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Board Of Directors

Dr. Zita Somakoko

President & Founder

Executive Board Member at Large

Anastasia Kelly

Secretary

2nd Tresurer

2nd Vice President
& Head of Young and Youth Chamber

Director of Media, Culture & Fine Art

Executive Member

Membership & Business Development

Willard Reaves

EX-Officio Executive board Member

Executive Board Member Legal

Kitan Amao

1st Treasurer

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Abel Lubbertyn

Abel Ebane is a distinguished figure known for his multifaceted contributions to the realms of commerce, healthcare, and international business strategy. As the President and Chairman of the Board for the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, he has played a pivotal role in advocating for the economic empowerment and growth of black-owned businesses in the region.

 

With a background as a health insurance expert, Ebane’s expertise has been instrumental in guiding individuals and organizations towards comprehensive healthcare solutions. His insightful guidance has helped bridge gaps in understanding and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

 

Furthermore, Abel Ebane’s influence extends beyond domestic boundaries, as he serves as a strategic advisor to international businesses. His ability to navigate the intricacies of global markets, combined with his business acumen, has made him an invaluable asset to companies seeking to expand their operations on an international scale.

 

Ebane’s journey is marked by a commitment to fostering economic inclusivity, improving healthcare access, and facilitating cross-border business ventures. His leadership, coupled with his diverse expertise, continues to leave a lasting impact on the business landscape both in Minnesota and on the global stage.

Glory Ugah

Introducing Glory Ugah, our newly appointed Treasurer at the Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce. Holding a distinguished degree in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Winnipeg, Glory’s financial acumen is well-established by her role as a Senior Accountant at Deloitte. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through as the CEO of GeesHappyBites, a successful pastry venture. With a proven track record in managing finances and fostering growth, Glory is dedicated to driving financial excellence and empowerment within our chamber and the broader Black business community.

Dr. Anju Bajaj

Dr. Anju Bajaj is a teaching vice-principal at Holy Cross School.  She has been recognized as a leading community and collaboration speaker, researcher, activist, organizer, author, STEAM educator, consultant, public speaker, and visible minority role model.

Her leadership approach is about putting the needs of others first, then empowering people to perform at their best. Her volunteer work includes: remote/reserve First Nations communities, Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology- Manitoba Chapter Lead, Lets Talk Science Manitoba Teacher Leader, Science & Technology Awareness Network- educator & researcher. She works tirelessly to support the STEAM ecosystem through a variety of like-minded STEAM organizations. She is the founder of the Bison Regional Science Fair.

Dr. Bajaj has received more than 25 provincial, national, and international accolades for her success in mobilizing students around STEAM including receiving the Prime Minister’s Teaching Excellence award.

Dr. Samson .O. Fadiya

Dr. Samson Oluwaseun Fadiya is a globally renowned Information Systems Expert, Lecturer, Academic Scholar, and International Editor. He has over eight years of experience leading postgraduate education classrooms. He holds a B.Sc. Degree in Information Systems, an MSc Degree, and a Ph.D. Degree in Management Information Systems has been certified by prestigious institutions such as Girne American University, Cyprus, A&M Texas University, and the American Academy of Certified Project Managers.

His academic successes have led him to Associate Professor status at Girne American University. Besides his academic experience, he is a member of various organizations, has published over 36 scientific papers, and holds certifications in multiple technologies and different study areas. Moreover, he is the Editor of the International Journal of Scientific Research and owns his own business. Dr. Fadiya also has teaching experience and has conducted lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical classes on the various aspects of information systems.

In addition to his professional career, Dr. Fadiya is a gifted speaker, teacher, mentor, and pastor and has been married to Elizabeth for over a decade. They are blessed with a daughter, Theodora, and two sons, Enoch and Uriel.

Patrick Tshiovo

Executive Director at Okapi Counselling and Community Support Services Inc.
Also Executive Director of Winnipeg REACT Inc. ( A Manitoba based outpatient addiction treatment program).
Patrick has a deep-rooted passion for helping people grow, heal, and reach their goals. He offers a supportive, non judgmental approach focused on building healthy, trusting therapeuticrelationships. His approach is mainly
person centered, but he integrates other approaches when appropriate and helpful.
Patrick has experience working with youth, adults, couples, and families dealing with addiction, relationships issues, crisis, and trauma. He holds a masters degree in social work, and he is registered with the Manitoba College of Social Workers.

David Fatimehin

David is an Entrepreneur, Artist, Mentor, Curator, Community development, Outreach Coordinator,Project Manager and Marketing analyst.
He is co-founder of F.R.A.M.E. Art warehouse (a function residence for artists and media enterprises ), Media Hub and David Fatimehin Enterprise (Digital Business consultant).
Currently working with Goldenwest Broadcasting company in Winnipeg
David is happily married to Amanda Fatimehin and blessed with three children; Abigail, Jonathan and Nathan

David is the current Vice President of Egbe Omo Yoruba Manitoba and serves on Promise Land Inc, Association of Black Conservatives of Manitoba and Gateway East leadership team. In addition, he has served on the board of various non-profit organizations, including Creative Foundation,

He loves volunteering his time empowering, helping, and mentoring youth and adults in the community, particularly in program development, social responsibility, inclusion and diversity education, event planning, and community empowerment.

He also holds BSC in mathematics & statistics, Post-Graduate Diploma in Management information technology from the University in Lagos State, Diploma in Project Management from Red river college and certified PMP, Scrum Master Certified (SMC) and Digital Business Transformation Management

David is happily married to Amanda Fatimehin and blessed with three children; Abigail, Jonathan and Nathan.

Ruphine Djuissi

Ruphine Djuissi, a bilingual lawyer and Human resources professional, is the owner of Djuissi Law Office, a law firm. Currently working with a not-for-profit organization, Ruphine mostly practices Family law where she helps victims of intimate partner violence from linguistic minority groups access justice in their language. As an entrepreneur, Ruphine has experience as an entrepreneurship advisor and strongly believes in the power of inclusiveness and economic independence of people of color. Ruphine enjoys traveling in her vacation time but can also be found on the long walk or dancing around.