In 2019, Tunde was the Edmonton-South official candidate of the United Conservative Party (UCP) in the Alberta provincial election.
Tunde Obasan
Chair
Tunde Obasan migrated to Canada from Nigeria with his wife, Suzan and their four children and settled in Edmonton, Alberta, where they now call home. Migrating to Canada and living in the beautiful City of Edmonton was Tunde’s best decision.
As an actively engaged member of the Edmonton community, Tunde volunteers at Rhema Chapel, where he worships. He also volunteers at Rhema Food Bank, Edmonton Mennonite Centre, ASSIST Community Services Centre, United Way of Edmonton, and his local community league.
A committed conservative and an early supporter of the Alberta provincial conservative unity campaign, and supported Jason Kenney’s Party leadership.
In 2019, Tunde was the Edmonton-South official candidate of the United Conservative Party (UCP) in the Alberta provincial election. However, he lost the election narrowly with 43% to the incumbent (NDP), who had 46% of the total votes.
Tunde offered strong and positive leadership in support of Hon. Andrew Scheer during the Conservative Party of Canada’s (CPC) leadership race in 2017 and Dr. Leslyn Lewis’ Campaign in 2020.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Finance from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
As a Chartered accountant with project management expertise, Tunde’s over two decades of career experience spans private and public sectors, including banking, information technology, distribution, insurance, education and government.
Increasing the black community's interest and involvement in politics is essential for a better future
Dameon Halstead
Vice Chair
Dameon Halstead has been involved in politics for decades and he grew up watching policies being made.
After coming to Canada, he carried on with his passion and love for politics, joined the Conservative Party and advocated for his values and policies. Dameon has worked on several campaigns, both federally and provincially. He was a member of Premier Ford's campaign and was also a member of Dr. Leslyn Lewis's campaign team. He currently serves as a secretary of the Federal Scarborough North Conservative Party of Canada Riding Association.
Dameon Halstead attended Tyndale University and Humber College and is a registered Chaplin. He has occupied several positions, including a youth leader, Director of riding association at the provincial and federal level, Delegate for provincial AGM and Director for Overflowing Water Ministry. Dameon was a candidate for the City council in Toronto and sought the nomination to be a candidate for the Progressive Conservative in Ontario. Dameon is the Chair of the Policies and By-law Committee for the CBCC.
Dameon believes that increasing the black community's interest and involvement in politics is essential for a better future, and CBCC will play a crucial role in actualizing this.
Celebrity stylist, minister, and chaplain who desires to serve all that need emotional and spiritual soul care.
Paula Eriya
Co-Secretary
Paula migrated from Jamaica to Toronto, Canada, when she was a young girl and spent her teenage years in New York City, where she was exposed to a wide canvas of fashion, culture, the arts and the beauty industry.
Her short stint in New York city served as the catalyst that would inspire Paula to one day have her own impact in the beauty industry, where she worked with up and coming fashion designers, musicians and artist and encouraging them through mentorship to help them cultivate their style and expressions through their respective field of talent.
Paula is currently the president of The Radical You! Inc., a successful and growing beauty and imaging corporation, as well as the owner and manager of the Beauty Lounge Salon and spa. Paula also worked as the Vice President of the Canadian Cosmetology Association, which facilitates and helps regulate the cosmetology industry. Within that position, Paula was able to build and maintain an extensive network of career-building affiliates, associates and leaders in the field of beauty and aesthetics.
As a master stylist, Paula is known worldwide as a leading entrepreneur who wears many hats, leading her to acquire a bachelor’s degree in theology. Paula is a Celebrity stylist and a minister and chaplain who desires to serve all that need emotional and spiritual soul care. Paula sits on many boards where she is President, Director, and Treasurer. Paula is also one of the founding members of the Conservative Black Congress of Canada, which she is so honoured to be a part of.
Paula is a mother of four who navigates her time and talents in giving back to her community through various programs to assist those in need. Paula’s greatest passion is serving the widows, single moms, young adults, and young men returning to society after being incarcerated. Paula has had the opportunity to see a few of her passions become a success, like when she put together a team to assist single moms by dressing them for success to re-enter the workforce confidently.
