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

Nkechi Chinedu

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS, ADVOCACY, AND POLICY

Nkechi Chinedu

Director, Special Programs, Advocacy, and Policy

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

Tawa Nzekwu

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Tawa Nzekwu

Director, Programs and Accountability

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

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

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

Liyu Gebrewold

MANAGER, YOUTH PROGRAMS

Liyu Gebrewold

Manager, Youth Programs

Liyu is a sociologist and a community advocate with extensive experience supporting children, youth, parents, and families. Born and raised in Ethiopia, she completed her education and began building her career there before moving to Canada in 2013. Since then, she has continued to serve her community through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and community-based programs.

Liyu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. Her academic background, combined with her professional and lived experiences, has shaped her strong commitment to social justice, inclusion, advocacy, and the well-being of children, youth, and families. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and a deep commitment to supporting children and youth, particularly those facing adversity.

Throughout her career, Liyu has worked in a variety of roles serving children and families, including with Edmonton Public Schools and Edmonton Catholic Schools, where her work focused on children in early learning settings. She has been coordinating the PARSSY program along with the summer camps for the past 4 years and a half at the Africa Centre. These programs are initiatives designed to create safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for children and youth, particularly those from underserved communities.

Liyu has recently taken on a new role as Youth Programs Manager at the Africa Centre, where she continues to lead and support initiatives that empower children, youth, and families and foster safe, inclusive, and supportive community environments.

Liyu is particularly passionate about supporting families raising children with special needs. Her commitment to autism advocacy is both professional and deeply personal, growing from her own experience raising a son on the autism spectrum.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Liyu enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, painting, crafting, reading, and serving in Sunday School. She is passionate about helping individuals and families build resilience, strengthen relationships, and thrive within their communities.

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

Aissatou Coda Diallo

HR AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

Aissatou Coda Diallo

HR and Administration Assistant

Aissatou is a Human Resources and Administration professional with over 15 years of experience mainly in the United Nations system and the Canadian Red Cross. She has held Human Resources, Administration, and Operations roles across Denmark, Senegal, Switzerland, Irak, Niger, and Jordan, developing extensive expertise in multicultural and fast-paced international environments.

She has managed thousands of recruitment processes from drafting Terms of Reference to onboarding and records management, while providing expert guidance on complex HR matters. Her experience includes talent acquisition, contract administration, HR policy implementation, emergency HR project management, staff development, and employee relations.

In addition to her HR expertise, Aissatou has strong experience in administration, logistics, travel coordination, and small-scale procurement. Fluent in English and French, with a good working knowledge of Spanish, she is recognized for her collaborative approach, strong organizational skills, and commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused HR and operational support.

Aissatou’s hobbies include kickboxing, playing Scrabble, and cooking.

Bio

Elizabeth Ntale

FINANCIAL ANALYST

Elizabeth Ntale

Financial Analyst

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

Austine Oguna

BOOKKEEPER AND ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

Austine Oguna

Bookkeeper and Accounts Assistant

Autine Oguna is an accomplished finance professional with progressive work experience in finance, accounting, administration, grant management, and auditing in not profit environment for both National and International NGOs and Private Sector. He holds a Master Degree of Business Administration. from University of Nairobi and Bachelor's Degree from Moi University and a Certified Public Accountant.

Proven expertise in financial management, donor compliance, budgeting and forecasting, grant and contract management, financial reporting, internal controls, procurement oversight, audit coordination, and strategic planning and successfully led finance and administration function for multi-donor projects and strengthened financial and internal control systems and driven by strong work ethics and entrepreneurial spirit and passion for advancement.

Bio

Layla Rguigue

COMMUNICATIONS, PR & DIGITAL OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Layla Rguigue

Communications, PR & Digitial Operations Specialist

Layla Rguigue is a Digital Marketing and Communications Strategist with over 14 years of experience helping brands and organizations turn ideas into clear, engaging, and impactful experiences. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, her work sits at the intersection of strategy, creativity, communications, and digital innovation.

Her experience spans digital marketing, brand development, public relations, content strategy, and digital operations. From shaping campaigns and building digital experiences to developing communication strategies and streamlining the tools and processes behind them, Layla brings both a strategic mindset and a hands-on approach to her work.

What drives her is the belief that great communication is about more than being seen, it is about being understood, remembered, and connected to something meaningful. She combines data and creativity with a strong understanding of people and audiences to develop strategies that are purposeful, adaptable, and built to make an impact.

Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Layla brings a strong ability to engage with people across cultures and communities. Curious by nature and passionate about the evolving digital landscape, she draws on her marketing background to shape communications and public relations that help organizations connect with the people they serve.

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

Simon Peter Aziabah

COORDINATOR, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Simon Peter Aziabah

Coordinator, Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement

Simon Peter Aziabah is a development planning and policy professional with over a decade of experience spanning development planning, policy analysis, community engagement, research, and local government administration. His multidisciplinary background bridges development policy and planning, resource economics, environmental sustainability, and community development.

Simon holds a Master of Agriculture (MAg) in Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology from the University of Alberta, a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Policy and Planning from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. His academic and professional work centres on understanding development challenges and building evidence-based approaches to support economically and socially vulnerable communities.

Before relocating to Canada, Simon spent more than a decade working in local government and development planning in Ghana. Where, he contributed to district-level development planning, policy development, spatial planning, stakeholder engagement, community consultations, and the preparation of Medium-Term Development Plans.

Since moving to Canada, Simon has continued to build experience in research, community development, and program delivery. He is passionate about inclusive development and believes that meaningful community development requires strong partnerships, evidence-informed decision-making, and opportunities that help individuals and communities to build sustainable livelihoods. His professional interests include development policy, economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, community development, environmental sustainability, resource economics, and public policy.

Through his work, Simon aims to strengthen communities by bringing together research, policy, planning, and community perspectives to help address development challenges with practical solutions.

Outside work, Simon loves reading, listening to motivational speeches and music, playing snooker, watching basketball and football as well as cooking.

Bio

Emmanuel Danjuma

PMP®, COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LEAD

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

Charity Katushabe

PROJECT COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING

Charity Katsushabe

Project Coordinator, Community Capacity Building

Charity is a dedicated community development professional with experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and organizational capacity building. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, she is passionate about strengthening communities by supporting initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusion, and sustainable impact.

Throughout her career, Charity has supported projects across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, contributing to project delivery, program administration, relationship management, and community engagement. She is recognized for her strong organizational skills, collaborative approach, and ability to build meaningful partnerships that drive positive outcomes.

With a Diploma and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Computing, Charity combines technical expertise with practical experience to support organizational effectiveness and deliver impactful community initiatives. She is committed to continuous learning and service and dedicated to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen organizations.

Outside of work, Charity enjoys volunteering, engaging with diverse communities, making friends and contributing to initiatives that foster social inclusion and community well-being.

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

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

LEAD, 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

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.