About the Event
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Black Canadian Women in Action (BCW in Action) is a charitable organization dedicated to empowering Black women, girls, and families through advocacy, leadership development, and economic empowerment initiatives across Canada. Since our founding in 2017, we have proudly celebrated International Women’s Day each year, creating spaces that elevate the voices and impact of Black women.
In 2026, we present the Strategic Gathering of Albertan Women Leaders from Africa and the Caribbean under the theme From Conversation to Action: Black Women Shaping Our Future. This intimate convening will bring together leaders across sectors for keynote conversations and dialogue focused on shaping our collective future.
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3:30 PM | Doors Open + Meet & Greet
4:00 PM | Land Acknowledgement – Terri-Ann Dufeal
4:05 PM | Opening Remarks – Natasha Daniel
4:10 PM | Welcome Remarks – Jeanne B. Lehman, C.M.
4:20 PM | Icebreaker Activity
4:35 PM | Guest Speaker – Dr. Maroro Zinyemba
4:50 PM | Guest Speaker – Mrs. Victoria Inyang-Otu
5:05 PM | Roundtable Conversations
5:30 PM | Dinner
5:45 PM | Singing Performance – Kaliyah Browne
6:05 PM | Guest Speaker – Dr. Evelyne Nyairo
6:20 PM | Panel Discussion – Christine Daka Sitima, Dr. Winta Ghidei and Ziada Abdella. Moderated by Terri Ann Dufeal.
6:50 PM | Audience Conversation
7:20 PM | Vote of Thanks & Closing Remarks
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We are forming a leadership initiative for Women of African Descent. If you are a Black woman in Alberta who is an executive or a leading woman in your field, please email info@bcwinaction.ca to join the initiative.
Featured Contributors
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Guest Speaker | Dr. Evelyne Nyairo
Environmental Scientist, ESG Leader & Founder of Ellie Bianca Beauty
Dr. Evelyne Nyairo is a strategic leader and innovator with over 20 years of global experience guiding complex projects across energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development. She advises on environmental and social governance, regulatory strategy, and risk management, supporting initiatives across Canada, the Middle East, and Africa. She is also the founder of the award-winning Canadian skincare brand Ellie Bianca, championing ethical sourcing, innovation, and women-led value chains.
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Guest Speaker | Victoria Inyang-Otu
Founder & CEO of VIKEM Homes, Housing Innovator & Community Leader
Victoria Inyang-Otu is the founder and CEO of VIKEM Homes, a custom home-building company committed to quality, sustainability, and creating spaces that reflect the lives of those who live in them. A trailblazer and the first Black female builder in her region, she also founded The Purple Tie Foundation, supporting young girls through education and leadership. Victoria is dedicated to community service, economic empowerment, and building opportunities for future generations.
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Guest Speaker | Dr. Maroro Zinyemba
Dean of the Faculty of Skills and Foundational Learning at NorQuest College
Dr. Maroro Zinyemba is a postsecondary leader dedicated to advancing equitable education for diverse learners, particularly newcomers to Canada. Her work focuses on language acquisition, immigration, and systemic issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. She has lectured, researched, and published on immigrant integration and inclusive leadership, and actively supports community initiatives that expand access to education and opportunity.
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Panelist | Christine Daka Sitima
Medical Radiology Technologist & Diagnostic Imaging Manager
Christine Daka Sitima is a certified Medical Radiology Technologist with over 16 years of international experience across Africa, the Middle East, and Canada. She specializes in diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, mammography, pain management, and bone densitometry. Currently a Manager at Physiologix Diagnostic Imaging Clinic, she leads a team of technologists and collaborates with specialists. Christine is deeply committed to raising awareness about early breast cancer screening and women’s health.
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Panelist | Dr. Winta Ghidei
Public Health Researcher, Educator & Mindset Transformation Coach
Dr. Winta Ghidei is a public health researcher, educator, and mindset transformation coach dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion. She holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Alberta, where her research addressed systemic barriers to trauma-focused care for survivors of intimate partner violence. Through research, teaching, and coaching, she empowers women to build resilience, overcome self-doubt, and lead with confidence in their communities and careers.
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Panelist | Ziada Abdella
Workforce Advisor & Community Employment Advocate
Ziada is a Workforce Advisor dedicated to connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities while supporting inclusive hiring practices. Working in the nonprofit sector, she helps bridge the gap between employers and communities. Passionate about youth empowerment, she supports young people in exploring education, training, and career pathways. Ziada is deeply committed to community engagement, advocacy, and creating opportunities that help individuals build brighter futures.
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Moderator | Terri-Ann Dufeal
Project Support Specialist, College Instructor, and Early Learning professional
Terri-Ann Dufeal brings over 20 years of experience supporting nonprofits in designing, implementing, and growing impactful community programs. With a background in instructional design, child studies, and equity-focused practice, she creates inclusive learning environments that empower children, families, and communities. She is passionate about collaboration, continuous learning, and translating ideas into meaningful, community-driven solutions.
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Master of Ceremony | Natasha Daniel
Training & Development Specialist and Nationally Certified Career Development Professional
Natasha Daniel is a Project Manager and career development professional dedicated to community empowerment and social impact. A Certified Career Development Practitioner, she works as a consultant and nonprofit strategist supporting grant writing, program delivery, training, reporting, and strategic planning. Natasha has also served as a grant reviewer for the City of Edmonton and SBCCI and leads initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
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Performer | Kaliyah Browne
Vocalist & Emerging Performer
Kaliyah Browne is a talented young vocalist who began singing for audiences at the age of nine. Now 12, she brings warmth, confidence, and joy to every performance, using music to connect and inspire. In addition to her love for singing, Kaliyah enjoys playing the piano and is a dedicated student with a strong interest in Math and Science. She also plays badminton and hopes to continue sharing her passion for music with audiences for many years to come.
Event Photos