Our Team

A Certified Project Manager who believes in a ‘people-first’ approach to business, Matthew James Martel is the Chief Executive Officer at the Black Business Initiative (BBI). He holds 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.

Matthew is passionate about Canadian entrepreneurship, especially in working to foster and grow minority-led enterprises. His ability to observe and understand the contributions of different facets of a company allows him to effectively work with individuals and teams to innovate organizational processes.

Chiedza has been working in the non-profit sector for several years, supporting communities and organizations through project management, research, data management, evaluation, communications, grant administration and advocacy. She is a certified project manager with a master’s degree in international development studies and is passionate about addressing complex socioeconomic challenges through sustainable development and innovation, as well as using her experience and expertise to support organizational growth and sustainability.
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!

Njabulo Nkala, CFA, is the Director of Entrepreneurship. He is charged with providing leadership and direction to the Black Business Initiative’s Entrepreneurship Team that works directly with Black-owned businesses across the four Atlantic Canadian Provinces, as well as lead and inform on some of the organization’s key initiatives and strategies, including the Atlantic Canada Black Entrepreneurship Program. Njabulo is also the managing director of the Black Business Community Investment Fund Ltd., BBI’s community investment fund that aims to capitalized Black businesses in Nova Scotia. He completed his MBA degree with a specialization in Finance at Saint Mary’s University and holds a BSc in Applied Physics. He is also Charter holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute. He also uses his global knowledge of finance and business in his work with business owners, and as an adjunct professor of finance at the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University.

Ayoola Ogunbiyi is the Chief Financial Officer at the Black Business Initiative. He holds a master’s degree in Finance and hold designations with both the Institute of Chartered Accountants Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. He brings over 18 years’ experience from public accounting practice and private sectors across local and multinational companies. He was also involved in training and manpower development at both tertiary institutions and professional levels on a part-time basis. He has worked in diverse roles such as Financial Reporting, Treasury and Cash Management, and Taxation with ExxonMobil subsidiary companies in Nigeria. Prior to that, he also worked with public accounting firms, a financial service institution and a manufacturing company. He is a research enthusiast, an avid reader and has passion for soccer.

Prior to joining BBI in Nov. 2013, Rodger Smith was a Senior Account Manager, Personal Financial Services with RBC Financial Group. He retired in July 2009 after 35 years. During that time, Rodger managed two branches – Gottingen St. & Lady Hammond Rd. – for a total of six years.

Rodger has held many volunteer positions on community and church boards and committees. He was the Resource Development Chairperson of the National Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association. Rodger served for 10 years as a board member and chair of The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, and the Chebucto Wind Field Inc. to name a few.

Rodger and his wife Marilyn have been married for almost 47 years. They have three daughters and six grandchildren of whom they are very proud.

Otni Chinenere has an extensive background in travel and a passion for people and their stories. She uses these skills and experiences in her role as a Business Advisor. In this role, she supports businesses by connecting them to resources and opportunities in the business sector that promote growth and sustainability. Otni received her bachelor’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality with a minor in Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University. In her efforts to support marginalized businesses and communities, Otni has hosted several panels to help push the pin on significant conversation. These include “The Future of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” presented by the Diversity Employment Network (DEN), and “Black Wealth: Creating Space for Black Women,” presented by the Halifax Black Film Festival (HBFF). Otni sits on the executive team of Soli Productions Management, an entertainment agency that addresses the need for increased diversity in the talent industry.

Mamadou Wade was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Halifax with his family at the age of 12. He recently graduated from U of T. He is currently working as a Business Advisor . Entrepreneurship has always been a passion for him, but giving back is something he is equally fond of. Education – whether formal or informal – has always been a pillar in Mamadou’s life, and a stepping-stone to reach new avenues. He is grateful for community and the connections that it has brought to his life. As a young person, he believes that one thing worth protecting in his community is the future of our youth, including building their courage to achieve their dreams. 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.

Jocelyn Stevens is a native New Brunswicker. Prior to her recent accomplishments as an entrepreneur, she has spent over 15 years within the non-profit sector in the role of Managing Director, committed to advancing the social and economic lives of the Black and immigrant communities. Since graduating from NBCC-SJ in Business Administration, she has been a strong advocate of cultural diversity for many years. Her passion to end racism, coupled with her interests in inclusive communities, is what led Jocelyn to the development of many successful programs aimed towards helping youth understand the importance of respecting others and their differences. Jocelyn remains an active volunteer in her community. She is the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, in recognition for her involvement in community volunteering and helping to shape the lives of others.

Mouhamadou has a Bachelor of Business Management from Lycée Professional of Business, CIFCA, in Paris, France. He has also obtained a Data Analysis Certificate from Digital Nova Scotia. With several years of experience as a supervisor and inventory manager in the financial and food industry, he has developed a strong professional background.

