sectors, stages, and disciplines - to share meaningful and actionable insights on leadership, connection, and wellness, and how to unlock our true potential for transformative results in our organizations, communities, and lives.

Oriuwa's career is a testament to her insatiable curiosity about the human experience and the profound connections that define it. She is currently a resident doctor in psychiatry at the University of Toronto where she earned her medical degree and became the first Black woman named sole valedictorian of the department. Oriuwa has since become a vocal advocate for improving disparities in Black health and confronting institutional discrimination, spearheading change initiatives in healthcare and beyond.

In addition to her medical degree, Oriuwa has a master's degree in Health Systems Leadership and Innovation from the University of Toronto. She's also served on multiple boards informing their efforts in advancing equity, leading authentically, and prioritizing workplace wellness. In October 2024, Oriuwa will release her first book, Unlike the Rest, her personal story of becoming, belonging, and being seen on her journey as a medical trailblazer and leader.

Oriuwa has been named one of TIME magazine's "2021 Next Generational Leaders" and one of Maclean's Power 50. She has also been named one of Best Health Magazine's "Women of the Year" and been featured in several major media outlets, including CBC's The National, CTV News, CP24, Toronto Star, and TODAY, amongst others. In 2021, Oriuwa was honoured in Mattel's #ThankYouHeroes campaign with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her image to commemorate her contributions as a frontline healthcare worker.

An in-demand speaker, Oriuwa has spoken at numerous national and international events. She honed her ability to captivate and inspire audiences as a competitive poet. She infuses her keynotes with the rhythm, emotion, and precision of poetry, transforming critical and timely discourse into an artful narrative that leaves a profound, impactful, and lasting impression.

Harun Kibirige, CPA, CA, is a respected finance and investment leader with over 15 years of experience. He is currently Assistant Vice-President, Investment Operations & Reporting at Canada Life. Committed to community service, he serves as Treasurer for the Islamic Social Services Association Inc., a board member of the Manitoba Museum, and leads the Winnipeg Treaty One chapter of Food Not Bombs. His past roles include Treasurer for the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc. and Chair of Hood Fams Inc. A strong advocate for youth and social justice, he mentors aspiring graduates through the Asper Graduate Mentorship Program.

Hildah Juma (she/her) is the Executive Director for the Black Talent Initiative where she is leading change through building a community, creating connections and collaborating with others while striving to ensure that Black talent feel empowerment and have agency to achieve the unimaginable. Hildah is passionate and steadfast in growing this movement and influencing others to do the same.

Hildah was first inspired to join the not-for-profit world, specifically in the post-secondary education sector, as an international student from Kenya, advocating for others. With over a decade of experience, Hildah was the Executive Director for the Canadian Federation of Students – Ontario where she provided effective advocacy strategies to lobbying all levels of government for more than half a million college and university students across the country.

Hildah was awarded the Emerging Leaders Social Impact Award in 2023, for her leadership in shaping culture and society. Hildah also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy along with a Certificate in Non-profit Management. Hildah lives in Toronto with her husband and toddler son, who both inspire her every day in fighting to challenge anti-black racism.

‍

In Winnipeg's vibrant music scene, Joyce German, a rising South Sudanese Canadian Saxophonist and Vocalist, seamlessly blends African influences with Jazz in her dynamic performances. Collaborating with various bands, Joyce stands out not only as a talented saxophonist but also for her captivating voice. INGIA, her stage name, pays homage to her roots and serves as an acronym representing her core values: Intention, Nurture, Gratitude, Inspiration, and Amplify. With a passion for promoting African music, especially from her roots in South Sudan, Joyce is set to make a significant impact in the industry. Keep an eye out for this young and talented musician as she continues to leave her mark.

Living and working in the US, UK, Canada and Caribbean transformed Keisha Paul into a curious global citizen and a cultural chameleon. She's fascinated with the diversity of ALL people and blessed to be a globetrotter that connects with phenomenal humans for a living. A combination of immigration, struggle, and service has uncovered her purpose which is to energize and empower immigrants, people of colour and anyone that may have forgotten that their power is much bigger than their problems. As an energetic Emcee, Trainer, Speaker, Producer, and Consultant Keisha has; *Hosted CBC's Weekend Morning Show (#1 Rated, with 30K listeners each week) *Consulted for the Winner of The Apprentice UK (BBC TV SHOW) *Attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York *Launched over 200 businesses, 76 jobs, 5 social enterprises, and 16 business courses for marginalized communities, women, people of colour, and Indigenous peoples When I'm not working on a cool project, I'm usually in a dance class, going for a walk, watching Netflix, or chatting about business, wellness, and life on @chatwithkeisha and keishapaul.com

Mark Harrison is the Founder of the MH3 Collective, a group of ventures whose purpose is to connect people & ideas to create social impact. The Collective includes Humanity, a creative agency for the Human Age; Sidekick, a team of purpose-driven strategy consultants; T1, a sponsorship agency that works with impactful brands; and SponsorshipX, a global community of marketing practitioners. In addition, he Co-founded the Black Talent Initiative to support the Black community in professional workplaces and Park Street Education, a charity to remove all barriers to children’s education.

His community involvement also includes being Board Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, a Board Member of the CAMH Foundation, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/The JUNO Awards, Ontario University Athletics, and an advisor to several ventures, including the Crankworx World Tour, and NFL Canada. In addition, Mark sits on the Board of Playmaker Capital, a leading digital sports media company.

Mark is a recipient of the Harry Jerome Award (Business Category), annually presented by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA). In addition, his success in marketing over the last thirty years has led him to be the Association of Canadian Advertisers’ 2022 Gold Medal Award winner.

