President
Kenny Daodu is an independent certified John C Maxwell, coach, teacher, trainer and motivational speaker. An avid volunteer, Kenny sits on various boards as an executive and is presently the President of the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba.
Kenny is deeply passionate about adding values to her community and the society at large. Her interest led to engagement in Canadian politics and union activism. Kenny has received many awards such as the Outstanding NAMI Executive 2005, Community Service award from Manitoba Black Community, YMCA-YWCA, Woman of Distinction Award for Voluntarism, Advocacy and Community Enhancement.
Kenny is a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully owned and run several businesses, most recently a restaurant and real estate. Additionally, she has enjoyed a fulfilling career with Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as a health care worker for 25 years.
With a love for life, travelling, photography, cooking, gardening, and dancing, Kenny is happily married to her husband, Jacob for 36 years. She is a proud mother of two amazing daughters, one a pediatrics surgeon and the other soon to become a lawyer.
Past President
Dr. Lois Stewart-Archer is President XII of the COBW and currently holds the positions of Nominations Committee, Acting Chair; Scholarship Committee, Acting Chair; and Living History, Project Lead.
She is passionate about mental health, education, race-relations, and community development, and is the Regional Clinical Nurse Specialist for geriatric mental health. She is a product of persistence, keen vision,resilience, and the valuing of family and community.
Treasurer/President Elect
Rhonda Thompson is the current Treasurer for the Congress of Black of Manitoba and has held the position since 2014. She is an avid community supporter and loves to give back to the community that helped raise her. Her goal is to always represent COBW proudly and she loves the sisterhood that comes with being a member.
Secretary
Camille Sylvester is the Secretary for the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba. With a passion for working with people, she earned a Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba. Camille has been involved in the healthcare field for over ten years, gaining experience in hospital environments as well as out in the community. When Camille is not using her tact “can-do” approach to keep the COBW working smoothly, she continues her work with people with disabilities at a non-profit organization.
Camille enjoys inspiring, empowering and encouraging others to love and accept themselves. She specializes in holistic wellness focusing on the body, mind, and spirit. She also enjoys dancing, writing, drawing, and baking.
Fundraising Director
Roxanne holds a BComm (Honours) from the University of Manitoba and works at the U of M’s International Centre as the Intercultural Programs Coordinator. She is a co-owner of Story Point Consulting, where along with her sister, she supports fundraising professionals through training and collaboration.
A passionate volunteer at heart, beyond offering her expertise as the current Congress of Black Women Fundraising Director, Roxanne is also a member of the UM Black Alliance at the University of Manitoba, and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Committee at Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba.
Social Director
Daniella Archer is currently serving her second term as the Social Director of the Congress of Black Women Manitoba. She began volunteering with COBW as a member of the New Horizons Project (2012), a project which paired students with Congress members to research and present culturally relevant topics. Wanting to remain involved, she became a youth intern with COBW and eventually a member at large, volunteering for all of COBW’s major events throughout the year.
Daniella’s creativity and community management skills are essential in ensuring the COBW members remain updated about various events and achievements occurring within the membership. Additionally, Daniella is working towards a career in engineering and is a final-year student at the University of Manitoba.
Membership Director
Marie Christian is one of the Membership Co-directors for the Congress of Black Women. She is a registered social worker who has been working in the field of child welfare for almost two decades. Marie is excited to contribute to the work done by the COBW because it gives her an opportunity to work with and learn from women of colour in the community who are creating spaces and opportunities for all Black women.
Membership Director
“Volunteering with COBW has taught me skills, and I have been able to meet amazing women!”
Mercy Oluoma Onweni is a graduate of Engineering from the University of Manitoba. She volunteers in various women related initiatives and is a Membership Co-director for the COBW. She is responsible for ensuring members are up to date with current events within the organization and in the community.
Programme Director
Johise Namwira is a recent graduate of Oxford University where she completed a Master’s degree in African Studies, focusing of sexual violence in the context of transitional justice. She holds an honours B.A in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Manitoba and her research has focused on gender, human rights and violence against women. She has over 5 years of experience working in human rights advocacy as well as public engagement with media outlets, high profile politicians and diverse community groups.
Publicity Director
Yemilo Audu is the publicity director at the Congress. With a BA in Sociology and a double minor in Psychology and History, she continues to pursue her interests in social justice. She passionately contributes her talents to community organizations that target positive advancements for women in the society. Yemilo uses her skills and experience in public relations, administration, marketing and client services in her role at the COBW. Her love for systems/organization and social responsibility continue to guide her career.
An avid reader, writer and food enthusiast, her calm approach and people-centred perspective are features she remains most proud of.