Schedule details
Event Schedule
Saturday, November 14, 2026 · TCC Collaboration Centre, Ottawa
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Doors Open: Registration, Networking Breakfast & Marketplace
Check in, collect your name tag and goodie bag, and enjoy coffee, breakfast, and music while connecting with fellow attendees and exploring vendor tables.
10:00 – 10:20 AM
Welcome & Opening
Agnes Appiah, Naswiru Shema
Join our emcee and the Converge team for a warm welcome, land acknowledgement, and recognition of special guests as we set the tone for a day of connection.
10:20 – 10:40 AM
Keynote: Stronger Together
Isaac Olowolafe Jr.
Join Isaac Olowolafe Jr. for an inspiring keynote on the power of community, collaboration, and collective action to create opportunities and drive meaningful change.
10:50 – 11:05 AM
Sponsor Recognition
Meet the sponsors helping bring Converge to life and discover opportunities to connect with them at their tables throughout the day.
10:50 AM – 12:05 PM
Panel 1: Economic Empowerment
Drayton Mulindabigwi, Meseret (Mesi) Haileyesus, Niki Harris
Explore pathways to economic opportunity through a moderated conversation on building stronger, more equitable communities, followed by audience Q&A.
12:05 – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Connector Tables
Lunch, Connector Tables & Marketplace.
1:30 – 1:45 PM
Wellness Activity: Bachata Break
Giselle Fernández
Refresh your energy with a guided bachata dance break led by Giselle Fernández, founder of De la Isla. Move, connect, and have fun—no dance experience needed.
1:45 – 3:00 PM
Panel 2: Health & Wellbeing
Naika Thomas, Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, Myriam Georges-Estigène, Suzanne Obiorah
Join a moderated conversation exploring individual and collective wellbeing, community care, and healthier futures, followed by audience Q&A.
3:10 – 3:45 PM
Break & Marketplace
Take a breather, reconnect with fellow attendees, and visit the second-floor marketplace to discover more from our vendors.
3:45 – 4:00 PM
Arts & Culture Panel
Deluxson Yogarajah, Juliana Poli, Kondwani Mwase
Explore creative expression in a panel conversation highlighting the voices and stories within our community.
4:00 – 4:15 PM
Closing Remarks & Thank-Yous
Agnes Appiah, Naswiru Shema
Reflect on the day, recognize our sponsors, speakers, and volunteers, and come together for a group photo.
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Stronger Together Celebration & Open Networking
Celebrate new connections with partnership announcements, a pledge wall, and the Collective reveal. Continue conversations and explore possibilities for collaboration.
5:00 PM
Event Ends
Thank you for being part of Converge. Leave with fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and inspiration to carry forward.