ABOUT

Our Team

Abdoulaye Barry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Abdoulaye Barry

Executive Director

Abdoulaye Barry is an experienced leader in community socio‑economic development with more than 17 years of experience designing, managing, and scaling multi‑funder programs across Canada, Africa, and Europe. His background blends technical and business training. He holds a master’s degree in Microfinance, Entrepreneurship and Business Development from Nancy University (France), a Project Leadership and Management certificate from NAIT, and specialized training in entrepreneurship for emerging economies from Harvard University (EdX).

Abdoulaye has led multimillion‑dollar projects that delivered measurable outcomes for newcomers, youth, and equity‑deserving populations. Most recently, he managed blended entrepreneurship and workforce‑integration programs that achieved strong placement and business start‑up rates while building partnerships with employers, post‑secondary institutions, community organizations, and government agencies. He previously directed large provincially funded pre‑trades and employment programs and oversaw international youth entrepreneurship and civic engagement programs with Oxfam Québec. He has a proven track record in building high‑performing teams, securing funding through grants and donations, and ensuring strong financial stewardship.

Skilled in organizational diagnostic and governance coaching, Abdoulaye has strengthened boards, led strategic planning, and implemented results‑based monitoring and evaluation systems. He has brokered relationships with municipal and provincial decision‑makers that helped secure North Edmonton’s first new francophone elementary public school and attracted significant capital and program funding.

Fluent in English and French, conversant in three African languages, and basic proficiency in Arabic, he brings multicultural fluency and practical experience across three continents to reunite and amplify African diaspora voices in Western Canada. His vision is to reposition the Africa Centre as a trusted, high‑impact hub by mobilizing strategic partnerships and diversified funding, strengthening governance and program quality, and advancing equitable opportunities for African‑descent communities at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.

Bio

Proscovia Nabafu

DIRECTOR, FINANCE

Proscovia Nabafu, CPA,CGA,ACCA

Director, Finance

Proscovia is a Member of CPA Alberta, CGA Canada. She has a Degree in Business Administration, Accounting option and studied the Accounting Designation - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants- UK. In addition, she is a Licensed Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

With almost 15 years of experience in Finance and Accounting, 10 of which were in managerial capacities, Proscovia has established herself in her filed of practice as well as Financial Reporting, Grant Accounting and Donor, Reports, Audit and Human Resource Management.

Proscovia pays attention to details and community engagement especial as it contributes to the Black community.

Bio

Elizabeth Murimwa

MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES

Elizabeth Murimwa

Manager, Human Resources

Elizabeth Murimwa is a senior operations, human resources, and program management professional with more than 20 years of experience across the nonprofit, government, consulting, and corporate sectors. She has a strong track record in building effective operational systems, strengthening organizational performance, and supporting teams in fast-paced, diverse environments.

Core Expertise

Operational and compliance leadership
Full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding
HR policy administration and employee relations support
Payroll oversight, benefits administration, and compliance monitoring
Organizational development, governance, and stakeholder engagement
Program delivery, financial oversight, and strategic operations management

She holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Zimbabwe. Elizabeth is known for delivering practical, results-driven solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and create meaningful community impact.

Bio

Nkechi Chinedu

MANAGER, ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT

Nkechi Chinedu

Manager, Entrepreneurial Engagement

Nkechi Chinedu-Asogwa is a communications professional with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, donor relations, and strategic communications within community-based settings. Her background in advocacy, implementation research, and nonprofit leadership has enabled her to successfully partner with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders to advance organizational objectives, strengthen resource mobilization, and advocate for evidence-informed policies.

With an academic foundation in Communications, Public Health, and community-based research, Nkechi is deeply passionate about improving population well-being and addressing the wider determinants of health through strategic, collaborative approaches.

Outside of work, Nkechi enjoys volunteering, spending time in nature, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Bio

Halima Mohamud

MANAGER, ENHANCING GENDER EQUITY

Halima Mohamed

Manager, Enhancing Gender Equity

Halima Mohamud is a registered Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in community work in the areas of resettlement, integration, and frontline support in social services. She has a unique perspective of working with immigrant groups and has always been an advocate for social issues and human rights. She has a strong sense of duty in advancing social issues that affect vulnerable groups and promoting gender capacity.

