Black Diplomats Academy

Husnah Mad-hy

Fellow 2024

Husnah Mad-hy is a dynamic legal professional with a master's degree in Global Affairs & Public Policy, reflecting her commitment to combining law with diplomacy and social justice. As an early-career professional, she brings diverse experience from financial institutions, international organizations, and policy think tanks, with a focus on research, policy, and risk management. Beyond her professional endeavours, she enjoys crafting short stories and playing volleyball. With her diverse skill set and passion for positive change, Husnah aspires to leave a meaningful impact in the legal and global affairs realms.

Atwiine Elizabeth Faith

Fellow 2024

Atwiine Elizabeth Faith is a Ugandan professional at the intersection of law, technology, and governance, committed to driving innovation and positive change. She holds a Law degree from Uganda Christian University and completed her traineeship in the governance and peace office at UNDP Uganda, where she gained insights into governance and peace-building.

She has furthered her expertise through courses in computer programming, design thinking, and Public Management and Leadership, sponsored by the US Mission to Uganda. Passionate about governance, peace, development, and technology, Atwiine aspires to become an ambassador and global advocate for positive change.

Samukelisiwe Ngwenya

Fellow 2023

Samu is a Knowledge Management consultant with the Spotlight Initiative Secretariat and has previously worked on the “Safe and Fair” programme for women migrant workers in ASEAN. She has consulted with organizations such as the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty, Development Reimagined, and the International Organization for Migration, with experience spanning Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.

She holds a Master of Laws (China Studies) from Peking University and a BA in International Relations and Sociology & Anthropology from Lake Forest College. Samu currently resides in the Northwest Territories of Canada.

Caleb Owusu-Acheaw

Fellow2023

Caleb Owusu-Acheaw has always had the interests of his community at heart, no matter where he goes. A born and raised Montréaler, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in Political Science and Economics and recently obtained a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Ottawa. Over the past five years, he has been an active participant and volunteer in federal and provincial politics, his church, and the Ghanaian-Canadian community in Montreal. He hopes to apply the lessons learned from the Black Diplomats Academy and give back to his community.

Florencio Venté Coha

Fellow 2023

Florencio Venté Coha is a Colombian youth leader and impact entrepreneur based in Brazil. He founded Glocals, a platform connecting migrants with host communities to promote cultural, economic, and social exchange while combating xenophobia. He also serves as Local Government Engagement Manager with UN MGCY, bringing youth voices into high-level UN discussions.

Florencio has served on local councils focused on education, human rights, and youth, and participated in global leadership programs including United People Global, Ubuntu Leadership Academy, Aspire Institute at Harvard, and Watson Institute. He was also shortlisted for the Human Rights Recognition Awards.

Hayat Omar

Fellow 2023

Hayat Omar aspires to represent Canada as a foreign service officer. She holds a degree in Sociology and International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa and is pursuing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management to strengthen her leadership and diplomatic skills.

She works as a Policy Advisor with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), where she began as a co-op in 2021. Her work includes implementing the TBS Directive on Procurement, developing new policies and frameworks, and creating training materials. Hayat aims to leverage her BDA experience to advance her diplomatic career.

Tolorunlogo Akinrinola

Fellow 2023

Tolorunlogo Akinrinola is a Nigerian-born Canadian passionate about education, community development, and artistic expression. Driven by the belief that education is central to society, he aspires to dismantle systemic barriers in policies affecting Black youth in Ontario and globally, while strengthening his leadership to create lasting impact.

He serves as Community Connections Coordinator & Mentorship Co-Coordinator at Minds-On, a grassroots non-profit. As a photographer, his work—featured in multiple galleries—explores Black experiences through themes of culture, spirituality, and mental health.

Deborah Nwabudike

Fellow 2023

Deborah is a final year Economics student at York University. She hopes to work in the public service sector, specifically business and financial planning.

Her interests are in Economic public policy, relating to bridging the gap between global south and global north countries and the PFPAD. She plans on starting her nonprofit that focuses on food security in west and central Africa.