ABOUT

Our Team

The Council for Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta (CAAC), operating as Africa Centre, was incorporated in 2006. The City of Edmonton under the leadership of Mayor Stephen Mandel, embraced the concept and supported the services and programs that Africa Centre delivered over the past decade.

Samuel Juru

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Executive Director

Samuel Juru is a prominent member of the African community and brings a wealth of experience from the public sector where he has led a variety of community initiatives in different parts of Canada. His career has also led him to different African countries working with Global Affairs Canada and other international development organizations.

Samuel joins the Africa Centre from the City of Edmonton, where he has been working as the City’s Lead for Immigration and Settlement. Samuel is an experienced strategic planner with a demonstrated history of utilizing social innovation and project management skills to solve complex socio-economic problems in government and in the non-profit sector.

Bio

Sandra Muchekeza

DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS & LEAD FOR SBCCI

Sandra Muchekeza

Director, Programs & Lead for SBCCI

Sandra Muchekeza was born and raised in Kenya before moving to Australia for her Bachelor studies in Psychology. After completing her studies, she joined her family in Toronto, Canada where she lived for six years before moving to Edmonton. Edmonton has been her home for the last 13 years.

Sandra graduated with a Psychology degree but chose to focus her professional career in the international development field. Over time, her career evolved to include project management, program management and process management. A strong believer of community empowerment as a way of affecting change within the community, Sandra has worked for several not-for-profit organizations in Canada for over a decade. She has volunteered for numerous community events and roles including her current volunteer role as a board member of YWCA Edmonton, an organization that fights for the right to equal economic opportunities for women and girls and that works toward ending gender-based violence.

Married with two boys, Sandra enjoys spending quality time with her family, dabbling with photography, reading, and trying out new food recipes.

Bio

Emmanuel Onah

DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS

Emmanuel Onah

Director, Operations & Youth Programs

Emmanuel Onah possesses extensive experience working with youth in the criminal justice system and providing strategies and initiatives that intervene at an individual, community, and systemic level.

Emmanuel has a sociology-criminology major and computer science minor degree and currently is the youth program manager at the Africa Centre, where he oversees all the youth programs and community-based initiatives. He is highly proficient in talent management in the areas of recruitment, retainment, and advancing employee performance. Emmanuel’s areas of focus are social innovation, sustainability, and the emergence of human resource management and business models.

Emmanuel’s passion is to inspire and motivate young people to reach their highest potential and tap into their inner strength and talents through developing and implementing creative youth and community-centred projects. He believes that young people need supportive, responsive relationships to strengthen their core life skills to cope with the normal stresses and productively contribute to their respective communities.

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

Abiola Alifa

FINANCIAL ANALYST

Abiola Alifa

Financial Analyst

Abiola Alifa is an experienced professional accountant with over 5 years experience working with Big 4 Accounting firms, both in Nigeria and in Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting from Covenant University and a Master’s in Finance from Queens University. She is a member of the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA).

Before joining Africa Centre, Abiola worked with various clients in various sectors in Nigeria and Canada. Abiola is very passionate about African cultural awareness especially for the next generation, she is excited to be part of a bigger organisation that is aligned with her passion, Abiola also comes with both financial and business leadership experience.

Bio

Eve Uwamahoro

MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCE & ADMINISTRATION

Eve Uwamahoro

Manager, Human Resource & Administration

As the Manager of Human Resources and Office Administration, Eve has a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. With over 12 years of experience in the field, Eve has demonstrated a track record of success in managing all aspects of HR and office administration.

Eve's extensive knowledge of HR policies and procedures allows for the smooth management of employee recruitment, onboarding, and training. She works closely with all levels of management to ensure that HR policies are aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.

In addition to HR, Eve also oversees all aspects of office administration and is skilled in maintaining a productive and efficient office environment.