Paula has also put on events to showcase young entrepreneurs in fashion, music and the arts. She is still hard at work planning to find ways to assist young adults who were incarcerated to re-enter society to help them be productive and successful in society. On a personal note, Paula, along with her family, had the life-changing opportunity to take part in the annual walk for hope, with the Hope Worldwide of Canada non-profit events that help raised funds to support many different types of the organization locally and worldwide.
While serving others, Paula has worked very hard to build a successful business, having four locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Paula is still hard at work, putting her talents to good use in many areas to build a legacy for her children. So she is partnering with other organization who are helping and making changes in the Black communities at large As Paula is known for her impeccable sense of taste, style and progressive techniques, that impresses her clients and foster lasting and trustful relationships she prefers to be known more for being a GOD fearing women, who want it clearly understood, that she gives GOD all the glory and praise, for the women she is today.
Dawn is the Executive Assistant to the Member of Provincial Parliament of Ajax, Rod Phillips, Finance Minister of Ontario.
Dawn Matthew
Co-Secretary
Dawn Jacqueline Matthew was born in Montreal, Quebec, the second child out of three in a traditional Grenadian home. As a result of losing her father from a car accident, Dawn learnt the meaning of hard work, independence and responsibility at a young age. She entered the workforce at the age of 14 to assist her mother with expenses while attending school.
Fully bilingual, she graduated from Concordia University, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Arts. After her studies, Dawn worked for several corporate organizations, always exceeding expectations and quickly moving up the ladder. She is a valued professional with over 15 years of administrative and executive assistant experience.
Currently, Dawn Matthew is the Executive Assistant to the Member of Provincial Parliament of Ajax, Rod Phillips, Finance Minister of Ontario. As Office Manager, Dawn engages with the Ajax community and represents the MPP at functions and events when he is unavailable.
Before working with MPP Phillips, Dawn worked with Black Business and Professional Association in Toronto, also as Executive Assistant to the President. Dawn managed all aspects of the office, including assisting in coordinating the BBPA National Scholarships, with over 100 recipients and the Harry Jerome Awards, a Gala celebrating Black Excellence across Canada.
Not only does Dawn manage the MPP’s office on a full-time basis, but she also works in the event industry part-time. With a passion for entertaining and décor, Dawn is the President of Chocolate Diamond Events, an event design company where she plans, executes and coordinates Weddings, Corporate Galas and much more.
A people person, Dawn has always given back to her community in some shape or form. Her specialty, working with kids. From coordinating Talent shows to coaching basketball, children have always captured her heart. In 2014, she was one of the founding members of the Canadian United Cultural Community Centre; she helped develop the organization’s bylaws and constitution and attended different networking events to bring awareness to the organization and its mission. Dawn had also helped develop an after school program for children of government housing to assist with homework and social skills. She tutored the children in Math and French.
Keeping true to her studies, Dawn has remained active in the Political arena when possible. Working on different campaigns for The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario as part of the OutReach team and have participated and assisted in marketing and advertising, and silent auction fundraiser.
Passion for the people
Natty Eugene
Treasurer
Natty Eugene is a bilingual Chartered Accountant with over 22 years of experience working in diverse industries in Africa and Canada.
With a strong background in finance, general management, and plant management, Natty is currently the Finance Controller at Capstone Infrastructure Corporation, managing the Whitecourt Power Generating Unit’s finance and administrative function in Canada.
He is a member of the United Conservative Party of Alberta and the Conservative Party of Canada.
Because of his passion for people, Natty volunteers for other local associations, helping to shape the younger generation’s future.
A true believer of the spirit of responsibility and accountability as the bedrock of today's leaders. Eugene believes in giving back to his community.
