DeRico Symonds is a seventh-generation African Nova Scotian from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a respected leader in justice, community advocacy, and culturally responsive counselling. He currently serves as the Director of Justice Strategy with the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI), where he leads strategic initiatives aimed at addressing systemic inequities, advancing culturally grounded justice approaches, and improving outcomes for African Nova Scotian communities. In addition, DeRico works as an Impact of Race and Cultural Assessor (IRCA) within ANSJI’s Forensic Assessment & Treatment Unit, providing expert assessments that highlight the influence of race, culture, and systemic factors within the justice system.

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DeRico is also a founding member of two Halifax-based non-profit organizations—ACCE HFX and GameChangers902—both dedicated to empowering African Nova Scotian communities through advocacy, education, leadership development, and social impact projects. His community work is rooted in a deep commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and addressing the social determinants that shape life outcomes.

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Academically and professionally, DeRico holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child & Youth Study (2012) and a Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University (2018). He is a Certified Canadian Counsellor through the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association.

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DeRico’s work reflects a strong blend of clinical training, strategic leadership, and lived cultural expertise—making him a powerful advocate for justice, equity, and transformative community change.

Chanae Parsons, a sixth-generation African Nova Scotian from Lucasville, is a visionary leader and changemaker in social work, education, and racial justice. With degrees from Dalhousie and St. Francis Xavier University, she has dedicated her career to advancing research, women’s leadership, and community development, with a strong focus on marginalized groups.

Her expertise includes professional report writing, strategic planning, workshop planning and design, facilitation, and public sector engagement—equipping her to support organizations in building equitable systems, informed leadership, and sustainable community impact. 

Beyond consulting, she leads grassroots empowerment efforts as Chair of Black Girls Gather and has contributed nationally as an advisor on the 2022 Federal Online Safety Bill. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Accomplished Black Women for 2024, Chanae remains committed to social justice, racial equity, and community empowerment.

Kate (Kay) MacDonald is an African Nova Scotian, Acadian, queer, and trans community facilitator, educator, artist, activist, and curator born and raised in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki. A proud advocate for equity, Kate strives for systemic change through community leadership, activism, and the application of decolonial and anti-racist practices.
 
They bring a strong background in community outreach and engagement, paired with a wide range of facilitation experience across ages, sectors, and settings. Kate is skilled in assessment design and has contributed to policy authoring, reimagining, and recreation—bringing a thoughtful, equity-focused lens to every project.

Their work is rooted in creativity, cultural pride, and a commitment to empowering communities through art, education, and meaningful connection.

Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Mapfumo’s worldview is deeply shaped by the African philosophy of Hunhu/Ubuntu—emphasizing community, shared humanity, and collective responsibility. This foundation guides both his leadership and his approach to equity work. Skilled in working with African diasporic communities, Mapfumo brings cultural humility, relational practice, and a strong understanding of cross-cultural dynamics to every initiative he leads.

Mapfumo holds a master’s degree in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University and describes himself as an aspiring change-maker committed to lifelong learning. His work continues to bridge policy, community, and culture in ways that uplift equity and strengthen belonging across systems.

Mapfumo is the Director of Engagement, Equity & Community Initiatives for the Province of Nova Scotia, providing senior leadership in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Accessibility (EDIRA). He drives systems-level transformation by embedding equity into policy, organizational culture, and community partnerships.

Previously, as a Diversity and Inclusion Advisor with Halifax Regional Municipality’s Planning and Development department, Mapfumo served as an embedded equity advisor, integrating EDI into city planning, service delivery, and engagement practices. His work strengthened meaningful participation from historically excluded communities, with particular expertise in engaging African and African Nova Scotian populations through culturally grounded, trust-building approaches.

Megan, a Junior High school teacher with the Halifax Regional Centre of Education, is an active advocate for racial equity and also teaches Advocacy and Social Justice for the Nova Scotia Community College's Social Work Program. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's in Arts and Education, and a Masters in Education focusing on Supporting Diverse Learners. Her Master's project centered on educating individuals about white privilege.

She has developed an educational unit called "Empowering Changes" and has co-created workshops on systemic racism and white privilege, and on indigenous resilience. Megan is actively involved in the Halifax community, participating in initiatives and discussions related to anti-racism, poverty, and solutions for marginalized communities.