Being a Black professional in Manitoba comes with both pride and challenge.
It means carrying forward the strength of a vibrant community while also navigating realities that are often unseen or unspoken.
Rebecca Ruvando is a passionate construction professional with over a decade of experience in the distribution of construction materials. Born into the field and raised in Zimbabwe, Rebecca’s career has been shaped by global experiences across Southern Africa and Canada, reflecting the power of community, engagement, and persistence.
Rebecca holds an undergraduate degree from South Africa. In Canada, she is a student of the Construction Management Program at Red River Polytech.
As a dedicated board member with the Black Manitoba Network, Rebecca is passionate about using her role to foster connections and career growth among Black professionals.
Outside of work, Rebecca is deeply devoted to her family. She’s an avid reader, a tennis enthusiast, and lives with intentionality—always striving to fulfill her purpose while uplifting others along the way.
Ayodeji is a community builder, finance professional, and advocate for economic empowerment. He is driven by a commitment to create supportive environments where individuals and businesses can reach their full potential and thrive.
With several years of experience in investment research, portfolio management, and financial analysis, and currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration alongside the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, he provides thoughtful guidance on capital allocation, enterprise growth, and strategic decision-making.
As a community advocate, Ayodeji focuses on creating platforms that increase access to knowledge, opportunity, and sustainable development. He champions representation, collaboration, equity, and long-term social responsibility in the communities he serves.
Outside of work and community engagement, Ayodeji enjoys meaningful conversations, exploring new ideas, and spending time with family and close friends who continue to inspire his journey
Kudzai is a Communications Strategist with a passion for women-led communities. She supports communities by elevating brands and increasing their visibility.
She is a Mathematics Enthusiast currently pursuing education in Actuarial Science with a deep interest in empowerment and equity. Kudzai believes in showing up fully and intentionally and in the power of continuous learning. Her journey is guided by ambition and a proactive mindset that seeks growth in every experience. Passionate about women-led initiatives and professional development, she is always open to opportunities that challenge her, expand her perspective and allow her to contribute meaningfully.
Sam is a leader in Finance with extensive experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). He provides strategic direction and advice regarding financial management for the Black Manitoba Network. With decades of financial and operational management experience in both profit and not-for-profit sectors, Samson excels at resource oversight and process improvement. He enjoys networking, supports business growth, and is dedicated to coaching and mentoring others
Kerry-Ann Spencer-Williams is a transformative leader in AI, Data Science, Analytics, and Data Management, with 15+ years of experience driving innovation at IGM Financial. She integrates advanced analytics into business intelligence to improve financial outcomes and system efficiencies, while fostering a culture rooted in equity, empowerment, and inclusion.
A proud Jamaican Canadian, Kerry-Ann is deeply committed to community building and social justice. She has co-founded and led initiatives tackling intersectional discrimination and advancing DEIB in corporate spaces, including mentorship programs for Black and Pan-Asian professionals. Her dedication to equitable evaluation and career mobility is evident through her national thought leadership and active engagement with local advocacy.
Educated in Economics and Statistics, she combines academic excellence with lived experience to mentor, coach, and uplift emerging talent—especially within the Black Manitoban community. Through data, dialogue, and intentional leadership, Kerry-Ann strengthens the networks and narratives that move communities forward.
Chukwuemeka Akam is a seasoned project management executive whose career spans over 15 years of leading transformative initiatives across healthcare, Education, Food Security and international development. With a reputation for operational excellence and strategic foresight, he has successfully managed donor-funded programs exceeding $300 million, delivering measurable impact in complex, multicultural environments.
Currently serving as a Business Consultant with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Akam drives system-wide performance improvements and strategic planning across Manitoba’s health sector. His leadership is grounded in a commitment to integrity, innovation, and results, qualities that have earned him recognition in both public and private sectors.
Akam holds an Executive MBA and multiple certifications, including PMP, Public Procurement, and Health Leadership from prestigious institutions like the University of Washington, Lagos Business School, Quantic School of Business and Technology, and Chartered institute of Purchasing and Supply UNDP/CIPS Denmark. Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply invested in community advancement. He supports local health advocacy through the Epilepsy & Seizure Association of Manitoba and contributes to professional development initiatives with PMI Manitoba.
As a board member of the Black Manitoba Network, Akam brings not only technical expertise but also a passion for equity, mentorship, and empowering Black professionals to thrive. His blend of global experience and local engagement makes him a powerful advocate for inclusive leadership and sustainable change.
Ayodele Ajila is an accomplished business solution consultant, entrepreneur and strategic leader passionate about transforming organizations through operational excellence, innovative problem-solving, and data-driven insights. With two decades of working in the financial service industry and not-for-profit at a Strategic and executive capacity.
Currently, Ayodele is a Principal Partner at ACEE Consulting, where he is driving sustainable growth and helping entrepreneurs and businesses achieve their full potential in areas of process improvement and operational efficiency, data-driven strategy and decision making.
Ayodele was the pioneer Manager of the Africa Centre, Winnipeg, where he made an impact with the black entrepreneurship empowerment space, working on community-focused initiatives and supporting organizational growth through robust program management and strategic planning. His contributions strengthened the Centre’s operational capacity and enhanced its ability to deliver vital services. He organized several groundbreaking programs and events that brought about collaboration and networking within black professionals and entrepreneurs, which are the first of their kinds in the history of Manitoba.
Previously, as Chief Operating Officer at Stoics Financials, Ayodele led strategic operations, managed cross-functional teams, and implemented financial systems that significantly improved organizational performance and profitability. His leadership helped establish a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.
Ayodele holds credentials from Lagos Business School and leverages his strong educational foundation to bridge the gap between business strategy and operational execution. He is also a Certified Business Analyst at the International Institute of Business Analysis.
Ayodele lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with his wife Oluwaseun and his Daughters and Son. He enjoys spending time with his family and in his spare moments works on his entrepreneurial educational journal series titled “The diary of Kasongo: the story of an entrepreneur” which he publishes weekly on his LinkedIn page.
Yechenu is a community leader, finance industry professional, and community advocate passionate about building an equitable society where everyone succeeds and thrives.
With over 10 years of financial services experience and a master’s degree in Economics, she provides expert advice on how businesses access capital, manage cash flow, and benefit from business advisory solutions.
As a community advocate, Yechenu is a step ahead, looking for ways to create value by creating opportunities for economic growth. She champions Representation, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and social responsibility. Yechenu enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, who are her strongest support.
Lara O. Badmus is the principal owner of Lara Law, a “startup” law practice which
commenced operations in March 2023. Lara, who can be styled a ‘global citizen’ has
been a lawyer for 31 years and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 2010.
Lara practices primarily in the areas of Commercial Law, including Real Estate, Family Law & Litigation and Wills & Estates.
Lara’s past employments in Manitoba, for 10 years before returning to active law
practice, were in ethical compliance oversight roles, advocacy and human rights.
Some Notable Facts
– First Nigerian Immigrant female lawyer called to the Manitoba Bar;
– Recipient of NAMI (Nigerian Association of Manitoba) outstanding community
volunteer award;
- Volunteered for many years with with Leaf Manitoba, an organization that defended vulnerable persons and human rights, and whose efforts entailed
humanitarian action beyond boundaries;
- Recognition by the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, The Honourable Anita R. Neville, for work in support of WISE (Working in Support of Equality) in
Manitoba.
Fun fact:
– A lover of fashion, with plans to attend the New York Fashion Week and the
Paris Fashion Week.