Supporting Conservative Values and Policies is helpful to our society
Carmen Wilson,
Membership Director
Carmen Wilson was born in Kingston, Jamaica and emigrated to Canada in 1976 at 11 years old. Shortly after arriving in Canada, Carmen was placed in a foster home by the Children’s Aid Society and was raised in a loving family in Erin, Ontario. While raising three children - first in marriage, then as a single mother - Carmen also acquired her diploma from George Brown College. She subsequently earned her licensing credentials as a mortgage agent, life insurance agent and mutual fund agent. Carmen values the importance of community service and participated in many community groups as both a member and a leader. Recent community and political activities include:
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Youth Engagement Police Steering Committee - Region of Peel
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Mayor's Black Advisory Committee (Brampton)
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Board member of Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (Governmental Affairs)
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Past Treasurer, St. Lucy Catholic School Council of Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board
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St. Joachim Catholic School - OAPCE Rep (Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education)
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PC Women in Politics (PCWIP)-Director of Fundraising Committee
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PC Candidate nominee for York South-Weston in 2017
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Volunteer Coordinator for Cyma Musarat campaign in Humber River Black Creek (Ontario Provincial Election 2018)
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Member of both the Conservative Party of Canada and the PC Party of Ontario
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Serves on board of Brampton West Riding Association (PC Party of Ontario)
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Served on board of Humber River Black Creek Riding Association (PC Party of Ontario)
Kimberlee is a trailblazer, determined to break barriers and stereotypes and be a positive leader and role model in the community.
Kimberlee Shelley,
Communications Director
Kimberlee Shelley is an author, community and political activist, speaker and HR professional. She was the Black Canadian Queen Ambassador Brampton (2017) and the current District Manager for Black Women Honors and Empowerment – Brampton Chapter.
She is the recipient of several awards, including:
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RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award (2019)
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CIBWE TOP 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH (2019)
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United Way of GTA Community Leadership Award (2019)
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BRAMPTON TOP 40 UNDER 40 (2018)
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Woman On Fire Community Activist Award (2018)
Kimberlee was also recognized as a woman of inspiration by Soulful Image Magazine (2018). Under her leadership, the Black Women Honors and Empowerment – Brampton Chapter received The Mayor’s Making Of Black History Award (2019), certificates for community impact from the Provincial and Federal Government.
Kimberlee’s educational background is in paralegal education and human resources, and she currently works in the HR field, managing a midsize recruitment firm in Brampton. Kimberlee is a career mentor through Sheridan’s TRIEC program and has been a committed member and volunteer for her local church – New Life Kingdom Ministries, for the last 17 years. She currently serves there as a minister and a member of the board of directors. She is the co-author of the DESIGNER’S ORIGINAL – A woman’s guide to understanding her identity and self-worth in God”.
Shelley started the “Celebrate Her” initiative in May 2018. This is a COMMUNITY DROP-OFF for single mothers (some of whom are the victims of violence and abuse) currently living at a local shelter. Proceeds from the drive are put together in gift baskets and presented to all the mothers at a shelter for mother’s day. On drop off day, Kimberlee did a motivational speech and talked to the ladies about their hobbies and future plans.
Kimberlee is a trailblazer, determined to break barriers and stereotypes and be a positive leader and role model in the community. In 2016 she was offered the Branch Manager position at Universal Staffing Inc. – Brampton Division; she was and still is the youngest and only black female branch manager in the company’s history to be hired at any location. Today her branch is the largest and most successful of the five branches.
Kimberlee not only uses her HR skills at work but in the community at large. In addition to the career mentorship work done through TRIEC, she often hosts resume workshops and does interview coaching, resulting in individuals landing favourable jobs. She is a part of serval other boards and committees, including Mayor’s Black African & Caribbean Advisory Council (Brampton) and Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre Board Network. Before that, Shelley worked on Mayor Patrick Brown’s campaign in 2018.
Kimberlee was also a part of the team that met with Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Deputy Minister Nancy Naylor(separately) about systematic and anti-black racism in the Peel School system. She was also among the organizers who hosted Peel's March for Justice (one of the biggest and most effective march in peel for 2020). These events and multiple follow-ups and further dialogue with the minister and local MPP's and the PDSB ultimately resulted in changes being made to the leadership of the PDSB and the ending of Streaming in School, which Minister Leece announced and implemented in July 2020.
Her leadership, work etiquette, and philanthropy have landed her in several Canadian and Jamaican publications, including The Brampton Guardian, Snapd newspaper, Toronto Caribbean newspaper, Share Newspaper, The Gleaner(Jamaica), SMJ Magazine, Soulful Image Magazine and Canadian Immigrant Magazine.
