Kor Kase also known as BUNI Kor is the co founder and Vice President of Afro Van Connect society, a singer/songwriter, musician, producer, community activist and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Vancouver. His art reflects his traditional East African heritage and North American upbringing. Kor’s unique and powerful perspective on life and love bridge a gap between two worlds. Creating a musical experience that is dynamic and empowering.

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.

Tom, also known as The Quiet Warrior, is an Award-winning CEO and Founded KRE-AT®, ranked in the top 100 Educators globally in 2021. His TEDx talk, “How Leaders can lift the Stigma of Mental Health,” and decade-long influence in mental health is deeply rooted in lived experiences. He has published 11 books as a #1 International Best-selling author for his first book, The Way of the Quiet Warrior, 90 Days to the life you desire. Tom's known for storytelling as the Host and Executive Producer of the Quiet Warrior Podcast and Livestream, where people come to tell their stories of RESILIENCE through Adversity. An Indie Film Producer, Tom's first book screenplay is written for a feature film.

His career started as a hired Executive working across 5 sectors in Canada and Internationally, helping build and grow companies. In this chapter of his life, he discovered that sometimes, we are not where we are supposed to be.

Since his brain injury Tom has developed a deep understanding of Neuroscience and is a Founding Fellow of the International Organization of Neuroscience. As a Board-Certified Master Neuroplastician™, Tom teaches people how to permanently rewire Neural Pathways through Neuroplasticity. He proves that we can rewire the brain resulting in changes in outward thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Tom begins his Doctoral Degree at Middlesex University in London, ironically a place just 7 miles from his birthplace, this fall. He will be taking his public works with the help of a research team to find the deeper meaning behind it all. While a dream comes true, completing his studies will take unwavering faith and RESILIENCE. He cannot wait to tell that story to you in the future.

The brightest lights in his life are his wife and business partner of 28 years, Anna, his daughter Kalinda, and memories of his miniature Shih Tzu Shadow. When asked what his happy place is, he says he is behind the mic telling stories, writing, and dancing in my Chez Tomaso Home Chef Kitchen, telling stories from his visually stimulating food creations.

Mariat advocates for Equity, Diversity and inclusion. 

– Using the lens of intersectionality for a just and equitable society while amplifying the voices, listening and serving the need of diverse segments. (BIPOC, The 2SLGBTQ community, Youths, Women and Non-Binary, and Persons with disabilities) Mariat also advocates for emotional and Mental wellbeing for all.

 Mariat is a key influencer and Connector in the community with a passion in creating success for Individuals and business owners. Mariat has been recognized for successful projects by the Minister of Small Business (Mary Ng) and the then Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion of Canada (Patty Hadju) now Minister of Indigenous services. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, networking, horse riding and a dedicated café Hopper.

Adel Gamar is Cofounder and CEO of GLG Ltd—a boutique leadership and management consultancy based in Vancouver. Over the course of his career, he has advised senior leaders of Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments worldwide.

Gamar served as Education Specialist at UNESCO and Policy Fellow at Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he taught adaptive leadership and negotiation. In 2015, he advised Charles Ramsey, Co-Chair of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Gamar is an adjunct professor at UBC Sauder School of Business where he teaches adaptive leadership, collaboration, and organizational management. He holds an MPA from Harvard and a B.Ed. from the University of Calgary.

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

Jonathan Cauri is Executive Director of Umoja Operation Compassion, a 20-year-old charity which provides holistic settlement support to multi-barrier newcomers and refugees of all cultural backgrounds living in Surrey. 

Umoja’s culturally attuned, trauma informed work is centered on its vision of “Building Strong Communities; Moving from Newcomers to Neighbours.” through upholding the dignity and unique worth of those they serve.

Jonathan has a background in marketing communications, client relations, and organizational development. While he originally served in the private sector, his move to community services was motivated by his lived experience as a first-generation immigrant and a growing burden to contribute his voice to the conversation on defining trends affecting the overall sense of wellbeing for our communities. 

On a personal note, he is originally from Nairobi, Kenya and is married with 3 grown children having moved to Canada in February of 2002

Ruthdol Ywaya is a spoken word performer and a part-time expert-in training in resilience through life’s experiences. She has a passion for healthcare given her vast experiences as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in acute care, as well as advocacy work in cultural inclusion in healthcare settings. To address some of the toughest conversions on healthcare,  Ruthdol uses spoken word and her pharmacy knowledge as a way to reach out to those who are willing to learn and to encourage those who may be suffering from various stigmatized conditions like mental health or the negative consequences of cultural disparities in healthcare. Ruthdol is excited to bridge her passion for cultural inclusion and healthcare to provide and advocate for better care to all patients, to entertain, and to encourage those who need a little push to continue on this journey of resilience.

Leslee Montgomery is an energized speaker that works with individuals and organizations to

understand the day-to-day drama impacting decision-making and their driving forces. A Professional Counselor, Mental Focus Specialist with over 15 years of health and safety, Leslee worked her way up from the field to the corporate office supporting c-suite throughout several sectors of the construction industry. She is passionate about helping her clients learn the leadership strategies they need to run a drama free workplace.

Dieko’ (She/her) a Nigerian, came to Canada for her higher education in her late teenage years. Dieko’ being a person with a physical disability, is passionate about increasing awareness, and education on mental health, and disability(ies) issues. Dieko’s journey of resilience began at age five. At age eight, she was clinically evaluated and diagnosed of post-poliomyelitis paraparesis. Her life’s journey through this experience has served to strengthen her resilience, and ignite this passion for promoting a sense of belonging for all.

Armed with a Master of Counseling Psychology from Adler University, British Columbia (BC), Canada, Dieko’ is also currently enrolled in a Master of Arts in Disability Management from UNBC. She believes that life is a journey that often presents many challenges. As such for her, resilience, hope, and her faith in Christ are key components in her life’s journey toward continuous growth and healing. Dieko’s journey to permanent residency was a long and challenging one, and another example of her resilience, courage, optimism, and above all God’s grace. Her life experiences and academic background as a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC), have provided a solid foundation for her work in the mental health space, as she walks alongside her clients, empowering them in navigating their mental health, and well-being journeys.

Dieko’ has over six years’ experience working with people living with physical and/developmental disability(ies), at Posabilities, Burnaby, BC, supporting them to lead full and flourishing lives in their communities. In her clinical work, at Open Mind Counseling in Coquitlam, BC, Dieko’ develops personalized treatment plans, and provides evidence-based therapy techniques to support clients in their mental health journey. She maintains confidentiality and abides by ethical standards, ensuring clients receive unbiased care. She has volunteered with Mainland Community Services Society (MCSS) in organizing the 2023 dialogue on National AccessAbility Week Celebration. She is also currently volunteering at Moving Forward Family Services, a non-for-profit counseling organization for low-income earners.

Dieko’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience in disability and mental health. From overcoming personal challenges to becoming a beacon of hope for others, she continues to advocate for a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. When Dieko’ is not busy working, she enjoys cooking, reading, observing nature, playing video/or board games, spending time with loved ones, watching movies, and catching up on sleep!

Sosa Eweka-Valentine, is a journalist and registered nurse. She is also the founder of Talks with Sosa, a public speaking platform, seeks to bring experts to discuss various issues, from social justice to mental health. Her hobbies include biking and reading.”