Young Community Builder Award Recipients
Ghadi Ahmed
2026 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award recipient
Ghadi Ahmed is an extraordinary young woman whose leadership, integrity, and passion are evident in everything she does. As Co-President of her school’s Black Student Association and Treasurer of the Black Students in STEM Club, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to equity, representation, and academic excellence.
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Her ability to balance multiple leadership roles while maintaining high academic standards speaks volumes about her discipline, time management, and determination. What truly sets Ghadi apart is her authentic leadership and compassion for others. She leads with purpose, uplifting those around her, advocating for inclusivity, and creating spaces where her peers feel seen and supported. She approaches every initiative with enthusiasm and creativity, whether organizing school events, mentoring younger students, or engaging in community projects. As her graduation coach, I have witnessed Ghadi’s transformation into a confident, driven, and accountable leader. She is honest, self-motivated, and eager to learn, qualities that make her stand out among her peers. There are few students with such a rare combination of passion, empathy, and maturity. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Ghadi Ahmed for any opportunity she seeks to pursue. She is a remarkable young leader with limitless potential and will undoubtedly make a lasting impact wherever she goes.
Akeela Ntwari
2026 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award recipient
Akeelah Ntwari is a remarkable Black youth leader whose community work is deeply informed by lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. Raised in foster care, Akeelah has navigated significant instability, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Black youth, yet she has consistently transformed those challenges into purpose-driven leadership.
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Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, she has chosen to use her voice and experience to support, uplift, and advocate for others facing similar realities. Akeelah has played an active role in youth advocacy at both local and provincial levels, including her involvement with the Ontario Child Advocacy Committee and her leadership as a YouthCAN Champion for the Eastern Zone. In these spaces, she has participated in policy discussions, advisory meetings, and public panels addressing issues such as education inequity, mental health access, and culturally responsive care for youth involved in the child welfare system. Her ability to articulate complex systemic issues through both personal insight and thoughtful analysis has earned her respect from peers, professionals, and decision-makers alike. In addition to her advocacy work, Akeelah has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and community engagement. She has contributed to programs such as UMOJA Youth and CAST, supporting the development of junior divisions and serving as a mentor to younger participants. Through these roles, she provides guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to youth who often feel unseen or disconnected from traditional support systems. She has also volunteered with Future Paths Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting BIPOC youth transitioning out of foster care. In this role, Akeelah has helped youth connect with community resources, leadership opportunities, and culturally affirming spaces, while offering peer mentorship grounded in empathy and shared experience. Akeelah’s leadership extends into educational and community spaces as well. She previously served as President of her high school’s Black Student Association, where she helped foster culturally affirming environments and student-led advocacy. She has volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and participated in various Black youth initiatives across the city, consistently demonstrating a commitment to service and collective uplift. Despite experiencing significant disruptions to her education due to foster care placement and mental health challenges, Akeelah persisted and completed her remaining high school credits through Algonquin College’s School Within a College program, earning a dual credit and gaining acceptance into Algonquin College’s Public Relations program. Her academic journey reflects determination, self-advocacy, and a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by youth in care. Akeelah’s leadership and humanitarian values were further recognized through her application to the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award in 2025, where her story and impact aligned strongly with the legacy of courage, compassion, and service. Above all, what distinguishes Akeelah is her integrity and emotional intelligence. She leads not for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to create safer, more supportive pathways for other Black youth
Julien Hodge
2026 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award recipient
Julien Hodge is a powerful example of what youth led leadership looks like when purpose, consistency, and community impact intersect. As a young Black leader in Ottawa, Julien has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to civic engagement, youth empowerment, and community building through both grassroots organizing and institutional collaboration.