Halima holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Social Work with Honours from the University of Calgary. She continues to give back to the community in volunteerism and service on boards for various organizations.

Halima enjoys travelling and the outdoors; be it on rocky mountains, in her backyard or whenever possible.

Bio

Tawa Nzekwu

MANAGER, YOUTH PROGRAMS

Tawa Nzekwu

Manager, Youth Programs

Tawa Nzekwu is a program manager with years of experience in project planning, and competency in building and maintaining strong effective rapport with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Highly skillful in qualitative and quantitative data collation, with experience working in front line human services and extensive knowledge and explicit understanding of institutional and societal barriers faced by immigrants and refugees.

Tawa’s wealth of experience in communication, project management, data collation comes from the opportunity of working indifferent fields such as consulting, retail, field research, behaviour modification therapy and working for-profit and non-profit organizations with work locations spanning across North America, Europe, and Africa.

Tawa has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology a certificate in Community Support Work, and is constantly broadening her knowledge through certifications and trainings. Tawa is empowered by the strategies required to work with immigrants in a multicultural context and is passionate about human relations, communication and volunteering.

Bio

Albert Mbai

MANAGER, BLACK YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Albert Mbai

Manager, Black Youth Leadership Program

Albert holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from Kenya and a Master of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia.

He brings a wealth of experience from roles as an accounting and economics lecturer, treasurer, accountant, and finance administrator. With a passion for numbers, Albert is dedicated to using his skills to create meaningful impact in the community and put his knowledge and experience into action.

Outside of work, Albert enjoys mountain biking across Canada — especially in the beautiful terrain of British Columbia — as well as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and taking long scenic drives.

Bio

Emmanuel Danjuma

PROJECT COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING

Emmanuel Danjuma

Project Coordinator, Community Capacity Building

Emmanuel Danjuma is a dedicated, results-driven professional with extensive experience in quantity surveying, construction, community social work, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and procurement. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, he is passionate about delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, leveraging his technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence.

With a strong background in cost control, project management, and team collaboration, Emmanuel currently serves as Project Coordinator at the Council for the Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta. In this role, he oversees project plans, budgets, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives for more than 100 sub-agreement holders, ensuring impactful outcomes and fostering strategic relationships.

Previously, Emmanuel was General Manager of Operations at Cibi Nigeria Limited, where he optimized production processes, strengthened inventory control systems, and led export sales across Africa and Europe. His leadership reduced downtime, improved product quality, and expanded production capacity. Earlier in his career, Emmanuel excelled as a Project Quantity Surveyor, consistently delivering projects under budget and ahead of schedule.

Emmanuel holds advanced degrees in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Facilities Management, and Building Construction, along with professional credentials including a Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors Diploma and an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate. He is skilled in budgeting, vendor management, process improvement, and cross-functional team leadership.

Driven by a commitment to innovation and community development, Emmanuel continues to make a positive impact through his work. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and watching football.

Bio

Tosin Ajani

FINANCIAL ANALYST

Tosin Ajani

Financial Analyst

Tosin Ajani is currently the acting financial analyst at Africa Centre. He holds a degree in economics and has a keen interest in numbers and their impact on people and organizations. Over the past five years, he managed the financial operations of one of Nigeria’s leading PR agencies, serving clients such as MTN, Nigerian Breweries, Interswitch, ViacomCBS, and Reckitt Benckiser. Tosin’s expertise in high-level financial management ensures the efficient use of financial resources, and he provides strategic advice to company management on financial matters.

Tosin has extensive experience across sectors like sustainability, FMCG, technology, entertainment, health, fintech, and telecommunications. He has created and managed financial policies, overseen budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, and liaised with shareholders and creditors. His academic credentials include a degree from the University of Lagos, a master’s in accounting and finance from the University of Hull, and certifications from ACCA and CIMA.

