Chair
Nicole Brown Faulknor
Nicole is the Founder & CEO of Wounds 2 Wings Trauma + Psychotherapy Services and TEAO Canada (Trauma and Embodiment Association of Ontario). As a Yoga Instructor, Registered Psychotherapist, Child and Youth Counsellor, Trauma Consultant, and Author, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise to her work.
Her dedication to trauma care and mental health advocacy has earned her two awards at the 2019 ByBlacks.com People's Choice Awards for ‘Best Youth and Family Services’ and ‘Best Counsellor.’ She is an active member of both the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy.
With over 18 years of professional experience, Nicole has devoted her career to working with historically ignored, vulnerable, and oppressed communities through various government and corporate programs. Her work is deeply informed by years of research, community engagement, and corporate knowledge, particularly in the years leading up to 2018 and beyond. Nicole’s focus is on addressing mental health issues, addictions, systemic poverty, and profiling, with a commitment to improving relationships with programs and services. Her goal is to integrate trust and support within the gaps in our mental health care system, ensuring that these communities receive the care and attention they need to heal and thrive.
Vice-Chair
Kayla M. Stephenson
Kayla is a distinguished mediator, arbitrator, and the principal of the multi-award-winning mediation firm, Kaye Legal & Mediation Services.
In addition to her practice, Kayla serves as a part-time adjudicator for various boards, municipalities, and tribunals within the Government of Ontario. With over seventeen years of experience in courts and tribunals, including nine years in various roles with the Ministry of the Attorney General, Kayla brings a wealth of expertise to her work.
Kayla's dedication extends to her volunteer efforts, where she serves as a Youth Justice Committee Panel Member and sits on the advisory board of this committee for the Boys & Girls Club of Durham. She also chairs the board of a legal clinic in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and holds the position of Executive Member of the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario (ACLCO). Additionally, Kayla co-chairs the Race Equity and Advisory Committee of the ACLCO.
Kayla is an active member of several professional organizations, including ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO),Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM), Family Mediation Canada (FMC), Ontario Bar Association (OBA), and the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR), among others.
Her work is driven by a deep commitment to equity, social justice, advocacy, and access to justice.
Treasurer
Yoma Adugbo
Yoma is an accomplished finance professional with over six years of experience in Finance, Forensic Accounting, full-cycle accounting, taxation, and financial analysis. As the Treasurer of Afropolitan Canada, she applies her broad expertise to ensure financial excellence and integrity within the organization.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Yoma is also a Certified Business Analysis Professional, with CPA credentials in progress. Currently serving as a Junior Accountant at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener, she is known for her meticulous approach and commitment to precision.
Yoma’s strategic vision and goal-oriented mindset enable her to transform financial challenges into opportunities for growth. Her passion for fostering positive change and enhancing organizational success makes her an invaluable asset to any team.
A devoted Christian, Yoma's values of integrity and purpose guide her professional endeavors. At Afropolitan Canada, she is dedicated not only to managing financial resources but also to advancing the community’s broader goals and mission.
Secretary
Nickiesha Linton
Nickiesha is an accomplished education and development professional with extensive experience in managing strategic programs and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. As the Senior Manager for Education at Digital Health Canada, she has excelled in creating comprehensive learning strategies, enhancing volunteer engagement, and leading initiatives that align with organizational goals.
In her role as Secretary on the Board of Directors at Afropolitan Canada, Nickiesha leverages her expertise in communication, leadership, and administration to support the organization's mission of empowering Black Canadians. She manages board communications, maintains records, and plays a key role in advancing Afropolitan Canada’s goals of growth, inclusivity, and resilience within the Black community across Canada.
Nickiesha’s dedication to the organization’s mission is deeply personal, having participated in programs like Swim to Survive, which had a significant impact on her and her family. Her strategic mindset, passion for community development, and commitment to making a positive impact make her an invaluable asset to Afropolitan Canada.
Director at Large
Peter Pearse-Elosia
Peter Pearse-Elosia is a visionary marketing executive, digital media pioneer, and cultural advocate with a decade of impactful contributions to the global media industry.
At Paramount Africa, Peter expanded iconic brands like BET, MTV Base, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central across the continent, leveraging his cultural insight and strategic acumen.
Passionate about bridging cultural divides, Peter founded the Afrovibes Festival, a celebration of African culture that has become a hub for cross-cultural exchange and emerging talent. As a board member of KW Famous and advisory committee member for the City of Waterloo, he champions local talent and influences regional cultural policies.
With Digimillennials, a digital media publication he founded, Peter amplifies the voices of Millennials and Gen Zs across Africa and the diaspora. His leadership has made Digimillennials a key platform for cultural dialogue and connection.
Peter is a recognized thought leader, sought-after speaker, and dedicated mentor, driven by a vision to use media and storytelling to amplify voices and foster a more inclusive world.
Director at Large
Tatenda Mhaka
Tatenda is inspired by Nelson Mandela's wisdom: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
She is a driven and goal-oriented professional with nine years of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in program management, storytelling, youth leadership, donor engagement, and stewardship, with expertise in cross-cultural communication, social sciences research, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development Studies, minoring in Sociology, from Saint Mary’s University.
Originally from Zimbabwe, she embraces the African philosophy and spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because you are.” Tatenda has a deep-seated passion for service and a commitment to making a tangible difference in her local and global communities.