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We have a host of speakers who are experts in various fields such as Political science, Economics, Global health, Technology and so on, who will share their views on various ways theAfrican continent can develop in each of these areas.
Yamikani Msosa (they/them or ze-hir), a Black genderqueer Malawian arrivant-settler currently living within the Dish With One Spoon wampum treaty territory, who grew up on Algonquin Territory. Yamikani is committed to a practice of anti-racism & anti-oppression, using popular culture, creative facilitation, emergent strategy and digital engagement. Ze completed hir Master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies at Carleton University, and a Certificate from Michigan State University in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Organizational Change. In 2013 Yami founded UBUNTU Consulting, which focuses on equity, anti-oppression, inclusion training, conflict resolution and organizational development for grassroots organizations and nonprofit agencies. Yamikani has held positions such as Black Academic Success and Engagement Coordinator at Humber College and Vice-Chair of the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres. In hir spare time Yami teaches yoga to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The aim of hir talk is to address how we can move forward and dismiss the fact that there are specific actions and roles that are tailored to specifically men and women. They will also delve deep into how damaging it is for everyone, particularly women, and how dangerous it can be if we don’t shift our mindset from this perspective.
Michel Chikwanine, a former child soldier who has endured and overcome unimaginable pain and struggles in his life. Today, Michel is a United Nations Fellow for People of African Descent, an accomplished motivational speaker, leadership facilitator and award-winning author of a children’s book entitled Child Soldier: How Boys and Girls are used in war. He will be speaking on ways to find opportunities despite limited options or terrible circumstances.
Dr. Chika Ezeanya Esiobu, a Ph.D. candidate in African Studies from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Chika Ezeanya Esiobu is the author of Indigenous Knowledge and Education in Africa (Springer: 2019), in addition to numerous academic articles, book chapters and essays on Africa's advancement. She is the founder of African Child Press, the Principal of Julani Varsity and is currently a visiting honorary professor with the University of Rwanda, College of Business and Economics. The aim of her talk is to debunk the myth that Africa must conform to western ways of living and learning to progress and rid the idea that African knowledge and practices are primitive and have no place in the modern world.
Dr. Cedric Habiyaremye, a world-renowned crop scientist and agricultural entrepreneur developing solutions for a zero-hunger and malnutrition-free world. He is the scientist who brought quinoa to Rwanda and other parts of Africa. As a scientist, Cedric serves as Research Associate at Washington State University and Research Lead at Food Systems for the Future Institute. The aim of his talk is to address the narrative that there are not enough internal resources to solve hunger and malnutrition issues, and counter the perspective that in order to overcome these issues, the continent has to be dependent on foreign aid and support.