Tosin is passionate about leveraging technology to reshape the finance landscape, aiming to enhance organizational efficiency. Outside of work, he enjoys anime, documentaries, video games, and autobiographies. A former varsity track athlete, he has won several medals in athletics.

Bio

Elizabeth Ntale

ASSISTANT, BOOKKEEPER AND ACCOUNTS

Elizabeth Ntale

Assistant, Bookkeeper and Accounts

Elizabeth is an accountant by profession; she holds a bachelor's degree and a postgraduate degree from Kenya. Elizabeth has 6 years of accounting experience, having previously worked with companies in the aviation and telecommunication industries.

Elizabeth is driven by a relentless pursuit of accuracy and attention to detail, she is always eager to apply her expertise to real-world scenarios and contribute meaningfully to the success of the organization.

Beyond professional endeavors, Elizabeth is a chess player. She has a deep love for nature, a yearning to drive social change, and a relentless desire to make a meaningful impact.

Bio

Layla Rguigue

COORDINATOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Layla Rguigue

Coordinator, Communications and Public Relations

Layla Rguigue is a Digital Marketing Strategist who believes that strategy and creativity are
most powerful when they meet purpose. With more than 14 years of experience across industries and markets, she has built her career helping businesses turn ideas into
measurable growth through data-driven marketing and authentic brand storytelling.

From digital transformation projects to multi-channel campaigns, Laila brings a 360° vision that blends innovation, structure, and collaboration. Her strength lies in connecting people, strategy, and technology to deliver results that not only perform but endure.

Deeply passionate about digital culture, creativity, and human connection, she approaches every project with curiosity and empathy. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Laila bridges cultures as effectively as she bridges strategy and creativity making marketing not just about visibility, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire trust and long-term relationships.

Bio

Liisa Otchie

COORDINATOR, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND BRANDING

Liisa Otchie

Coordinator, Digital Communications and Branding

Liisa Otchie is a digital marketing and communications professional with experience developing and executing integrated campaigns across multiple platforms. With more than three years of experience in digital strategy, social media management, and cross-functional collaboration, she supports organizational storytelling and stakeholder engagement efforts at Africa Centre.

Bio

Sheerah Igbode

COORDINATOR, MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

Sheerah Igbode

Coordinator, Mental Health Program

Sheerah is community-centered, with a strong background in program coordination, participant services, and stakeholder engagement. She brings valuable experience in managing risk, ethics, and compliance, alongside a deep commitment to supporting culturally responsive and inclusive programming.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Carleton University, with specialized coursework in Policing & Public Health, Crime & Intelligence Analysis, Psychology, and Social Justice. Her academic and professional background provides her with a strong understanding of the systemic factors and barriers impacting African descent communities, which she leverages to support community well-being and mental health initiatives.

Throughout her career, Sheerah has been recognized for her empathy, professionalism, and ability to manage complex priorities in fast-paced environments. She is particularly skilled in coordinating intake processes, collecting program data, and fostering supportive environments where participants feel respected and engaged.

Outside of work, Sheerah enjoys traveling, reading, and researching new topics. She also values activities that allow her to explore her interests in intelligence and social advocacy.

Bio

Aurelia Uarsama

COORDINATOR, SENIORS ENGAGEMENT AND WELL-BEING PROGRAM

Aurelia Uarsama

Coordinator, Seniors Engagement and Well-being Program

Aurelia has been involved in the non-profit sector in Canada and abroad for over a decade. She worked in project development and design for education, social change and empowerment of girls and women in areas of human rights, gender equity as well as diversity. She has worked in Higher Education Institutions both as a researcher and project manager in various continents. She has been volunteering in Edmonton as a Board Member of various organizations. She holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Bologna, Italy and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Alberta.

Bio

Liyu Gebrewold

COORDINATOR, PARSSY PROGRAM

Liyu Makonnen

Coordinator, PARSSY Program

Liyu was born and raised in Ethiopia, where she was educated and began to build her career until she came to Canada in 2013. Liyu is a sociologist by profession and was privileged to be part of various community programs both in Ethiopia and Canada.