Passionate community organizer who advocates for social justice and equitable access for minorities.
Stephen Mutizwa,
Fundraising Director
Stephen Mutizwa is a Radiological science expert and a successful entrepreneur as well as a philanthropist. He is the Founder and President of Canada Mobile X-Ray Inc, a mobile x-ray and diagnostic company in Alberta. Stephen is also Founder and President of Physiologix Diagnostic Imaging (A full-service radiology clinic in Edmonton, Alberta) and President of Canada Zim Aid Society; a CRA registered charitable organization.
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He has been on the Board of Directors for the United Conservative Party (constituency association) since 2014 and is currently the Fundraising Vice President.
Stephen is a passionate community organizer who advocates for social justice and equitable access for minorities.
Conservative to the core, Wale worked on both the Michael Kram campaign, the Warren Steinley campaign and worked with the Mayor in his re-election bid
Wale Banjoko
Youth Director
Wale Banjoko migrated to Canada in 2013, initially to British Columbia, and later settled in Regina, Saskatchewan. He has an MBA from Vancouver Island University and an MSc in International Business.
Wale was Youth coordinator at his local church for about four years and has worked extensively in the Regina community, working with the city, YMCA, and the end homelessness in Canada team to develop solutions that would end homelessness in Regina and North America. He continues to mentor kids through the Street Culture Project.
Conservative to the core, Wale worked on both the Michael Kram campaign, the Warren Steinley campaign and worked with the Mayor in his re-election bid. Wale serves on the board of the Albert Park Summer Bash Project.
Wale has over 16 years’ work experience as a supply chain and finance professional. He is a fellow management consultant and is currently chief operations officer of a logistics company he co-owns. He is a full-time entrepreneur.
Consummate community-oriented individual, with a passion for civic engagement & capacity building.
Adebayo Adejuwon
Director at Large
Adebayo and his family emigrated from Nigeria, and they live in Calgary. Adebayo is an educator, communication professional, business consultant, writer, and public policy analyst.
Adebayo earned a Bachelor of Communications Studies degree and Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Calgary; Diploma in Journalism from SAIT Polytechnic, Calgary; Higher National Diploma in Marketing from Federal Polytechnic, Nigeria; Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Relations from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Nigeria, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in marketing from Lagos State University in Nigeria.
Adebayo is a member of both the United Conservative Party (UCP) and the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC). He sits on the Calgary North Constituency Association board, and he is also actively involved in Calgary Nose Hill federal riding. He is a consummate community-oriented individual with a passion for civic engagement and capacity building.
Adebayo led a progressively responsible career in sales, business development, international development, and leadership across many sectors.
He was the pioneer Business Promotion Office Manager for the South West region for USAID MARKETS PROJECT- A United States Agency For International Development funded project in Nigeria, headquartered in Lagos.
Adebayo also worked in human and social services with The Mustard Seed in Calgary. He was an instructor at Columbia College, where he taught communication and Human Rights and Diversity. He is presently an Instructor at The School of Business at SAIT Polytechnic, Calgary and Calgary Outreach Consultant for the Career Loans program implemented by Achēv.
The first black Electoral District Association president in the CPC
Trudy Waldinger
Director at Large
Trudy migrated from Zimbabwe to England and became a State Registered Nurse, both General and Psychiatry. She trained as systems, planning and scheduling engineer and later moved to Canada.
In her early years in Kincardine, Ontario, she was the sole organizer and fundraiser for a Somalia Relief project in Bruce County. She visited Somalia to deliver aid during the Battle of Mogadishu war in 1993. After moving to Barrie, Ontario, Trudy became the President of the Electoral District Association (EDA) president in Barrie, Ontario. She was the first black EDA president in the Conservative Party of Canada, and she raised funds for the Barrie EDA.
Trudy spent six years working for the Minister of Health on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. She was a private advisor to the opposition leader in Ontario; worked with the Leslyn Lewis campaign; was a board member of the Whitby EDA.
Trudy has worked on several campaigns over the years. She is currently involved in the real estate business.