Black Excellence
Awards Gala 2026

Brittney Emslie is one of the founders and vice-chair of Rhythm & Blues Cambridge, a grassroots, Black women-led organization creating safe, empowering spaces for the Black community. Brittney is currently the Director of Operations at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre and has held several leadership roles within the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership. Brittney sat on the Ontario Council for Agencies Serving Immigrants Anti-Racism Policy Advisory Board and was Southern-Regional Director at OCASI. Brittney is actively involved in different community-building events and initiatives, such as the KW Multicultural Festival, the Elmira Multicultural Festival, the WR Migration Film Festival, and the #RacialEquityWR public education campaign. She is passionate about advancing social justice, anti-racism, and equity in Waterloo Region.

Faduma Musse is an elementary teacher with the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Executive Director of the Somali Canadian Association of Waterloo Region. As a proud mother of four daughters, she is deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities both in the classroom and in the broader community. With extensive experience in the settlement sector and frontline social services, Faduma has developed a strong understanding of the diverse needs of marginalized communities. Her work is rooted in justice, advocacy, and meaningful social change. She continues to play a vital role in leading community focused initiatives that empower families, newcomers, and racialized communities across the region.

Dr. Andrea Davis is Associate Vice-President: EDI and Professor of Black Canadian Literature at Laurier. An advocate for access to post-secondary education and creator of one of the first Black Studies programs in Canada, she is the recipient of a 3M National Teaching Fellowship, Canada’s highest recognition of educational leadership, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Royal Roads University. Arriving at Laurier in 2024, she established an early career research fellowship for Black and Indigenous faculty, supported the creation of a career discovery program for Black and racialized students, organized public lectures in Black Studies, and provided increased institutional support for the Black Brilliance Elementary Conference, hosted by the Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa and the WRDSB.

Vanessa’s Cuisine, owned by Vanessa Simon, is a thriving Caribbean food company built on passion, perseverance, and community. Vanessa transformed her love for cooking into a business that now serves families, schools, corporations, and major retailers across the region. Known for her authentic flavors and commitment to excellence, Vanessa has built a brand that brings people together while remaining deeply rooted in its Caribbean heritage.

Teneile Warren is a Black Jamaican-born, nonbinary, and Queer activist, writer, playwright, chef, and educator. Teneile is a recipient of the 2023 Black Excellence in Leadership Award and the 2024 Ken Murray Community Catalyst award. They believe in sustainable futures led by community, not systems. Teneile is a member of the African, Caribbean, and Black Network of Waterloo Region and the Editorial Director of Textile Collective. Teneile lives in Kitchener with their family.

Grace Ibrahima is an award-winning author whose lifelong work has empowered and uplifted the Black community. Through her writing and presentations, she has created safe spaces for youth and adults to engage in honest dialogue, fostering understanding, dignity, and belonging. Her decades of leadership, advocacy, and education have strengthened generations, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and Black excellence.

Nicole Brown Faulknor is a Registered Psychotherapist, Trauma Consultant, Child and Youth Counsellor and Founder & CEO of the Trauma & Embodiment Association of Ontario (TEAO Canada). She is advancing systemic change in mental health by developing trauma-responsive, community-rooted care models that bridge gaps in traditional systems. Nicole leads cross-sector partnerships with public health, education, and corporate stakeholders, and is driving the vision for Canada’s first Trauma Health & Embodiment Centre. Through youth leadership initiatives, community care projects and social innovation, her work expands equitable access to care and strengthens community resilience across the Region.

Asmanur Negash is a Psychology student at University of Waterloo, deeply committed to equity, social justice, and uplifting newcomer and refugee youth. Having arrived in Canada as a refugee, she draws on her lived experience to advocate for marginalized communities. Asmanur has worked with YMCA, Reception House, and House of Friendship, amplifying the voices of Black, Muslim, and newcomer youth.

Dr. Narine Dat Sookram is a researcher, social worker, and psychotherapist known for initiating the Caribbean Dreams Concert and Caribbean Spice Radio. Guyanese-Canadian and highly decorated, he holds over two hundred awards. His career spans social services and mental health, including private practice that has significantly benefited the Black community.

Kinbridge Community Association is a foundational community hub in Cambridge that brings people together to build leadership and strengthen neighbourhood connections. For over two decades, Kinbridge has engaged residents in programs that build collective resilience. By working alongside residents to celebrate diversity and respond to local needs, Kinbridge exemplifies community leadership and shared purpose.

Kind Minds Family Wellness is honoured to recognize Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd. with a Special Honorary Award for their longstanding commitment to community well-being and meaningful partnership with grassroots organizations across Waterloo Region. Recognized as a thoughtful and generous community supporter, Wallenstein Feed & Supply has demonstrated that allyship is not symbolic but intentional and sustained. Their support extends beyond financial contributions; they invest in relationships, listen to the needs of community organizations, and champion collaborative solutions that strengthen families and communities. Their recent support of Kind Minds Family Wellness’ research initiative on African, Caribbean, and Black mental wellness in Waterloo Region reflects a deep commitment to equity, learning, and systemic change. Through humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand community needs, they continue to model what authentic partnership looks like. Kind Minds Family Wellness is proud to honour Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd. for their generosity, leadership, and dedication to building a healthier and more connected community.