Eve is also committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. She works closely with the leadership team to develop and implement programs that promote employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Eve holds a bachelor’s degree in Administration from INILAK and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations at Athabasca University, and is a student member of CPHR. In her free time, Eve enjoys singing and spending time with her family.

Bio

Shamim Malik

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Shamim Malik

Administrative Assistant

After achieving her degree in public relations from a University in Cape Town, Shamim stumbled into the industry of marketing, branding and promotions. This then grew her career into various industries specifically in Southern Africa, helping her achieve an award for her team.

Since immigrating to Canada, Shamim has invested her time in makeup artistry, administrative roles and most of all being a mother. In her free time, Shamim is obsessed with watching shows like Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones and The Witcher. When she is not watching her favorite shows, she keeps up to date with what is happening on the stock market.

Bio

Rahma Dalmar

COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

Rahma Dalmar

Communications & Social Media Assistant

Rahma Dalmar graduated from MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Communications Studies program with a Major in Journalism.

Prior to joining Africa Centre in February 2023, she worked as a Multi-media Reporter in northern Alberta covering a variety of stories ranging from politics, education, sports, community events and more.

While growing up in Alberta and pursuing a career in communications, Rahma also enjoys photography, videography and sharing important stories that allows her to inform and connect with communities.

In her spare time, you can catch Rahma travelling, learning new skills and indulging in her favourite sci-fiction, drama and action films.

Bio

Eleonore Tchayam

COORDINATOR, ROTARY EARLY LEARNING CHILDCARE

Eleonore Tchayam

Coordinator, Rotary Early Learning & Childcare

Eleonore is a Daycare Program Coordinator at Africa Centre. She joined the Africa Centre in November 2017 and she has over 7 years experience in the Child care field, holding a Child Care Supervisor Diploma. Eleonore enjoys the challenging Daycare environment, where she implements and plans programs to ensure best practices for optimal child development, as well as administering the Daycare service.

Prior to working in the Child care service, Eleonore also has over 10 years experience in human administration in Cameroon. Eleonore speaks both English and French. She is preparing for her degree in Professional Bachelor in Human Administration at MacEwan University.

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

Yawa Idi

COORDINATOR, MENTAL HEALTH & ENHANCING GENDER EQUITY

Yawa Idi

Coordinator, Mental Health & Enhancing Gender Equity

Yawa Idi first became involved with the Africa Centre as a volunteer for the youth collective - YEGTheComeUp. After a couple of years of volunteering she became a part of the youth research team with Dr. Bukola Salami to conduct research on the mental health of the African, Black and Caribbean community in Alberta which contributed to the creation of the mental health clinic within the Africa Centre.

She recently completed a degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta and aims to attain a Masters in Counselling Psychology in the near future. Yawa has committed herself to advocating for mental health awareness and initiatives in the Black community and is excited to expand the clinic in the best way possible.

In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, writing poetry and teaching herself new languages.

Bio

Kojo Otoo

SENIOR MANAGER, ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT

Kojo Otoo

Senior Manager Entrepreneurial Engagement

Kojo is a former banker with Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana, and Stanbic Bank Ghana (part of Standard Bank, South Africa). He comes with financial, leadership, and management experience of over 14 years. He holds a PhD from the University of Calgary in Educational Research (specialization in Adult Learning) with a focus on critical and social justice issues on marginalized and underrepresented groups in society.

As an addition to the Africa Centre team, Kojo brings a unique skill sets of client engagements, account management, and an understanding of what economic equity means to the black community. This firmly places him at the intersection of a professional who is well suited to help drive economic fairness, justice, and advancement of Black entrepreneurs in Alberta.

Bio

Fadumo Osman

MANAGER, ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT

Fadumo Osman

Manager, Entrepreneurial Engagement

Fadumo Osman graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain management from Macewan University and has worked in various organizations within Distribution and Warehousing.

