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Dr.Leroy Clarke brings over thirty-five years of experience spanning elementary to post-secondary institutions as well as industry including former Resource Teacher/Consultant – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Durham Catholic District School Board.
Dr. Clarke is a member and advisor on several local and national boards and committees including the Durham Council on Aging (DCoA) and External Assessor (2021) for Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). Leroy has received several honours and awards, he is most proud of his roles as spiritual leader, husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, community advocate and much more. Dr. Clarke has a passion for youth and is convinced that investing in them through mentoring, training and coaching is investing in the future.
Elisha MacMillan is a Sociologist, Certified Co-Active Coach, Education Consultant and Filmmaker. For over 15 years she’s developed equity-informed curriculum in collaboration with school boards and universities across Ontario. Elisha uses rhythm, movement and intergenerational connection as tools that can bring people and cultures together, while celebrating individual uniqueness and diversity. Her ancestral lineage includes Scottish highlanders, Arawak First Nations and West Africans brought to Jamaica. She has studied West African drum and dance for over 20 years, including living and studying in Guinea, Mali, Ethiopia and Brazil. Her diverse skills and experience comes together in her present role as Coordinator of Student Transition and Events at Trent University Durham GTA.
Katharine Stevenson is a Superintendent of Education for Durham Catholic, whose portfolio includes Equity, Religious Education, and Faith Formation. Superintendent Stevenson helps lead plans that promote equity and inclusion, and works with committees that celebrate diversity, including the 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and Black Excellence initiatives. Superintendent Stevenson began her career as a Catholic teacher over 30 years ago and has taught in both elementary and secondary schools. Her passion for faith and learning inspired her to earn two Master’s degrees in Theology. Superintendent Stevenson has also created resources for Catholic education used across Ontario. She is thankful to be part of the Durham Catholic community and is committed to helping every student feel valued and supported.
Lenore “lolo” Clarke is passionate about inspiring and empowering others to be all that they can be! After obtaining a BSc and graduating with distinction from the University of Toronto in Neuroscience and Health Studies, she branded herself as a Professional Volunteer devoted to serving her community. Lenore is a volunteer staff with Reading for Kidz, an organization promoting literacy in children. She also devotes her time to working with youth through eCAMP Mentoring a non-for-profit organization spearheaded by Dr. Leroy Clarke. Lenore is the lead organizer for the Blackhurst Cultural Centre Holiday Pop up Market. She has worked closely with Dr. Itah Sadu, the chief executive manager of Blackhurst Cultural Centre. Lenore has deep interest in fashion, library sciences, travel and film.
The e-CAMP MENTORing School-Community Luminary Award is a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the remarkable efforts of unsung heroes within our school community who are making a positive impact on the lives of our Black students. These individuals serve as vital role models, demonstrating that success is attainable and inspiring our students to dream big.
It is often said that it is difficult to become what you cannot see; therefore, these luminaries go beyond the call of duty to ensure our Black students are not only encouraged but also able to envision their own potential. They foster an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, mentorship is prioritized, and opportunities for growth are accessible to all.
By highlighting their outstanding contributions, we aim to elevate their work and inspire others to follow their example—creating a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community. Together, we can build a supportive and empowering space where every Black student feels seen, valued, and equipped to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Morlan Washington is passionate about uplifting and empowering the next generation. As a Coach/Advocate for Black Students (CABS) with the Durham Catholic District School Board, he works directly with students, families, and educators to create opportunities for growth, leadership, and belonging. Morlan’s journey in education began through his work with at-risk youth in Toronto, where he discovered his calling to mentor and guide young people toward success. His experience also includes serving as a Professor of Counselling and Communication at Centennial College and founding the African Canadian Children, Youth, and Family Services, a non-profit organization supporting children and youth in and out of care. With a deep commitment to equity and community, Morlan continues to build spaces where every young person feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.
Chevoy is a versatile professional with a diverse background spanning multiple countries and industries. Born and raised in Jamaica, he relocated to Canada at the age of 10, demonstrating adaptability from an early age. Chevoy holds a degree in Criminology from Ontario Tech University, which laid the foundation for his career in social services. He has gained valuable experience working with several social service organizations, honing his skills in understanding human behavior and societal structures. He currently serves as a Coach/Advocate for Black Students (CABS) with the Durham Catholic District School Board, working directly with students, families, and educators to create opportunities for growth, leadership, and belonging.