Mark is also CBC Metro Morning’s business columnist, where you can hear his regular takes on corporate and societal matters.

‍

Natalie Bell is a leading voice in community building and workplace culture transformation. Through PegCityLovely and Natalie Bell Consulting, she sparks real conversations, fosters inclusive spaces, and helps people and organizations reach their full potential. With 25+ years of HR expertise, she challenges workplaces to break old habits, embrace change, and build thriving teams. Her influential digital presence -shaped by 12+ years of content creation-inspires others to live boldly and authentically. As President of the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba, she leads initiatives that uplift and empower Black women and their families. Whether she's consulting, creating, speaking, or leading in the community, Natalie brings pure energy and real talk-transforming spaces, conversations, and mindsets with her engaging, practical approach.

Adeline Bird is a UNAPOLOGETIC Afro-Anishinabe creative, and proud member of Rolling River First Nation, Treaty #4 territory, and was born in Brandon, Manitoba, but raised majority of her life on Treaty #1 territory, Winnipeg. She is a multifaceted artist, activist, and entrepreneur who has made remarkable strides in her communities and beyond. Bird spent her formative years in Winnipeg's West End, one of the city's most diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. It is known as one the largest Urban reserves. Adeline grew up in the housing block of 400 Langside Street. Here, she developed her keen sense of storytelling, social justice, creativity, and a passion for equity and Inclusion. As a child, Adeline showed a natural talent for performing and writing. She spent hours in her room, mimicking radio hosts like Rick Dee from Rick Dee's weekly top 40, watching films like Poetic Justice, and Smoke Signals, writing stories, and practising her performances for her school's talent shows. Bird's passion for storytelling led her to become involved in Winnipeg's Indigenous film industry, as well as a broadcast/podcast producer and radio host as a tool for social change. In 2016, she started her podcast Soul Unexpected exploring inspiring stories from marginalized voices doing incredible work from across Turtle Island. By exploring storytelling through podcasting, she later started a career in radio, hosting the Indigenous Music Countdown on NCI.FM and SiriusXM, and later went to produce and host for CBC National's syndication radio. Bird attended the University of Manitoba, where she earned a degree in Social Work. And in 2018 attended the CBC New Indigenous Voices program, where she made her directorial debut for her short film, Nappy Hair & an Eagle Feather, which is available on CBC Gem. Throughout her life, Bird has worked tirelessly to promote social justice. She has worked as an advocate for marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, Black peoples, the LGBTQ2S+ community and Women. Her work has taken her all over Canada and beyond, including Paris, France and Los Angeles In addition to her creative and advocacy work, Bird is an accomplished artist and writer. She is a screenwriter and actress, with a particular focus on Afro-Indigenous storytelling. In 2016, she launched a book titled Be Unapologetically You: A Self-Love Guide for Women of Colour. Bird's contributions to the cultural and social landscape of Manitoba have not gone noticed. She has been recognized with several prestigious awards including Manitoba's Inaugural Inspiring Women Award, conferred by St. Johns Manitoba, NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine. She was also honoured with a Manitoba Black Community Award, for outstanding achievement and significant contribution to the black community. Today, Adeline Bird continues to be a force for positive change in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and beyond. She continues to write for television shows and sits on the board with Shine Network, through her work as an artist, activist and entrepreneur, she has made a lasting impact on her community and has inspired countless others to be uplifted by her blueprint 

Angela J. Cassie (she/her) is an arts, culture and tourism executive who has served as Travel Manitoba's Chief Operating Officer since June 2023. She has held executive roles with two of Canada's National Museums - the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, communications and marketing, programming, risk management, leadership development and coaching, government and stakeholder relations and leading teams to achieve corporate goals in government and the non-profit sector. Angela is an active volunteer in her community and most recently served as President of the Board of Société de la francophonie manitobaine. She has been recognized with numerous national and regional awards, most recently as one of 100 Accomplished Black Women in Canada in 2024. Angela holds a BA from the University of Winnipeg and completed an Executive Development program (mini MBA) from McGill University's Executive Institute.

Dr. Warren Clarke is an assistant professor in the Anthropology department at the University of Manitoba. He specializes in sociocultural anthropology and studies Youth Cultures, Social Citizenship, Black Canadian Studies, Neoliberalism/Gentrification, Race and Ethnicity, Anti-Colonialism, and Masculinity. Dr. Clarke founded the Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP) and the popular community initiative Barbershop Talk: Black Men and Misconceptions. Both programs seek to support Black Canadians' social, economic, political, and educational development while challenging the stigma of anti-Blackness. Dr. Clarke also works with local Canadian high schools to address social oppression, such as sexism, gender biases, and racism(s), while utilizing Augusto Boal's widely known Theatre of the Oppressed model.

Yemilo Audu is the founder of Tukoda Productions, a leader in designing purposeful gatherings that foster connection, impact, and community. With a commitment to inclusion and accessibility, Yemilo partners with organizations and leaders to transform gatherings into opportunities for meaningful conversations and engagement. Yemilo brings a unique understanding of human dynamics, shaped by academic training and professional experience in sociology, psychology, participatory leadership, conflict resolution, and accessible design. This knowledge is strengthened by volunteer work with community groups that focus on equity, inclusion, and capacity building. These experiences have offered invaluable insights into grassroots leadership and the power of collective action in driving meaningful change. Yemilo's dedication to fostering community and connection is reflected in every project, making Tukoda Productions a key resource for organizations seeking to create gatherings with purpose, measurable outcomes, and lasting impact.