She has enjoyed connecting with people in the course of her career journey and has had the opportunity to connect with people from various backgrounds and cultures. Fadumo now looks forward to helping African entrepreneurs grow their businesses and connecting them with the resources and knowledge to continuous development.

Bio

Ayodele Ajila

MANAGER, ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT

Ayodele Ajila

Manager, Entrepreneurial Engagement

Ayodele Ajila is an experienced business development and Credits Manager with close to two decades of working experience. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology degree in Animal Production and Health from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from the Lagos Business School (Pan Atlantic University, Lagos) both from Nigeria. He is a Certified Business Analysis Professional with the International Institute of Business Analysis.

Before joining Africa Centre, Ayodele worked in the Financial, IT, Consulting, and FCMG sectors in Nigeria and Canada. Ayodele comes with both financial and business leadership experience in treasury operations, credit risk management, corporate banking, customer relationship management, and business development.

Ayodele enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering his services to the underprivileged.

lopment.

Bio

Bernie Karabani

COORDINATOR, ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT

Bernie Karabani

Coordinator, Entrepreneurial Engagement

After moving to Edmonton in 2014 for post-secondary education from Tanzania where she was born and raised. Bernie found comfort in engaging and being part of her community. She is passionate about community building, thus her involvement with BOMYEG for two years. Supporting black owned businesses and creatives in the city; as well as helping to organize Chinatown dining week has prepared her for her current role as the Entrepreneurial Engagement Coordinator.

She has experience in customer service, volunteer management, event planning and organizing vendor markets. When she's not at work, Bernie enjoys visiting various markets in the city, volunteering, and exploring the growing food scene in Edmonton.

Bio

Bukola Adewumi

COORDINATOR, ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT

Bukola Adewumi

Coordinator, Entrepreneurial

Engagement

Bukola is a graduate of Sociology from University of Calgary and in her quest to broaden her knowledge through training and certifications, she is currently working towards obtaining a certificate in Human Resource Fundamentals and Non-Profit Management.

Bukola is passionate about empowering African descent immigrants to succeed in Canada and has worked for various non-profit organizations on the development and implementation of projects that are designed to promote and facilitate economic empowerment.

She is committed to working with African entrepreneurs to grow their business and thrive in Canada by connecting them with resources and necessary elements to overcome barriers.

Bio

Tolulope Adebayo

COORDINATOR, ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT

Tolulope Adebayo

Coordinator, Entrepreneurial Engagement

Tolulope Adebayo is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in brand marketing, event management, copywriting, and brand identity development. She has a remarkable track record of over 18 years in the marketing communications industry, where she has worked on a wide range of local and global brands spanning various sectors of the economy.

Her educational background includes a Master of International Law & Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Additionally, Tolulope holds a Diploma in Advertising from the Advertising Practitioner Council of Nigeria (APCON) and a Professional Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM-UK).

Tolulope's passion for branding and entrepreneurship extends beyond her professional career. She actively engages with black entrepreneurs, providing valuable resources and strategies to assist them in achieving success. Africa Centre gives her a bigger platform to foster more networking and growth opportunities for black-owned businesses in Canada.

Bio

Akorfa Mawutor

MANAGER, COMMUNITY CAPACITY AND DEVELOPMENT

Akorfa Mawutor

Manager, Community Capacity and Development

Akorfa Mawutor is a multilingual professional with over six years in Edmonton’s non-profit sector. She has experience in project coordination, academic research, publicity, and frontline work. She has a strong interest in food security, ending homelessness and promoting the African community in Edmonton.

She graduated from Campus Saint-Jean at the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Biological Sciences and has a Certificate in International Learning in Cross-Cultural Relations from the University of Alberta.

Bio

Benard Serunyigo

MANAGER, COMMUNITY CAPACITY AND DEVELOPMENT

Benard Serunyigo

Manager, Community Capacity Building

Benard is PMP certified with over 7 years of experience in project management, sustainability development, and process improvement in the non-profit space. His approach to projects focuses on the needs of others and results in higher engagement, more trust, innovation and stronger relationships with both team members and external stakeholders.

