Board of Directors
The Board of Directors determines (governing) policies and ensures that the Black Business Initiative’s business affairs are conducted in accordance with good governance practices. The board steers the strategic direction of the organization and appoints the Chief Executive Officer who, in turn, is responsible for the general management and direction of the organization.
Traditionally, board members are selected and announced at the Annual General Meeting unless there is a mid-year vacancy. Recommendations can come from the board, staff, or community. Recommendations are brought to the board and a board vote is initiated. Please visit regularly to view any vacancies on our boards or committees.
Current Board of Directors
Andrew De Freitas
National Account Manager
CN
Bruce Johnson
Burtley Francis
Partner
Stewart McKelvey
Carlo Simmons
Past Chair
Vice President at Simmons Paving Company
Deborah Windsor
Elizabeth Cooke-Sumbu
Executive Director
CANSA
Joe Parris (Chair)
Manager
Revenue Collections
Kenneth Duncan
Regional Director - Small Business Development
Scotiabank
Margo Hampden
Workplace Program Officer
Provincial Government
Rustum Southwell
Interim CEO
Black Business Initiative
Yemi Akindoju
President/CEO
Vanity Fashions Ltd.
Jocelyn Dorrington
Coordinator of African Nova Scotian Cultural Services
Chignecto Central Regional School Board
Marissa Walter
Rustum Southwell
Interim CEO
Black Business Initiative
Samantha Parris
Shaquille Smith
Senior Consultant, Marketing, Sales & Non-Profit
Venor
Tracey Thomas
Director, Government & Community Relations
Office of Nova Scotian Affairs
Cassandra Dorrington
President
Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council (CANSA)
Cynthia Dorrington
President
Vale & Associates
Debbie Windsor
Retired
Joe Parris
Manager
Revenue Collections
Paul Walter
Lawyer
Waterbury Newton
Rustum Southwell
Interim CEO
Black Business Initiative
Sylvia Parris
CEO
Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute
Tracey Thomas
Director, Government & Community Relations
Yemi Akindoju
President/CEO
Vanity Fashions Ltd.
Barbara Miller-Manning
Founder
MILLERMANNING
Issmat Al-Akali
President/CEO
Black Sheep Projects
Nicole Johnson-Morrison
President/CEO
EduNova Cooperative
Paul Walter
Lawyer
Waterbury Newton
Rustum Southwell
Interim CEO
Black Business Initiative
Saeed-El-Darahali
CEO
SimplyCast
How we help Black businesses
Training
We offer business courses, run a mentorship program, and provide business counseling.
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Financial Assistance
We provide financial assistance and connect our clients with funding resources.
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Connections
We connect the Black business community, the government, and other stakeholders.
Learn more