Michael Mayers has been involved in the field of Child and Youth Work since 1987. He began his career working in a young offender jail and later transitioned into mental health. Since 1994, he has been employed as a mental health crisis worker for adolescents at three hospitals. Currently, he is with the Durham Catholic District School Board, where he served for the first six years as a Child and Youth Counselor and for the past two years as a Coach/Advocate for Black Students (CABS). Throughout his career, he has held various roles, including Child Protection Worker and housing worker for Native Child and Family Toronto. He also worked as a Child Therapist with Aisling Discoveries for 25 years. He is passionate about his work and has consistently balanced multiple roles with no regrets. His current position as a mental health crisis worker at Lakeridge Oshawa has lasted 31 years and will continue part-time until his retirement. His plan is to remain full-time as a CABS worker, as he finds this role the most fulfilling he has ever experienced.
Patricia Gloudon is the mother of three, grandmother of six, great grandmother of one. She was born in the island of Trinidad and migrated to the United States in 1969, to join her mother in Baltimore. She subsequently moved to New York to study Fashion Design.
In1973 she moved to Toronto, however opportunities for fashion design were limited but she continued to fulfill her dream by designing and making clothing for friends and family.
Grooming is an essential component of making a good first impression and that seems to have contributed to an agency sending her to the Bank of Nova Scotia for an interview. She joined the Bank in 1973, working in the filing room and after six months, she moved to the Accounting Department, then the Pension Fund Department. She then moved on to become the first Black woman to be on the Money Market Trade Desk and eventually became Director, of the Commercial Retail Money Market Trading Desk.
Emmy Iheme, is a member of the Rotary Club of Oshawa and a retired Staff Sergeant from Durham Regional Police Services. After 29 years on the force, he is now able to devote his time to his family and his volunteer life. Emmy was born in Lagos Nigeria into a loving, supportive and well educated family who shaped his values and life’s arc. As a promising young soccer player, Emmy was awarded a scholarship into the farm system of a European soccer club. So began his teenage years in Europe. After several transfers, he landed in Italy, released from the soccer obligations and able to attend university, which he did at the Vatican!
His friendship with a Canadian family whom he met while at the Vatican Museum led him to Canada in the early 80”s. And in 1985, he accepted a position with Durham Regional P.S. While at university Emmy specialized in conflict resolution thus he was well prepared for some of the challenges he would encounter during his next 29 years. He worked across Durham region from Whitby and Oshawa to Clarington, beginning as a foot patrol and rising first to C.I.D., then homicide detective, then Executive Officer and finally Staff Sergeant, platoon leader. He retired in 2019.
His professional life was the catalyst for his community involvement especially in his desire to make a positive influence on youth. To that end, an example of his volunteerism is his 2019 co-chairing of the Ontario Parasport Games where over 450 athletes from around the province came to Durham to compete. His photos of some of the athletes and games illustrated how gifted and talented these athletes are.
In addition to coaching, Emmy is involved with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports. This organization works with Canadian athletes of all ages to educate them on the dangers of drug use (both recreationally and as athletic enhancements). This work has taken him to many schools from elementary to university, to the Para Olympic Games in Vancouver and Turin, and this summer to the Games in Tokyo.
Dovie Rochester born in Jamaica as a young child she took part in church choir where she discovered a love for music. She also learned dressmaking as a young girl while growing up. She emigrated from Jamaica to Bermuda at an early age and worked there for a year then migrated to Canada in 1972. After settling in Toronto Ms. Rochester attended George Brown College and obtained a more in depth knowledge in pattern drafting and fashion designs. After working in the fashion industry for a while, she made a career change by obtaining a nursing diploma and started working at North York General Hospital.
Additional qualifications include a diploma in counseling skills and a certificate in Leadership Strategies. Dovie is a volunteer with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Scarborough Women’s Centre. Her most important achievement is being a mother of three sons.
While healing from a car accident, Ms. Rochester found peace and solitude through the art of music and creative writing. Her songs are inspiring, therapeutic, fun and energetic, some of which relate to issues in our world today. Dovie is talented, dedicated and committed to the advancement of children and youth. She states humbly:
“I have written and built up a catalog of songs which are presently on CDs. My wish is to bring unity, harmony and much love to people with my creativity in songwriting and singing. Stamina is my forte as I continue to grow daily because of my creativity and passion for music.”
As a young man Raphael Francis realized his passion for radio, where he could sit in one place while broadcasting sound and music around the world. He’s been in the business of telecommunications for decades and shared his knowledge as a professor at Durham College.
Mr.Francis hosts a Thursday afternoon Zoom radio show called, “Soundtraks” which features reggae, calypso and classics that bring back memories and make you want to dance.
Ms. Lara Awoleye (Awol-eye) is a first generation Nigerian Canadian. She is a Licensed Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 12rs in the Mental Health Field with a passion for support Children, Youth and their caregivers. Lara previously worked in the financial sector as a Hedge fund investor relations manager for a $12.5 billion account. For over 15yrs, she supported new immigrants and their family in the Jane and Finch community.