Additionally, he has a passion for helping people and the environment, evident through his volunteering experiences in Africa and several countries worldwide. He is particularly sensitive to children’s malnutrition and the protection of endangered animals.

His belief is that by sharing our knowledge and life experiences, whether good or bad, with respect and understanding for others, we can make a positive impact on people’s lives every day. Furthermore, he finds joy in sports and group activities, such as soccer, basketball, and rugby, and cherishes convivial moments spent with family and friends.

Marine Gemeda earned a bachelor’s degree in International Development Studies from Saint Mary’s University. She joined BBI in April of 2022 as Coordinator Assistant for Youth Client & Stakeholder Engagement. Prior to joining BBI, Marine was travelling and teaching in China. Her greatest passions are learning and healing, but also bettering the community and herself. While it can be easy to lose sight of what is important, being at BBI helps Marine stay connected to her community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys going for hikes and is currently dreaming up her next travel adventure!

Jahsara Gardner is dedicated to the role of Youth Program Coordinator and is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where youth can thrive and express their unique identities. Notably, she holds a bachelor’s degree in both biochemistry and psychology from Bishop’s University, showcasing her diverse knowledge in these fields. Moreover, her extensive background working with youth in the classroom and her involvement in science education and communication for several years have equipped her with invaluable skills and insights. This experience enables her to design and implement effective programs that cater to the specific requirements of the youth, ensuring their personal growth and development. 

Amber Grosse is not new to the BBI team, she hails from the community of East Preston and a descendant of the Preston Township. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University, with a double minor in Marketing and Management. Amber has close to 10 years’ of experience working with organizations and in community as a youth champion. A relationship builder skilled in entrepreneurship, management, marketing, campaigns, content creation, and to protect the reputations of businesses and their brands. Amber is deeply committed to the future and success of every community project and continue to uphold the commitment of working together.

Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Hawa is our Special Project Manager and SBCCI project lead, also responsible for the French-speaking components of BBI.
Hawa studied Business Administration at Dalhousie University and is a business professional with extensive background in Business Operations and Relationship Management with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the Canadian industry and ecosystem as well. She is using her experience and expertise in strategic planning and leadership to support organizational growth and sustainability.
Outside of work, Hawa is a wife and mother who enjoys taking care of her family and loved ones.

Edgar brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to the field of International Development. With over a decade of extensive background, he has held leadership positions, provided technical support to nonprofit organizations, and managed projects funded by prominent donors such as USAID, Global Affairs Canada, the European Union, African Union, Government of Ghana, and the French Development Agency. He holds a Master of Arts degree in International Development from St. Mary’s University, a Master of Arts degree in Migration Studies from the University of Ghana, a Certificate in International Development Studies from the University of Oslo, Norway, a certificate in Project Planning and Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Resource Development with Political Science from the University of Ghana.

His areas of expertise include grant administration, monitoring and evaluation using results-based management, donor compliance, stakeholder engagement, financial management and budgeting, project design and development, project planning and implementation, proposal and fund development, donor relations, and partnership building. Edgar is deeply committed to community development and promoting equality globally, regardless of race, sex, or geographical location.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in interests such as watching soccer, news, and documentaries.

Claudia is a multi-faceted and versatile Operations and Project Manager who is skilled at planning, implementing and overseeing key improvements to drive business growth and efficiency. She is a highly professional, organized, adaptable, relationship-builder and problem solver with a passion for transformation. Claudia is a skilled communicator adept at managing relationships in multicultural environments with diplomacy and tact, and positively engaging with a diverse audience.

Chipo Nhema has been working in the private sector for many years in management and performance management roles. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, she came to Canada to pursue a Business Degree from Acadia University. She later went on to obtain a certificate in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University. She  joins BBI as Matthew Martell’s Executive Assistant and HR Advisor.
She is passionate about Diversity and Inclusion and has held several roles while on the board of the TD Insurance Visible Minority Committee.
Chipo believes that it is important to love where you work and feel as though you are making an impact.
On her days off, she loves spending time with her family dog Lexi, going on hikes, travelling and cooking.

Ivalena Willis, is from the largest Black Community here in Nova Scotia North Preston. Ivalena is the newest team member who joined BBI in July as a Administrative Assistant. She has held a number of  other positions ranging from Youth Leader, Filing Clerk, Coordinator, Facilitator & Manager to list a few.

Ivalena is a mother of three beautiful children, and her dream in life is to make sure all children of different races have a fighting chance to show the world their talent and gift, to be seen as a person and not label.

Kwasi Asare-Adjei has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science and Accounting from Mount Saint Vincent University.

He is also currently working on his Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada Designation.

Abhishek Batra has a Bachelor of Commerce from Shri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi, India. He also has his CPA designation from the Arizona State Board of Accountancy in the U.S and has his Chartered Accounting Designation from India.

He has a wealth of knowledge in the accounting field and has worked as an Accounting Partner for over 22 years.