She has ample experience in serving her community at different capacities and community members mostly targeted by her services were children, youth and women. She is now serving as a volunteer coordinator in her Autism support group, which is a passion that comes from her love for community services and most importantly from her personal experience of raising a son in the Autism spectrum. Liyu’s service in both Edmonton Public Schools and Edmonton Catholic schools was directed to children in the early learning setting. Liyu has now accepted a new challenge to work with at risk youth, to make sure that they receive trauma informed care and services, at the Arica Centre.

Most of Liyu’s outside of work time is spent with family, caring for her three children and quality time with her husband. Liyu finds a lot of joy in painting, doing crafts and reading. She enjoys her volunteer work at her church Sunday School along with her close friends.

Liyu has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies, both from Addis Aabab University, Ethiopia.

Bio

Justinah Adeyanju

COORDINATOR, MENTORSHIP | THE COME UP | SCHOLARSHIP

Justinah Adeyanju

Coordinator, Mentorship | Scholarship | The Come Up

Justinah moved to Edmonton in 2018 from a small city in northern Alberta and first connected with YEG The Come-Up as a volunteer in 2020. Since then, she has remained actively involved, finding it to be a meaningful space for connection and growth. She holds a BSc in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Alberta.

Passionate about creativity and wellness, Justinah enjoys exploring different artistic outlets, hiking, and running half-marathons around the world. She is excited for the opportunity to give back and contribute to a program that has played such an important role in her own journey.

Bio

Thandi Mphoka

Lead, UJIMA Fellowship Program

Originally from Malawi, Thandi brings more than 10 years of international experience in healthcare, research, program management, and youth education. Since moving to Calgary, she has worked with numerous nonprofits to strengthen youth programming and advance health education initiatives.

Thandi is passionate about building inclusive, culturally responsive programs that promote wellness, health equity, and community-based care. Her work is guided by a commitment to empowering communities and fostering meaningful cross-cultural collaboration.

Outside of work, Thandi is an award-winning public speaker and an active volunteer. She enjoys cycling, reading, and travelling — always seeking new opportunities to connect with people and ideas that inspire positive change.

Cynthia Awuah

COORDINATOR, BLACK YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (BYLP)

Cynthia Awuah

Coordinator, Black Youth Leadership Program (BYLP)

Cynthia Awuah is a dedicated professional with a proven track record of excellence and hard work. She holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Heritage Studies with a specialization in policy and community engagement, which has provided her with a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding cultural heritage preservation, youth empowerment, and the importance of engaging local communities in the process of finding solutions.

With a rich and diverse career spanning different continents, Cynthia has honed her expertise through her work as a project and research coordinator. Her experience in various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ghana and academic institutions in Hungary has not only broadened her knowledge but also allowed her to make a meaningful impact in the fields of heritage studies and community development. Her diplomatic experience enables her to build strong and lasting relationships with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.

Bio

Reem Elsawi

COORDINATOR, BLACK YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (BYLP)

Reem Elsawi

Coordinator, Black Youth Leadership Program (BYLP)

Reem has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Development Studies from the University of Calgary.

Reem was also a youth facilitator at the Canadian Red Cross for three years. Working with youth has enhanced her ability to establish trusting relationships while supporting individuals coping with a variety of challenges and troubling situations, including domestic violence, homelessness, and substance abuse.

Bio

Aaliyah Musa

COORDINATOR, BLACK YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (BYLP)

Aaliyah Musa

Coordinator, Black Youth Leadership Program (BYLP)

Aaliyah Musa is currently studying marketing at Mount Royal University (MRU). With her passion for community service and mentoring, Aaliyah volunteers with various non-profits dedicated to supporting young Black youth across Canada.

In her free time, she enjoys swimming, painting, and exploring new restaurants with friends.