She also served as an executive of Shespeaks, a platform where women share their stories through various mediums to inspire and encourage other women to achieve their dreams. In 2022-2023, as a member of the Confronting Racism in Durham Region Working group, Lara helped developed resources for employers and employees to create inclusive workplaces in Durham. Lara current provides Social Work and Attendance Counseling to the DCDSB school community and is involved in various equity initiatives. Lara loves going on road trips with her family, cooking, equity advocacy, studying ancient history and archeological digs. On-going learning is a bucket filler for Lara.
Herman Campbell is the founder of Adease Media Intelligence and creator of aurbit, a groundbreaking platform transforming how audiences engage with content. With a deep background in media technology, Herman has built solutions that bridge the gap between storytelling, interactivity, and measurable results. Through Adease, Herman introduced one of the industry’s most advanced ad intelligence systems, tracking billions of advertising seconds across TV, radio, and digital platforms in North America. These insights power smarter decisions for broadcasters, agencies, and brands. Recognizing the shift toward immersive, interactive viewing, Herman developed aurbit—a one-tap engagement platform that makes content instantly shoppable and measurable. Whether it’s a product placement in a series, a featured item in a film, or a brand tie-in on streaming, aurbit creates a seamless bridge from screen to commerce, unlocking new revenue streams for production companies and fresh value for brands. With aurbit, Herman’s vision is simple: to turn content into a dynamic marketplace where stories and commerce coexist naturally, driving growth for producers, brands, and audiences alike. consume. Don’t just watch the world— Tap into it through aurbit.
Jacqueline (Jackie) Skyers is a graduate of the Centennial College Early Childhood Education Program. She has almost four decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, where she worked as a Customer Service Representative. Jackie was the Centennial College recipient of the Ernie and Lynn Coombs Memorial Award for high level of academic and professional proficiency. She was also honoured with The Town of Markham Black History Recognition Award.
Jackie is passionate about fostering environments within her community that nurture and create educational opportunities for young adults. She believes that true success is found through teamwork. Now retired, she continues to embody the principles that led her during her career. Whether caring for her sister’s financial and healthcare needs, helping students meet their goals, or tending to her garden to create inviting spaces for hummingbirds and butterflies she does it with patience, flexibility, organization and Dedication.
Pauline M. Christian, an extraordinary and multi-award-winning acclaimed entrepreneur, community advocate, and philanthropist, has fearlessly championed her family business to unparalleled success for almost two decades as CEO/President. Over thirty dynamic years, she fervently contributed to the transformation of the educational landscape of her community through her yearly endeavours in providing educational opportunities for youth. A stalwart in her faith, Pauline’s global impact is evident through successful missions, fostering alliances between corporate Canada and community leaders. Her commitment to youth empowerment is palpable, enhancing scholarship opportunities and orchestrating impactful fundraising events. She is currently presiding over Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada and founder of MLKConnexus.
Pauline, former president of BBPA, enabled the transformation of the BBPA to become an excellent epicentre for youth and entrepreneurship. Co-author of “Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in the Black Community ” launched in commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Harry Jerome Awards. Dedicating herself to Dr. King’s message, Pauline has hosted the Martin Luther King Annual Celebration for 26 years. Gaining Top 20 Women recognition in 2010, she is a dynamic speaker, and her latest work, “Breaking Barriers in Pursuit of Excellence,” offers profound insights into a life marked by perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting others. Her book is a guiding light for self-discovery, brimming with inspiration for transforming challenges into victories.
Dr Errol Lawrence is a highly respected and experienced pastor with over 50 years of service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Prior to his retirement in 2023, he held various leadership positions, including serving as the Ministerial and Evangelism Director of the Ontario Conference for 8 years. He was also a Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at Burman University, in Lacombe Alberta. He also pastored churches in Canada: Apple Creek, Toronto West, and Toronto East Adventist Churches, He began his pastoral ministry in London, England where he served as a pastor/evangelist/youth leader. His family also served as missionaries in Liberia, West Africa.
Errol Lawrence has been married to his wife, Pam, for 51 years, and they have four adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. He is also an author. Having written several magazine and journal articles and done presentations at various seminars, he has also authored a poetry book called JUXTAPOETRY: Lessons From Life. He is currently completing his autobiography which he plans to have ready for book signing in the first part of 2026.
