Event speakers

Speakers

Meet the keynote speaker, MCs, and panelists leading the conversations at Converge Summit 2026.

Keynote

Isaac Olowolafe Jr.

Keynote Speaker

Isaac Olowolafe Jr. is an award-winning real estate entrepreneur, venture capitalist and philanthropist, and a 2025 recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He led the development of Dream Residences at Yorkdale and the launch of Dream Suites @ YYZ, and helped bring national recognition to Canadian basketball as jersey sponsor of Canada's men's and women's national teams from 2017 to 2020. Through Dream Legacy Foundation, he has helped advance Black innovation and affordable homeownership, including launching Canada's first university-based Black tech incubator and co-launching the Black Innovation Knowledge Hub.

Your hosts

Meet the MCs

Agnes Appiah

Agnes Appiah, known as The Golden Voice, is the bilingual emcee and host behind MCAmaSuccess. She brings energy, authenticity, and elegance to weddings, milestone celebrations, and women-led events. With expertise in facilitation, moderation, podcasting, and voice work, Agnes creates immersive, story-driven experiences guided by her signature approach: Connection, Engagement, Flow, and Play.

Naswiru Shema

Naswiru is a youth leader, peacebuilder, and social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering young people and fostering peaceful, connected communities. He has contributed to youth initiatives and social development projects both locally and internationally.

Panel discussion

Panel 1: Economic Empowerment

Drayton Mulindabigwi

Panel Moderator

Drayton Mulindabigwi Jabo is a Rwandan-Canadian entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of The Novas Group, an Ottawa-based innovation firm. His work brings together creativity, technology, and youth leadership to develop solutions with social impact. He received RBC's Spirit of the Capital Youth Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2022 and Ottawa's first Youth Immigrant Entrepreneur Award in 2023.

Meseret (Mesi) Haileyesus

Panelist

Meseret (Mesi) Haileyesus is a social entrepreneur, economic justice advocate, and Founder and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment (CCFWE). She works to address economic abuse, advance financial inclusion, and strengthen women's economic security through research, advocacy, and policy reform. She also co-founded the International Coalition Against Economic Abuse.

Niki Harris

Panelist

Niki Harris is the founder of The Future Brief, a youth-led organization amplifying young voices in emerging technology policy. With a background in AI governance and defence policy, she creates opportunities for young people to help shape responsible technology development and decision-making.

Panel discussion

Panel 2: Health & Wellbeing

Naïka Thomas - RN, BscN, MPH

Panel Moderator

Naïka Thomas is a registered nurse, public health professional, and founder of QueensConnected. She holds a Master of Public Health and brings over 15 years of experience in public health, with a focus on advancing health equity, addressing systemic inequities, and supporting meaningful organizational change. Throughout her career, Naïka has led health equity assessments, developed anti-racism policies and strategies, and facilitated conversations and learning experiences that encourage critical reflection and action. Through QueensConnected, she creates intentional spaces for connection, learning, and collective growth, particularly among Black and racialized women. Her approach is grounded in care, lived experience, and an understanding of the social and systemic factors that shape health and well-being.

Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng

Panelist

Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is a critical care and palliative care physician and Head of the Department of Critical Care at The Ottawa Hospital. He founded the Resource Optimization Network and hosts the Solving Healthcare podcast, exploring ways to improve healthcare delivery in Canada. His work focuses on more efficient, compassionate care and empowering people through preventive health education.

Myriam Georges-Estigène, M.Ed., RP

Panelist

Myriam Georges-Estigène, M.Ed., RP, is a bilingual Registered Psychotherapist based in Ottawa at Peace by Piece Counselling & Psychotherapy. Using a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, she supports individuals navigating anxiety, stress, burnout, and life transitions. She also works with organizations to promote mental wellness and culturally sensitive, inclusive workplaces.

Suzanne Obiorah

Panelist

Suzanne Obiorah is the Chief Executive Officer of Somerset West Community Health Centre in Ottawa, with over 24 years of experience in health, social services, and municipal government. An advocate for health equity, she leads initiatives addressing housing, homelessness, mental health, and culturally responsive care. She is also a co-founder of the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition.

Panel discussion

Arts & Culture Panel

Deluxson Yogarajah

Panelist

Deluxson Yogarajah nurtures young people's creativity through Finding Your HeART, creating spaces for them to explore their identities, express themselves, and find their voice. His work centres on healing through curated art therapy groups and guided therapeutic mentorship, helping youth build confidence, connection, and a deeper sense of possibility.

Juliana Poli

Moderator

Juliana Poli Figueiredo, MBA, is Senior Engagement Strategist, Community and Partnerships, at the National Arts Centre. Her work brings people together through arts and culture, building relationships that strengthen community connections and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Kondwani Mwase

Moderator

Kondwani Mwase is Executive Director of Audience Engagement at the National Arts Centre, bringing expertise in marketing, strategy, and community connection. He builds relationships that connect diverse audiences with arts and culture. He is also the creator and host of 54Lights, a podcast celebrating African stories, achievement, and diversity.

Wellness activation

Bachata Break

Giselle Perla Fernandez

Dance Activation

Giselle Perla Fernandez is a Dominican Bachata instructor raised between New York City and El Cibao, Dominican Republic. She is the founder of De La Isla Ottawa and creator of Domingo Bachatero, Ottawa's only Dominican Bachata social. Giselle now teaches Dominican Bachata internationally, including in France and the Dominican Republic.

Obed Boateng

Speaker

Obed Asamoah Boateng is Regional Manager, Black Community Business Development at TD Bank Group, serving Greater Ontario. His work focuses on supporting Black entrepreneurs through financial guidance, business connections, and opportunities for growth. A PhD candidate at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, he brings a perspective grounded in banking, community engagement, and inclusive economic development.

Tolorunlogo Akinrinola

Speaker

Tolorunlogo Akinrinola is an Ottawa-based education and community engagement professional, artist, and advocate for racial equity. He holds a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa and serves as Director of Future Paths Network, supporting equitable opportunities for Black and racialized youth. A Black Diplomats Academy graduate and former delegate to the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, he brings together education, creativity, and community building to inspire meaningful change.

Oluchi Eze

Speaker

Oluchi Eze is an Ottawa-based photographer, creative entrepreneur, and community builder whose work explores identity, emotion, and growth. Through Luniverse Photography and her creative initiative, Infinite Playground, she creates welcoming spaces for people to express themselves, build confidence, and connect through photography.