Bio

Daniel Daudu

COORDINATOR, UJIMA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Daniel Daudu

Coordinator, Ujima Fellowship Program

Daniel’s career spans more than a decade across finance, international development, and community engagement across multicultural contexts. He has supported the strategy design and delivery of donor-funded and community-focused initiatives in Nigeria, Nepal, Cameroon, Geneva, and Canada. His experience includes strategy design, program coordination, stakeholder engagement, grant governance, and results tracking, often working at the intersection of policy, community needs, and practical implementation.

Holding a Master’s degree in Finance, Daniel brings a thoughtful and multidisciplinary approach to program delivery, with a strong emphasis on accountability, learning, and long-term impact. He is particularly committed to supporting his community, and particularly, youth as they navigate social, economic, and civic systems, and believes deeply in co-creating solutions that honour culture, identity, and lived experience.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys writing, photography, taking reflective walks, and spending time with books that challenge how he sees the world.

Bio

Tabitha Biel

COORDINATOR, UJIMA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Tabitha Biel

Coordinator, Ujima Fellowship Program

Tabitha Biel is a passionate youth leader and a community activist dedicated to empowering young people and creating meaningful change within communities. Beyond professional and community roles, Tabitha loves writing and storytelling. Through writing, she seeks to amplify unheard voices, preserve community experiences, and inspire conversations that lead to understanding and transformation.

Tabitha believes that leadership, compassion, and the power of words can help shape stronger, healthier, and more hopeful communities for future generations. Tabitha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She loves advocating for youth development, promoting community engagement and supporting initiatives that foster resilience, inclusion and opportunity for everyone.

Bio

Godfred Ahia

COORDINATOR, UJIMA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Godfred Ahia

Coordinator, Ujima Fellowship Program

Godfred brings over a decade of experience supporting complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across engineering, technology, and community-focused environments. He is recognized for his structured approach, attention to detail, and ability to deliver projects efficiently while upholding strong standards of governance and accountability.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Post-Diploma Certificate in Data Analytics from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), combining technical expertise with strong analytical and reporting capabilities.

Throughout his career, Godfred has worked with leading energy companies, developing expertise in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven reporting. His work is grounded in a commitment to compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

In addition to his professional career, Godfred is actively engaged in community service and volunteer leadership, contributing to the coordination of community-based programs and supporting effective stakeholder engagement and program delivery.

Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, he enjoys exploring natural landscapes, outdoor photography, and following basketball, with a particular interest in game strategy and team dynamics.

Bio

Daizy-Clay Sheehan

COORDINATOR, UJIMA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Daizy-Clay Sheehan

Coordinator, Ujima Fellowship Program

Daizy-Clay brings over four years of experience in project management–related roles, with a diverse background that includes serving as a Program Coordinator for a non-profit cultural organization, working as an Event Planner, and managing projects within the construction industry. Her experience has equipped her with strong organizational, coordination, and relationship-building skills that she is excited to bring to the team. Outside of work, Daizy-Clay enjoys travelling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Bio

Desalegn Eyobe

COORDINATOR, UJIMA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Desalegn Eyobe

Coordinator, Ujima Fellowship Program

Desalegn Eyobe is an international development strategist and senior leader whose career has been defined by one enduring conviction: that equitable prosperity is not a privilege — it is a right worth fighting for.

Over 15 years working across Africa, Europe, and North America, Desalegn has positioned himself at the intersection of policy, people, and practice. His work has centred on the economic empowerment of youth and women, social justice advocacy, and building development frameworks that genuinely include those society most often leaves behind. Alongside this, he has championed environmental advocacy as an inseparable pillar of fair and sustainable development — understanding that prosperity without ecological justice is neither lasting nor equitable.

What sets Desalegn apart is the rare combination of a communicator's instinct and a systems thinker's discipline. His background in media sharpened his ability to translate complex development challenges into compelling narratives that move people and institutions to act. His technical command of the full project management lifecycle — from design and inception through execution, monitoring, and evaluation — has made him a trusted leader in high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environments at senior management levels.

Desalegn does not simply manage programmes. He builds the structures, teams, and accountability systems that allow communities to own their own development long after a project closes. That commitment to lasting impact is the thread that runs through every role he has held.

Bio