Hymers Wilson was born in Jamaica and, with his mother, came to the United Kingdom when he was one year old to join his father who had gone ahead to prepare the way for the young family. Hymers is an ordained minister who trained for the ministry at Newbold College in Berkshire, UK and Andrews University in Michigan, USA, receiving his Master of Divinity degree on completion of his studies. Hymers served the Seventh-day Adventist church as a pastor in both the UK and Canada for a total of 15 years. He received his Master of Social Work degree in 1997 from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada and worked as a mental health therapist and counsellor in Muskoka, Peterborough and God’s Lake Narrows in Manitoba for 17 years. He has previously written and had published work in Ministry Magazine, a publication of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists’ Ministerial Association and the Communicator, the newsletter of the South England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Now retired, Hymers enjoys travelling, cycling, teaching Bible class and writing. He has written his autobiography, Shadow Companion: A Life Journey Navigating the Mire of Racism. He volunteers at his local church’s New Life Neighbourhood Centre in feeding people in need, in collaboration with the Feed the Need Durham initiative in Oshawa, Canada.
Patrice Gustave-Warner has 30+ years Information Technology (IT) and 30 years Program and Project Management work experience in the Financial Institution (FI) sector in both Trinidad and Tobago and Canada. She has implemented 50+ key business initiatives that include strategic technology development, system conversions due to FI merger and acquisition, business process re-engineering and automation, software and hardware maintenance, local and wide area network deployment and multi-jurisdictional compliance mandates established by US and Canadian FI Regulators. Patrice immigrated to Canada with her family in 2004, re-engaged her career in 2005 as an IT Project Management Consultant working at CAA Insurance. From 2007, Patrice has worked in Capital Markets as a Senior Project Manager at two of the top five Canadian FIs leading multimillion, multi-year and multi-jurisdictional initiatives. Patrice is a committed volunteer, holding several leadership roles for FI staff events and residents of the Durham Region community.
With an instinctive passion for sound innovation and a relentless work ethic and drive, Jonathan Martin stands as a beacon of creativity in the realm of music production. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend genres and push boundaries, Jonathan has carved out a distinctive niche in the industry, earning accolades for his unique approach and unparalleled production skills. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Jonathan Martin discovered his love for music at a young age. Raised in a household filled with diverse musical influences, he quickly developed an ear for melody and rhythm when he started playing musical instruments at age 10. He has been playing in churches since then, and by age 16 he had started doing corporate jobs and production. Jonathan has embarked on a journey to translate his passion into art. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Jonathan embarked on a journey of musical exploration. See his website at https://jmxmusic.com/.
Dr. Floyd Spence is a top life coach, author, and global motivational speaker. A registered psychotherapist and retired captain in the Canadian Forces, he has delivered powerful, science-backed presentations worldwide, inspiring audiences to master their minds, build high-performance habits, and achieve their best in life and work. He is a recipient of the Black Diamond Award, honoring his resilience and outstanding contributions to community service and the empowerment of others. Dr. Floyd combines motivational insight with practical strategies to help leaders, athletes, and high achievers elevate performance and mindset.
Kayode Akomolafe is a dynamic human rights advocate and seasoned legal professional with a deep commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). With decades of experience in legal practice and social justice, he has led transformative initiatives – from advancing employment equity at the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to addressing systemic barriers through research and policy.
Currently serving as Human Rights and Equity Advisor at the Durham Catholic District School Board, Kayode drives strategic efforts to dismantle systemic racism and promote bias-aware practices across educational communities. Known for his powerful communication and bridge-building across diverse groups, he inspires inclusive change at every level. Beyond his professional work, Kayode is a passionate photographer, poet, and public speaker who values family, friendship, music and nature. At the heart of all his efforts is a steadfast dedication to empowering marginalized communities and fostering dignity and belonging.
Nadine Williams is a Jamaican-Canadian Artist and Cultural Ambassador who now calls Ontario home. She has published four collections of poetry, three children’s books, and over thirty volumes of literature for Black History Month. These creations are a staple in the curricula of several schools in Canada in celebration of Black History. She is a regular presenter at schools across Canada and internationally. This Presidential Poet has opened for heads of state, including former First Lady Michelle Obama and is currently the Poet in Residence for The Caribbean Consular Corps. She is the recipient of several awards including Deeds Speak from York Regional Police, 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, Women Who Inspires Change and Top 25 Canadian Immigrants.
Judith Shaw is an author and a poet born in Kingston, Jamaica, who migrated to Canada in her early teens. Judith blends her poetry with English and her Jamaican Mother-Tongue, making rhythm come alive.
Kesha Christie is a dynamic storyteller, TEDx speaker, and children’s author who brings African and Caribbean folktales to life with energy, humor, and heart. Known for her captivating voice and interactive style, Kesha blends stories, movement, and call-and-response to spark imagination and build confidence in young audiences. She believes storytelling is a superpower that helps youth find their voice, celebrate their identity, and connect with the world around them. Through her performances, workshops, and community programs, Kesha inspires young people to speak boldly, dream big, and share their own stories with pride.
