About BBI
Staff Profiles
Rustum Southwell
Chief Executive Officer
Rustum Southwell is a passionate leader and tireless advocate for economic diversity and capacity building. Originally from the Island of St. Kitts in the British West Indies, Rustum Southwell has called Nova Scotia home for over 30 years. As one of the first Black franchise operators in Nova Scotia Rustum understands and appreciates the entrepreneurial landscape in this province.
Rustum is a recognized and respected leader in the business community with strong connections in the public and private sectors. As BBI's CEO, he is accountable to the Board of Directors and responsible for the management and leadership, strategic planning, and implementation of a loan program, development fund, consulting arm, business summit, and training department.
Gordon Doe
Director, Business Development
Gordon has a professional background and work experience in engineering and business management. Research, business development and financing are some of his strongest functional areas. He has had a rich experience working within diverse cultural mixes and he understands and values the importance of diversity in business.
Cheyanne Gorman-Tolliver
Director, Client Development
Hailing from Cape Breton, Cheyanne has many years experience working and volunteering within the Black community of Whitney Pier, Sydney, NS. After making the city her permanent home for the past thirteen years she has been with BBI for five of those. As a senior member of the team, holding various positions within the organization she has become very knowledgeable with the "inner" workings of BBI and looks forward to using this experience to assist clients and continue to help BBI fulfill its mission.
Walter Muise
Financial Manager
Walter recently joined the Black Business Initiative team as a Financial Manager. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie and many years of senior management experience in the construction, telecommunication and utility industries. Walter looks forward to working with the entire BBI team and its valued clients.
Gregory Adolphe-Nazaire
Regional Business Development Manager - Southern Region
Njabulo Nkala
Regional Business Development Manager - Northern Region
Njabulo recently joined the BBI team. He is a Business Administration graduate from Saint Mary's University with interests in business development. Njabulo is excited to be part of the BBI.
Shakara Russell
Regional Business Development Manager - Central Region
Shakara joins the BBI after gaining professional experience with a public accounting firm in Halifax. She has worked with companies
across many industries including oil and gas, food brokerage, electrical utilities and construction. Shakara has a passion for assisting
client s in developing sound business strategies and is excited to be working to further develop the business community.
Emma Otuki
Regional Business Development Manager - Metro Region
Emma is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a Double Major in International Development Studies and Political Science. Previous to working at BBI she worked at a consulting company as a Trade Development Manager where she was instrumental in the planning trade missions. In this position she also assisted companies in expanding and targeting international markets.
Emma is very active in the community, currently volunteering with upcoming 2011 Canada Games where she’s the Accommodations Lead. She also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Canadian Crossroads International, and Mission to Seafarers. Emma looks forward to working at the BBI to assist the African Nova Scotian community achieve their business goals locally or internationally.
Mahogany Lucas
Training Associate
Mahogany Lucas was born in Halifax and raised in Lower Sackville Nova Scotia. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2008 with a degree in Sociology and has experience working in business support role. Mahogany volunteers her time to different organizations including the IWK Make a Wish Foundation. Mahogany is an enthusiastic champion of the importance of education and personal development for African NS youth. She hopes to build relationships and break down barriers while encouraging Black youth to realize the opportunities that await them.
Kilah Rolle
Executive Assistant to the CEO and Board of Directors
Beverley Parker
Administrative Assistant
Beverley was born in Annapolis Royal and raised in Granville Ferry. She relocated to the Halifax area in 2002 and began work with the BBI in 2006. Beverley has had a variety of jobs in an office environment. She enjoys a challenge and working with others.
