Multidisciplinary musician and visual artist Tonye Aganaba, was born in London, England to a Nigerian father and Zimbabwean mother. Her latest album ‘Something Comfortable’, (slated for independent release in April 2019) , is intentional, masterful, rich and raw, and her most recent performance work ‘Afroscience’ uses music, visual art, dance, digital media and story to invite her audience to rise to conversations of identity, addiction and healing, and expression. Her shows are connected and intimate experiences, and evoke a kind of vulnerability we’re all hungry for. Tonye’s audiences leave feeling recognized, deeply heard and seen, humbled by the truth, and energized and empowered to live courageously and kindly.

Dr. Charles Quist-Adade and academic, community organizer, and leader, with over 25 years of community work. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Africa-Canada Education Foundation. As a scholar, Dr. Quist-Adade holds a PhD in Sociology and a master’s degree in journalism. He is as an author and co-author of several books, peer-received articles, and popular press articles and blogs. His specializes in racialization and anti-racism, social justice, social theory, globalization, media, and society. His other interests revolve around the African Diaspora, religion, and global issues.

Dr. Quist-Adade has won several teaching awards and accolades, including being cited twice in the Academic Edition of Canada’s premier news magazine Maclean’s as the top three most popular and one of 10 best professors at the University of Windsor, Ontario. In 2013, he was Kwantlen Polytechnic University Faculty of Arts Dean’s Teaching Award Finalist and 2014.

Dr. Quist-Adade is a poet and a storyteller. He is a member of the Storytellers Association of Canada and Ghana Writers Association. He has performed at various community events in BC since 2005. Dr. Quist-Adade is the director and producer of the video documentary, “The Ones They Left Behind: The Life and Plight of African Russians.” Dr. Quist-Adade is a Pan-Africanist scholar, who is not only believer in, but also a practitioner of, praxis–the blending of theory and practice. His work in the community has been recognized and acclaimed across the country. In 2004, he was awarded the Black Community Leadership Award by the Windsor and District Black Coalition. In 1998, he was voted the Ghanaian Man of the Year in Windsor, Ontario. In 2015, he was awarded a Ghanaian Canadian Association Leadership Certificate. In2022, he was BC Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards Nominee, and in the same year, he was a recipient of the Ghanaian Canadian Community Award.

Jumoke Dapo-Ogunsola nee, Alao is a broadcast media professional with over 20 years of experience in radio and television anchoring, breaking news reporting, digital content development and producing, from Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and now Canada.

I am also a communications expert with extensive experience in both the public and private sector.  I tap into my wealth of experience and network to help my clients realize their dreams and maximize their potentials. I’m also a mentor, and speaker, and also the founder of Potter’s Food Vancouver.

With parents hailing from Africa and Jamaica, Alitta Cadmus was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. After living in Toronto for most of her childhood and her young adult life, she moved to British Columbia where she currently resides with her family.

In 2016, she received an award for completing an art project in response to a  poem titled “Diet” by  Billeh Nickerson. 

Alitta’s work is innovative, and quite unique in its style. Combining her various passions for the arts into one her main focus is to use her words to generate relational awareness as well as character responsibility.

Osaretin is a  contemporary violinist and actor. He is inspired by Italian musical composer Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach. Osaretin plays hip-hop, afro beats and classical music.

Born and raised in Tanzania, Ally is a writer and performer with a passion for stories, humour and live shows. As an African Joy maker, he strives to develop narratives and present a variety of shows filled with laughs and lessons. One recent review, describes Ally as an , “invigorating blend of compassion and absurdity.” He is regularly booked to bring his contributions to diverse projects, on stage and screen. You can follow his latest ventures thru @venturally.

Trish Mandewo was elected to the Coquitlam City Council in 2018 and is currently serving her second term.  She has an extensive background in policy and governance, coupled with a solid track record of effective leadership.  She ardently supports initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for British Columbians. Trish is unwavering in her commitment to encourage cooperation across all tiers of government, advocate for the diverse needs and interests of local communities, and pioneer innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by both urban and rural areas. 

With her diverse background encompassing education in Microbiology, Embryology, and experience as an entrepreneur, Trish finds fulfillment in sharing her knowledge through mentoring, public speaking, writing, and serving as a business consultant through her company. 

In her spare time, she relishes quality time with her husband, Alex, and their daughter, Alexandra. In addition, Trish indulges her passion for tennis and takes pleasure in exploring the local scenic trails.