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

Omotayo Adedeji is the Controller of the Black Business Initiative in Halifax. Omotayo has over 10 years of experience in corporate accounting, auditing, and consulting services to industry. She has worked in sectors such as Banking, Marketing consulting, Technology and Advertising Industry.

Born in Nigeria, Omotayo lived in Ireland for several years and obtained a bachelor’s degree at the Technological University Ireland in Accounting. She is currently studying towards becoming a Certified Charted Accountant. Omotayo moved to Canada in 2020, prior to joining BBI, Omotayo completed a voluntary work program at Solution Inc. She is currently volunteering as the financial secretary with Association of Nigerians in Nova scotia (ANNS)

When she is not working, Omotayo loves to make music; she has a passion for singing and she also writes her own songs. In 2007, Omotayo participated at the CAMFest music festival and in 2008, she won an award for the Best soloist at the Irish-African Community Gospel choir competition.

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, is currently serving on the Zatzman Sportsplex Board and the Fusion Halifax Board, is a published writer and researcher, is a private pilot and glider pilot instructor, 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. In 2018, 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.

Following a highly competitive process with a large number of applicants from all across Canada, Lydia was selected to attend the Women Deliver Global Conference 2019 - the world’s largest conference on gender equality and women's and girls’ rights. Lydia is also one of the leaders accepted to the YWCA Canada’s Young Women National Leadership Program and one of the delegates from across Canada selected to represent Halifax at the Youthful Cities’ Future of Urban Work Summit in 2019. In every aspect of her life, Lydia is a champion for racial and gender equity, inclusion and representation of all identities and she is working towards creating equitable opportunities through her career and voluntary work.

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

Idy Fasharonti

Consultant, DEN Project Lead

Idy Fashoranti assumed the role of the Director of Operations for the Diversity Employment Network, bringing to the position more than 20 years of experience in financial planning and analysis, corporate accounting, financial management, and corporate governance. She also has a wealth of experience in people and business management, HR policies development, strategic planning, and business development. During her career, Idy has worked with leaders, owners, executive, managers and diverse personnel in the capacity of a senior administrative director, financial controller, corporate officer, and senior auditor.

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

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Jasmine Murphy is from the community of Beechville. She graduated from Sheridan College in Brampton, Ontario with a Community and Justice diploma. It was soon after that she began working as a Youth Staff member on Carnival Cruise Lines & Holland America for 7 years. A world traveler, having been to over 40 countries, Jasmine loves creating and learning from new experiences.

With a passion for entrepreneurship and community, Jasmine is grateful to be a part of BBI team as the Office Administrator. Jasmine is the first friendly face that you see when you walk through BBI’s door; she connects potential clients with resources and further supports. She also coordinates the BBI composite board meetings and documentation to ensure preparedness and streamlined processes. Jasmine is always eager to lend a hand to the rest of the team, providing support in marketing communications, Business Is Jammin’ programs, events and logistics, and corporate services. Jasmine is always on board to learn new things as she believes that stepping out of your comfort zone and facing new challenges is a huge part of personal and professional growth.

An avid volunteer and a believer in creating a positive impact, Jasmine has traveled to El Salvador to volunteer with Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child. She also volunteers with the Prison Fellowship Canada, the IWK as a Child Life Volunteer, and is a mentor with Big Brothers & Big Sisters Halifax.

An entrepreneur herself, when Jasmine is not in the office, she can be found working on her business Lakeview Haven – a tiny home Airbnb in Chester. She believes in providing guests with a place of serenity to disconnect and reflect while being surrounded by nature. Jasmine also finds joy in capturing her journeys through blogging. She writes about her life lessons in hopes of inspiring other people who are going through similar things.

Jasmine is hardworking, dedicated and optimistic in everything she does. A positive spirit with unique cultural experiences, Jasmine’s energy is contagious. Her organization, skill sets, professionalism, and personality brings a lot to the BBI team.

Chiedza Jones

Field Officer, Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative

Chiedza has been working in the non-profit sector for over 5 years, supporting communities and organizations through research analysis, data management, evaluation, communications and advocacy. She is passionate about addressing complex socioeconomic challenges through sustainable development and innovation, as well as amplifying marginalized voices in the conversations and decision-making around these challenges and their solutions. Experience meets passion in her role as SBCCI Field Officer, and Chiedza looks forward to supporting Black-led nonprofit organizations build their capacity so that they can best serve their communities.”

Outside of work, Chiedza is also a speaker and a spoken word artist, and believes in creating necessary discomfort, provoking thought and inspiring change with her pieces!

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

Mamadou believes leadership is something that one carries with them in different environments. He is currently working as an Entrepreneurship Engagement Manager (EEM). Mamadou was born in Cincinnati, Ohio moving to Halifax with his family at the age of 12. He recently graduated from The University of Toronto with a major in Information Technology and Communications along with minors in sociology and political science.

As a mentor to many youth in his community, Mamadou is leading by example and instilling confidence in other youth by motivating them to cultivate a change internally and externally through their community. Entrepreneurship has always been a passion for him, but philanthropy and giving back is something he is equally fond of. Mamadou has an appetite to improve from what he has previously accomplished and is constantly challenging himself. He felt an obligation to give back to his work with Hope Blooms and impacting the community in an awesome way! Mamadou was able present as the main speaker for Hope Blooms on Dragons’ Den (Season 8). The story was able to resonate with individuals nationwide, garnering momentum and support.

Education has always been a pillar in Mamadou's life, a stepping stone to reach various avenues, whether institutionalized or informal. Moreover, he was named one of the 20 TD Community Leadership Scholars in 2015. As a young person, he believes that one thing worth protecting in his community is youth's futures. This intangible idea of the protection of your future is absolutely necessary; however, we must practically engage in actively creating our futures.

Mamadou considers pursuing a Master’s degree in the near future. When he is not in the office, he finds pleasure in art and other creative means, as well as staying physically active and spiritually in tune.

Otni Chinenere

Entrepreneurial Engagement Manager

Otni Chinenere is a young African-Canadian woman in every sense, having been born in Zimbabwe, Africa and then migrating to Nova Scotia as an adult. She is well traveled, and has lived in at least 5 different countries worldwide, coming across multiple cultures that have molded her into the fully capable leader she is today.

She completed a bachelor's degree in Hospitality & Tourism with a minor in business administration from Mount Saint Vincent University and has been an unstoppable force since! Otni has worked with Maritime Center for African Dance as a Marketing and Project Coordinator in Nova Scotia as well as the beautiful country of South Africa, this catapulted her into her career with BBI in 2018. She joined the BBI team with vigor and plenty of new ideas on how to mold the business into unprecedented heights. Otni is a team player who motivates everyone she comes across with her vivacious personality and charming smile.

As a brand builder herself with her work in her Blog “JustOtni”, she strives to be a voice of motivation to women just like her and uses the same tenacity towards her work with BBI. Very well organized with excellent time management, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills, as the Entrepreneurial Engagement Manager Otni shows her great interpersonal skills and ability to maintain strong and continuous working relationships with different groups of people and work as a liaison between the organization and the public to actively engage them.