Benard holds a bachelor's degree in commerce and an MBA in Finance from India, with a strong portfolio of over 10+ successfully managed projects centred around Gender Equality, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Engagement in Canada and the Global South.Outside of work,

He enjoys vlogging, recreational fishing and hunting. He also spends his free time working as a volunteer for local and international organizations.

Bio

Belinda Abudu

PROJECT COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING

Belinda Abudu

Project Coordinator, Community Capacity Building

Belinda Abudu grew up in Ghana and relocated to Canada 11 years ago. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc. in Psychology and, a minor in Music.

Belinda has experience working with high-risk youths who have a history of trauma and neglect. She utilized relationship-building skills in her work to empower, motivate and be a positive role model for the youths. She takes pride in advocating for young people and promoting change in the community. She enjoys listening to music and relaxing with a good book in her spare time.

Bio

Irene Ngoy

PROJECT COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING

Irene Ngoy

Project Coordinator, Community Capacity Building

Irene has always wanted to work in a field where she gets to advance social issues and human rights. Her passion for human rights led her to complete a BA in Conflict Studies and Human rights and Political Science from the University of Ottawa.

Since 2018, she continues to volunteer in various organizations and has worked with a Congolese-based organization that focuses on youth participation in positive change as the Project Coordinator on Hate Speech.

A music, film, book enthusiast, Irene enjoys art and hopes to see all her favorite musicals in person one day.

Bio

Safia Moke

PROJECT COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING

Safia Moke

Project Coordinator, Community Capacity Building

Safia Moke is a determined young woman filled with positive energy. Safia was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was raised in Montreal, where she completed all her studies. After high school, she began her law studies, but the passion for business called her. Thus, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Quebec In Montreal (UQAM).

Safia is a mother of 2 boys. She is passionate about event planning, she likes to encourage women to start a business and above all to believe in their abilities. She believes that every woman has a gift within her and that it must be developed. Safia is a business owner and is the head of a women's organization; Powerful Woman of Influence, which aims to encourage women to know their identity and recognize their worth in Christ.

Bio

Tawa Nzekwu

YOUTH PROGRAMS MANAGER

Tawa Nzekwu

Mentorship & Leadership Coordinator

Tawa Nzekwu is program coordinator with strong experience in project planning, 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, behavior 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, Certificate in Community Support Work, and is constantly broadening her knowledge through certifications and trainings. Tawa is empowered with the strategies that are required in working with immigrants in a multicultural context and is passionate about human relations, communication and volunteering.

Bio

Liyu Makonnen

PARSSY PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Liyu Makonnen

PARSSY Program Coordinator

Liyu was born and raised in Ethiopia, where she was educated and begun 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

Yar Anyieth

COORDINATOR, YEG THECOMEUP

Yar Anyieth

Coordinator, Yeg The Come Up

Yar is a recent graduate who studied Political Science and Sociology. She accredits her education and life experience for instilling her passion for the community. Through coordinating YEG TheComeUp, she aspires to create a space where Black youth can learn, grow, and ultimately empower themselves and their communities. In her spare time, Yar enjoys reading, watching documentaries and shopping.

Bio

Kaiha Marah

COORDINATOR, UJIMA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Kaiha Marah

Coordinator, Ujima Fellowship Program

Kaiha Marah is a mental health advocate and a recent graduate from the University of Alberta with a B.A in Psychology. She is passionate about discussing mental health and personal development through mentorship, which she leverages while working with youth from marginalized communities.

In her free time, Kaiha enjoys podcasting, trying new foods, and spending time with her loved ones.

Bio

Aurelia Uarsama

COORDINATOR, SENIORS ENGAGEMENT & WELL-BEING

Aurelia Uarsama

Coordinator, Seniors Engagement & Well-being

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