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 is a faculty member and past immediate chair and former co-chair of the Sociology Department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and He is the founder and convener of the Kwame Nkrumah International Conference series. His research and teaching interests are: Social justice, Globalization, Racialization and Anti-racism, Social Theory, Pan-Africanist and Global South issues

Prior to joining the Department of Sociology, Dr. Quist-Adade was Assistant Professor at Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work at Central Michigan University. In addition, he taught at the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Wayne State University, Madonna University, and Michigan State University, all in the USA. He has also taught at Simon Fraser and the University of British Columbia in Canada.

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.

James is a Ghanaian-Canadian poet. He writes primarily about issues affecting North American society. Growing up Canadian with African parents has offered him a unique lens to navigate social pressures imposed on self. In his free-time he enjoys playing, basketball, listening to music and writing

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.

Active in her local church assembly, Alitta avails herself to the ministry by singing and volunteering as a Sunday school teacher. Appointed as an evangelist, and youth leader, strives to build foundational relationships in a culture where unity is essential.

With a passion for the arts, Alitta enrolled herself, into Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where she is currently completing her  Associates Degree in Creative Writing.

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 is an elected official (Councillor) for City Coquitlam, a Speaker, Facilitator, Serial Entrepreneur and Author of her upcoming Book “Elephant soup for the hungry entrepreneur”.  She is the principal of Ubuntu StratEdge, a company that trains women to be board ready.  She also Co-founded Women’s Collaborative Hub Society, a mentorship and personal development non-profit.

She has won numerous awards including 2017 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant.  She has been featured and highlighted in several media outlets and is a recipient of Canada 150 Sesquicentennial pin for leadership and community service.

Trish graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Pre-Med Biology Degree and from University of Central Oklahoma with a Clinical Laboratory Science degree.  She further trained in Medical Microbiology and Embryology and worked in the field for 10 years.  Trish considers herself a savvy serial entrepreneur as she has successfully built 4 businesses as well as a nonprofit.

Some of her accomplishments includes being Panelist and advisor for Telus Small Businesses and best practices for engaging Today’s savvy customers, being featured on Chek TV Reality TV show “The Hardway Show” and in Huffington Post.   Some of her recent speaking engagements were with GROW in Edmonton, Canadian Immigrant Magazine Edmonton and Vancouver Immigrant fairs, SFU, Douglas College, YELL, SAGE Foundation and many others.