Nurudeen Elegbede is a respected community leader dedicated to building stronger, more inclusive communities in New Brunswick and across Canada. As President of the Nigerian Canadian Association of New Brunswick and Chair of the national council of Nigerian associations, he has spent more than 20 years creating opportunities for newcomers, empowering youth, and fostering intercultural dialogue. Known for his integrity and collaborative spirit, Nurudeen inspires others to lead with vision and heart. 

Safe AbuJayyab is a young leader committed to education, culture, and community service. A master’s student in health services research at UNB, he also teaches aviation, Canadian history, and citizenship as a civilian instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in Saint John. From mentoring youth at UNB Discovery Camp to promoting cultural diversity on campus, Safe is known for his energy, creativity, and dedication to giving back. 

Civic Tech Fredericton is a volunteer network of IT professionals who use their skills to strengthen the nonprofit sector. Since 2018, they have met weekly to design free, open-source tools and provide strategic guidance that helps community organizations grow and adapt. Their commitment to innovation and collaboration has made them a powerful ally to nonprofits across the region. 

Ogorchukwu Ugolo is a passionate mentor and youth advocate in Saint John. Through PRUDE Inc.’s Young Ambassadors Leadership Initiative, she has guided newcomer youth to discover their voices, grow as leaders, and give back through volunteering, sports, music, and education. With experience mentoring youth in Canada, Kenya, and Nigeria, Ogorchukwu is celebrated for her compassion, resilience, and ability to unlock the potential in others. 

Mohamed Amine Abdelmoumni, originally from Morocco, has made an outstanding contribution to newcomer support in New Brunswick in just over a year. As a coordinator at CCNB’s language centre, he supports hundreds of learners each session as they improve their French and English. With nearly 20 years of management experience, and as an active member of community associations, Mohamed is celebrated for his rapid integration, leadership, and generosity of spirit. 

Originally from Guinea, 17-year-old Mariame Ninamou is a grade 12 student in Moncton who has already made a remarkable impact in her community. Since arriving in Canada in 2023, she has taken on leadership roles with the Boys and Girls Club, the Pairs Leaders program, and ImagineNB. Building on these experiences, she founded U Connect, a youth-led initiative that offers bilingual workshops to promote leadership, creativity, public speaking, and self-confidence. 

Arsène Sorgho is a cultural connector and storyteller based in Caraquet. Originally from Burkina Faso, he founded AfroFest NB – Caraquet to celebrate African culture and launched Caraquet la multiculturelle to build bridges between newcomers and long-time residents. He also co-hosts the podcast Immigrant Local, sharing immigrant voices across the province. Recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal in 2024, Arsène is recognized for his creativity, leadership, and dedication to inclusion. 

Angèle Losier is the Executive Director of CAFi, Atlantic Canada’s largest francophone settlement agency. With more than 20 years of experience in social work and community leadership, she has helped thousands of newcomers find support and belonging in New Brunswick. Known for her inclusive and visionary leadership, Angèle has strengthened organizations, advanced equity, and left a lasting impact on the communities she serves.