Stella is an educator, a marketer, and entrepreneur with years of experience in running a family business with locations in 5 countries and counting. She was born in Ghana- West Africa, spent her youthful years living in Swaziland (now renamed Eswatini) in the Southern African Region, where she and her husband operated their training / career college. Stella and her husband established the International Centre for Capacity Development ICCD Canada. Her experience as an educator accords her the exposure to diverse nationalities, cultures and social setting which has resulted in her ability to not only handle and resolve conflict in any group setting, but also contribute meaningfully to every community that she finds herself.

Stella volunteers her time and expertise whenever needed. She has volunteered as a judge at the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre’s Starter Company program which seeks to assist people 18 years and up to start or expand a business. She also volunteers at the St Benedict Elementary school in Orangeville. Stella has great passion for DEI initiative, the Town of Shelburne and Dufferin County as a Whole.

Tazonique Thompson is a Registered Practical Nurse.Tazonique was born and raised in Spanish Town Jamaica and currently resides in the Town of Shelburne, Ontario. Tazonique is a passionate and dedicated leader who is committed to developing and maintaining a safe, healthy, ethical, and positive working environment. Her leadership experience started at a young age, being the eldest of two siblings, by demonstrating strong values and demonstrating excellence through her actions and mentorship of her younger siblings. This excellence and leadership have transitioned to both her academic and professional journey where Tazonique continues to thrive. Tazonique holds a few certificates in the health field, including Infection & Prevention Certificate, Pre-Health Sciences Certificate, and a Diploma of Practical Nursing from Sheridan College. Tazonique is passionate about developing and building her community and believes that investing in our communities is the best way to pay it forward.

Ian is a senior lawyer with over 18 years experience in regulatory law and litigation. Board experience includes; former Vice-President for the Board of Directors, at the Oakville Soccer Club (OSC), and Chair of the OSC’s Discipline Committee. Personal interests include; volunteer work with community sport clubs, namely coaching in the Town of Oakville and the City of Burlington. Additional interests include volunteering in “at risk” neighbourhoods schools in the Jane and Finch community.

Jhordane Stephenson is a proven leader in the customer experience and training sector and offers expertise in providing a differential approach to customer experience, facilitation, people management, and relationship management. These key strengths have allowed Jhordane to gain credibility with his teams and audiences, which has helped him to develop critical relationships with clients, key stakeholders, and executive leadership. He a passionate professional, driven to deliver first class results. His breadth of experience and strong work ethic will enable him to make immediate and valuable contributions to the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association. Jhordane also has a strong passion for developing our youth, through mentorship and skill building. He is a firm believer in following your dreams and putting in the time and effort to achieve them and is often sought after by peers and his former high school to provide mentorship and advice on various topics.

Phil is a long-term resident in the Town of Shelburne and former business owner of the popular and award winning restaurant Soulyve. Phil has extensive experience working with community stakeholders, politicians and youths with the goal of building a safer and inclusive community for all within Dufferin County. Phil’s advocacy in the community includes being a Panelist and Speaker at the 2020 Black History Event Held at the Muesuem of Dufferin. A speaker at the County of Dufferin Flag Raising ceremony and Dufferin Child & Family Services (DCAFS) Black History Event.

Phil was also a Panelist with Orangeville Mayor Sandy Brown on Systemic Racism and Discrimination and one of the Keynote Speakers at the Orangeville Black Lives Matter march. To book Phil Dewar for your next event, please send your inquires to phil@dufferincountycba.org.

Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson is the CEO of Alethia Enterprise., a Small business consulting, coaching and speaking business. She is also business professional in the Financial Services industry with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience. Alethia has a reputation of advocating for the needs of her community and amplifying the voices of marginalized and racialized individuals. She has a track record of getting things done. She has successfully championed and led a number of initiatives, such as the request to recognize Black History Month for the first time in Dufferin County, which was unanimously approved by council, along with the first Pan African Flag raising ceremony that also gained unanimous approval by council. Alethia organized the first Black History Month celebration in partnership with the Museum of Dufferin and students from the Youth Advisory Committee at Center Dufferin District High school. Alethia successfully presented a recommendation to Dufferin County Council to establish and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee which was adopted by council. She is a member of the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative community wellness community, Dufferin County Accessibility Committee and Director of the Center Dufferin District High School Youth Advisory Committee as well as the Chair of the Anti-Black Racism, Racism & Discrimination Task Force for the Town of Shelburne. She is the recipient of the Town of Shelburne’s highest award, the Community Excellence Award and has also been recognized as one of 2020’s Women of Influence. Alethia holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from York University and an MBA in Leadership & Innovation from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. Alethia has lectured in the states, delivered presentations on Diversity & Inclusion, delivered research paper at the Management Governance and Ethical Finance Conference in Scotland and delivered keynote address in Montreal on Leadership and Education. She has also hosted town hall sessions with community leaders on issues regarding anti-discrimination and equity for marginalized individuals in society.