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His work reflects a deep understanding that leadership is not positional, but relational built through action, service, and creating access for others. Julien is the co-founder of the Club Opti-Jeunesse des Jeunes Adultes – Beacon Hill (COJA Beacon Hill), a youth driven organization dedicated to engaging young people through civic participation, leadership development, and community-centered programming. Through COJA, Julien has helped design and deliver initiatives that bring youth together in meaningful ways, including panel discussions, civic engagement projects, business and storytelling events, and youth-led forums that amplify young voices. His leadership within COJA has helped create a visible and accessible platform where youth, particularly Black and racialized youth, can explore leadership, develop skills, and see themselves as active contributors to their community. In addition to civic engagement, Julien has been intentional about using athletics as a tool for leadership, discipline, and community connection. As a student-athlete and alumnus of the Faucons Football Club, Julien understands the transformative power of sport beyond competition. He has leveraged athletics as a bridge to mentorship, teamwork, and youth development, helping create environments where young people can build confidence, accountability, and a sense of belonging. His ability to integrate civic responsibility with athletic engagement demonstrates a holistic approach to youth leadership that meets young people where they are. While Julien’s work may not always seek recognition, his impact is evident in the spaces he has helped create, the youth he has engaged, and the communities he continues to serve. His leadership reflects the spirit of Black History Month, not only honoring legacy, but actively building the future.
More info on Club Opti-Jeunesse des Jeunes Adultes – Beacon Hill
Ferdinand Djiunyo
2026 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award recipient
Ferdinand Djiunyo is a young Canadian community leader of Congolese origin who has lived in Ottawa for nearly 11 years. A youth worker with the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa), he serves young people in crisis, offering support, guidance, and coping strategies.
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Ferdinand is best known as the founder and president of the Union de la Jeunesse Congolaise Ottawa-Gatineau (UJC-OG), a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering young people, promoting Francophone culture, and integrating newcomers into society. Through his commitment, he represents a new generation of young immigrant leaders who are building bridges between cultures, generations, and institutions in Canadian society. His journey illustrates how passion, service, and organization can transform a vision into real impact for others. His Role and Contributions He is not just an organizer; he is an agent of social change. Here are the main areas in which he has been involved. He created the Union de la Jeunesse Congolaise Ottawa-Gatineau (UJC-OG) to provide sports, educational, cultural, and social opportunities for young people of Congolese and African origin. The UJC-OG has become an important community gathering place in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The UJC-OG has organized various soccer tournaments, cultural festivals, summer sessions for youth, and other events that reinforce inclusion, cultural pride, and social cohesion among young people from different backgrounds. Aware of the linguistic challenges faced by newcomers, Ferdinand has incorporated workshops and activities into his programs aimed at improving French language skills, thereby promoting educational and professional integration. Beyond organizing community activities, he also focuses on humanitarian aid and solidarity. He has developed projects to help people affected by disasters, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A notable example is his proposal to organize a charity match to raise funds for victims of fires and other disasters. One of Ferdinand’s greatest assets is his ability to inspire and mentor young people. He uses sports such as soccer and basketball as educational platforms where young people learn discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and self-confidence.
Olantu Nini
2025 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and dedication to amplifying youth voices and fostering meaningful change through her efforts as an Ottawa Police Youth Advisory Council representative, a Black Student Union Representative at Immaculata High School, a Youth Ambassador for the Somali Family Centre, a UN Delegate, as well as the youth-led podcast she helped create.
Patrick Ene
2025 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For leadership and deep commitment to fostering community development, inclusion, and student engagement through his work with Carleton University Students’ Association, including initiatives for the Black Students’ Alliance (BSA), the CUSA Wellness Centre, the International Student Services Office, and the CUSA Racialized and International Students’ Experience (RISE) Centre.
Aaliyah O’Brien
2025 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and dedication to inspiring and uplifting fellow youth through her speaking engagements at youth leadership events, volunteer work with initiatives like JP7’s Food and Clothing Drive, and her advocacy as the Black Girl Cheer Ambassador.
Gelila Geremew
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement as a Youth Worker at the Boys and Girls Club, and for her volunteer work at women’s shelters as well as her support of various social justice initiatives in the community.
Kristina Smart
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement as a Youth Worker at the Boys and Girls Club, and for her volunteer work at women’s shelters as well as her support of various social justice initiatives in the community.
Michael Christopher Louismé
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For his leadership and community engagement; specifically, in his volunteer work as a mentor and tutor to students from marginalized communities.
Abigail Jackson
2023 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement as a Youth Worker at the Boys and Girls Club, and for her volunteer work at women’s shelters as well as her support of various social justice initiatives in the community.
Yanaminah Thullah
2023 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement, specifically, her contributions as President of the Black Student Leaders’ Association at the University of Ottawa, alongside various other advocacy achievements.
