Ayodeji Ajilore’s BIO

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

Olamide Collins-Longe

Olamide is a Support Professional, community leader and advocate focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through person-centered care and inclusive community practices.

She is experienced in residential leadership, with a commitment to safe, empowering environments for individuals and families.

Samson Matibini

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

Dr. Shade

Dr. Shade is an award-winning educator, leadership strategist, and co-founder of the Black Manitoba Network, where she serves as a dedicated board member advancing equity, innovation, and systemic change across sectors. As a dynamic speaker and member of the Canada Speakers Bureau, she inspires audiences to lead with purpose, confidence, and authenticity.

With a deep passion for STEM, youth leadership, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Shade works at the intersection of innovation and inclusion—empowering individuals and organizations to build inclusive cultures and unlock untapped potential. Her influence extends beyond the Black community, shaping equitable leadership practices in academic, corporate, and civic spaces across Canada and beyond.

In recognition of her impact, Dr. Shade was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2025 by Black Pearl, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, empowerment, and transformative leadership.

Ayodele Ajila

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 Audu

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.

Abigail Kawadza

Abigail Kawadza is a healthcare leader, event planner, and proud Zimbabwean-Canadian passionate about creating inclusive spaces that empower communities. With over a decade of experience in nursing leadership and health systems, Abigail has also carved a path as a dynamic event organizer, designing and leading events that bridge youth with industry professionals, amplify marginalized voices, and champion equity.

She is the Founder of Classy A-Events, where she curates purpose-driven gatherings focused on mentorship, career growth, and honest conversations about identity and leadership. Abigail also serves as Board Member and Fundraising Coordinator for the Grace and Nelly Project, where she co-led fashion show fundraisers in support of rural girls in Zimbabwe.

Whether she’s coordinating a career panel, leading a community conference, or advocating for culturally safe care, Abigail brings people together with intention, warmth, and vision.