Our Team

Matthew J. Martel

Chief Operating Officer

A Certified Project Manager who believes in a ‘people-first’ approach to business, Matthew James Martel is the Chief Operating Officer at the Black Business Initiative (BBI). He was born in Cape Breton, moving to Halifax to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Dalhousie University, followed by a Master’s degree in Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from the Sobey School of Business. A serial entrepreneur, Matthew also has an extensive background in leadership, Human Resources, change management, and strategic planning. Prior to welcoming the opportunity at BBI, he previously held roles at the Halifax Regional Municipality, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, and also served on the Fusion Halifax Board as the Director of Entrepreneurship.

With an aptitude for strategic thinking and solving complex problems, Matthew enjoys working with groups to troubleshoot challenging issues; he leverages these skills to support his team and organization. Matthew’s ability to observe and to understand the contributions of different facets of a company allows him to effectively work with individuals and teams to innovate organizational processes.

Matthew is passionate about Canadian entrepreneurship, especially in working to foster and grow minority-led enterprises. He resonates with the saying that, “One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” Matthew is proud that in his current profession, he can use his expertise to have a positive social and economic impact on the African Nova Scotian entrepreneurial experience and the Black business community.

Matthew considers pursuing a Doctorate degree and further certifications, such as the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation, in the future. When he is not in the office, Matthew is an avid camper who enjoys being outdoors and surrounded by nature, which gives him the opportunity to practice mindfulness and gratitude.

Njabulo Nkala

Director, Innovation & Growth

Njabulo is an MBA graduate from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS with interests in the field of finance, business and community development. He is the Director of Innovation & Growth.

Ayo D. Makanjoula

Chief Finance Officer

Ayo D. Makanjuola is currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Black Business Initiative in Halifax. Ayo has over 12 years’ experience in public and corporate accounting and has provided business advisory, accounting, audit, and tax consulting services to industry sectors such as Oil and Gas, banking, manufacturing, and Transportation.

Ayo moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2015. He has a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master’s degree in finance. He is a designated Chartered Accountant in Nigeria, United Kingdom and Nova Scotia. Prior to returning to BBI in May 2020, Ayo worked as the Director of Finance with a Municipal government in the Northwest Territories

Ayo serves on the Board of Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia, Board of the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth and as the Treasurer of the Ecology Action Center all in Halifax. When not working, Ayo likes to play soccer.

Omotayo Adedeji

Controller

Lydia Phillip

Training & Communications Manager

Lydia is passionate about social entrepreneurship as a catalyst for creating social impact and empowering those within marginalized communities. Always having envisioned a career of advocacy and education, Lydia is thrilled to be a part of the Black Business Initiative team as the Training & Communications Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours from Mount Allison University, a private pilot’s license, a glider flight instructor rating, has three academic publications, and was named Enactus Canada’s HSBC Woman Leader of Tomorrow (Atlantic) in 2017.

Lydia is also a part-time reservist member of the Canadian Armed Forces and when she is not in the office, she can be found in the air – teaching youth how to fly gliders. This past summer, Lydia was the first woman of color to hold the leadership role of “Flight Commander” at the Debert Cadet Flying Training Centre. She oversaw and managed the training of 26 student pilots. She supervised and mentored her staff of 16 to deliver the air training syllabus effectively and efficiently, while maintaining the overall productivity and safety of a flying operation.

A creative thinker with unique experiences in leadership, research, management, marketing, and training – Lydia brings a lot of energy, new ideas, and a wide range of skills to the BBI team.

Idy Fasharonti

Consultant, DEN Project Lead

Gabriela Mkonde

Accounting Assistant

Growing up in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, Gabriela moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia to complete a Bachelor of Administration with a major in accounting and a minor in management at Mount Saint Vincent University. Gabriela is currently the Accounting Assistant at the Black Business Initiative. Before joining BBI, Gabriela worked with youth as a Day Camp Leader and with students as an Athletics and Recreation Facility Assistant.

Passionate about community and social impact, Gabriela has led and been a part of many fundraising campaigns. She was a lead organizer for a Feed Nova Scotia food drive and a charity event in Tanzania to raise awareness and funds for those living with Cystic Fibrosis. From her volunteer work and experience in event organization, Gabriela has honed her communication skills, her ability to adapt to situations, and her ability to work with diverse groups.

Gabriela is a self-driven and dedicated member of the team. She is passionate and knowledgeable about her work. Adept at paying attention to detail and providing information efficiently, Gabriela is an asset to her team as she is able to pull data to inform organizational projects.

Gabriela believes in the payoff of hard work, citing that the results may take time, but willpower and patience will yield positive outcomes.

A multi-linguist, Gabriela enjoys learning new languages. She is currently enrolled in the CPA Atlantic program and is working towards receiving her CPA designation. When Gabriela is not studying, she enjoys playing and watching soccer, as well as cooking with her friends and family.

Jasmine Murphy

Office Administrator

Rodger Smith

Entrepreneurial Engagement Manager

Rodger joined the RBDM team in November 2013. Born and raised in the Community of North Preston, he now resides in the Community of East Preston with his wife Marilyn. He had over 37 years of experience with the Royal Bank Financial Group as Branch Manager (Gottingen Street and Lady Hammond Road), Account Manager and Senior Account Manager.

Rodger is well connected in the African Nova Scotian Community as well as the community-at-large. He has served on many boards and committees such as The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, The Chebucto Windfield Inc, National Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association, The AKOMA Centre Fundraising Telethon, St. Thomas Baptist Church in North Preston and East Preston Baptist Church Prison Ministry, Metro United Way, North Preston Day Care Centre, the North Preston Gentlemen’s Hockey League, Gottingen Street Merchants Association, YMCA’s Job Creation, East Preston Ratepayers Association, Junior Achievement, The Preston Fund, and many more. Rodger was also featured on the television show The Leading Edge – a CBC Production.

Since joining BBI, Rodger has helped lead our efforts in supporting business starts, growth and attraction, as well as client’s capacity to innovate and compete. His banking experience will significantly add to our commitment to improving BBI’s client portfolio management. Rodger states, “I am looking forward to serving the Black Business communities to the best of my abilities.” Please join us in welcoming Rodger to the BBI team.

Mamadou Wade

Entrepreneurship Manager

Otni Chinenere

Entrepreneurship Engagement Manager