Fanta Souare
2023 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement as a volunteer at multiple community centres and summer camps, as well as her work for the city’s mentorship program and Planned Parenthood’s Insight Theatre program.
Amatur Raheem Salam-Alada
2022 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership, community engagement and advocacy, specifically as a Student Trustee working to obtain more culturally responsive guidance counsellors and support for Black and Indigenous students.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier HS
2022 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For their leadership and advocacy in creating safe spaces and opportunities at their school for African, Caribbean and Black students to share their lived experiences and address systemic racism.
Maeesha Boursiquot
2022 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her community engagement and volunteerism, especially her participation in fundraising activities for CHEO and initiatives in support of the homeless as well as her empowering music and educational social media projects.
Yasmine Elmi
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her work as a Community Youth leader with the Federation of Black Canadians as well as her volunteer work with the Queensway-Carleton Hospital and the Black Students Leaders’ Association, among her many community-building activities.
Rebecca Kahindo
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her work as a volunteer with the Global Community Alliance Black History Month gala, and for creating the “Building a Future” organization, which provides financial assistance to needy students in Uganda and Congo, alongside her many other volunteer and community-building activities.
Asli Fuad
2020 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly recognize her your leadership and community engagement, specifically her work as Student School Board Trustee with the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), her mentorship of students at different academic levels, as well as her volunteer work with Montfort Hospital and la Fondation Acacia
Jada Pinnock
2020 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly his community leadership, specifically his role on organizations such as the: National Council of Visible Minorities; Public Works and Government Services Canada Visible Minority Network; 613/819 Black Hub; Federal Black Employee Caucus; Dream Legacy Foundation; and along with your other community engagement activities related to education, policing and human rights
Lucky Ingabire
2019 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
Youth category
To publicly recognize her leadership and community engagement, specifically her advocacy for human rights and involvement of girls in politics, promotion of civic engagement among youth as well as her leadership role as of the Director of External Affairs with the University of Ottawa Pre-Law Society.
Illili Ahmed
2018 BHO Community Builder Award – Youth category
To publicly recognize her extensive volunteer work, specifically her leadership as Co-President of the Black History Month Showcase; President of the Inter-sectional Feminism Club at Colonel By Secondary School, her membership of the City’s Youth Engagement Committee, as well as her other volunteer leadership initiatives.
Miranda Harris
2017 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her extensive volunteer work, specifically her leadership as Student Council President during the Earl of March Wellness Week, which helped students focus on self-care strategies to cope with the emotional toll of pain and
Katrice Bent
2017 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her extensive volunteer work on behalf of the Monfort Hospital and the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, fundraising for cancer at St. Patrick’s High School, as well as other volunteer activities.
Kikachukwu Otiono
2016 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
Black History Ottawa is pleased to present Kikachukwu Otiono with the
2016 Black History OttawaCommunity Builder Award (Youth Leadership)
for her volunteer work as Youth Editor, Black Ottawa Scene; Co-President Black History Month club at Colonel By Secondary School, and Co-President Canadian Politics Club, Colonel By Secondary School.
Angelique Francis
2015 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
2015 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award for her exemplary volunteer work as a singer performing at many community events and fundraisers while at the same time maintaining an excellent academic record as a high school student and building a success.
Jordi Ibalanky
2015 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
2015 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award for his community volunteer work on behalf of the Ottawa Congolese Association, and Jaku Konbit’s programs and projects: Youth in Policing Initiative, GreenStar Community Garden, Peer-to-Peer Youth group, Greatness Within Me summer camp, Summer Job for Youth, while at the same time carrying a demanding academic load as a mechanical engineering student at the University of Ottawa.
YOHANAN DEMEKE
2014 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award
In recognition of her passion for helping newcomers integrate into Canadian society, her outstanding volunteer work with the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, and demonstrated leadership among her peers.
TRISTANN PARCHMENT
2013 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her remarkable contribution as a volunteer with the Pinecrest Terrace Community House, Ottawa Police Service, Youth Services Bureau, Jaku Konbit and the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.
SHYNISE PARCHMENT
2013 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award
For her total commitment as a volunteer with Jaku Konbit, Ottawa Police Service, Youth Services Bureau and the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.