Jonathan Cauri
Background
Jonathan Cauri migrated to Canada in February of 2002 from Nairobi, Kenya and is married with 3 grown children. He currently serves as Executive Director of UMOJA Operation Compassion Society, a Surrey based 23-year-old newcomer settlement charity founded by Amos and Edith Kambere, refugee migrants originally from Uganda.
Umoja Operation Compassion Society
Umoja is Swahili for “unity” and evokes the notion of harmonious co-existence through mutual liberation. Hence, guided by the organization’s vision of “Building Strong Communities; Moving from Newcomers to Neighbours”, the society ascribes to a values-centered, culturally cognizant approach to holistic mainstreaming of newcomers to the community.
Community Work
As a first-generation migrant, family man, and visible minority with lived experience, Jonathan was drawn into the multiple conversations triggered by the unfortunate May 25th, 2020, George Floyd incident. Eventually, through the active encouragement of others in the non-profit space, he joined Umoja as Development Director in April of 2022 before eventually transitioning to the role of Executive Director in March of 2023. Prior to Umoja Operation Compassion, Jonathan’s professional background variously included business communications, branding, client relations, and sales across various sectors.
He has contributed to several seminal community engagement forums including the Resilience BC Community Convenors “Black in BC” project (2021), Provincial Anti-Racism Data legislation (2022), and Voice of African Diasporas (VOADS) community engagement forums which seek to promote intercultural dialogue, truth and reconciliation, and community empowerment.
In his work, Jonathan aspires to strengthen strategic partnerships and solidarity with like-minded change agents toward an authentically thriving society in which no one is left behind.
Dacious Richardson
Dacious Richardson, born in Monrovia, Liberia, moved to Canada in March 2011. Attended Guildford Park Secondary & Douglas College. Currently, he works for the Surrey School District as a liaison, providing mentorship and ensuring the safety of high school students. Dacious is a community leader involved in various organizations and initiatives that combat systemic racism. He served as a committee member of the United Nations Alliance of Civilization and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism on Policymaking, Youth, Sport, and Preventing Violent Extremism. He also served as a committee member for the Canadian Council for Refugees Youth Network.
Dacious is a passionate advocate for blacks, refugees, immigrants, newcomers and high-risk youth, focusing on addressing racial discrimination and cultural barriers. He is actively involved in policymaking to tackle racism and systemic discrimination worldwide. His intersectional approach aims to dismantle barriers faced by immigrants. As the founder of Rise Above Reality Expectation Community Services Society, Dacious supports and mentors’ youth, fostering leadership, cultural connections, and empowerment to improve social and economic outcomes while preventing violence.
He runs after-school programs and host a free sports tournament annually since 2016, to break financial barriers for marginalized youth. He’s the youth coordinator of the Liberia-Canadian Association of Greater Vancouver and supervisor of the Black Student Union at Frank Hurt & Sullivan Heights Secondaries.
Dacious Richardson has received several accolades, including the Surrey Distinctions Award “Mayor Choice,” the “Rising Star” Black Brilliances Award, “Emerging Leader” award for the BC Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Award from the Ministry of the Attorney General, and he is a recipient of the Youth Leader and the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award. His influence extends globally, with participation in United Nations initiatives, including representing Canada at the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways in Geneva, Switzerland, in June 2024.
Dr. Godwin Ude
Dr. Godwin Ude is a distinguished clinical counsellor, psychotherapist, and Executive Director of Kingdom Acts Foundation (KAF), with over 15 years of experience in community development, social research, and public policy. He holds advanced degrees in Pharmacy, counselling, theology, business administration, and social research, including credentials from Harvard University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto and the University of Sydney. Dr. Ude has successfully led culturally appropriate programs and research for Canadian Heritage, UBC, ESDC, and Vancouver Foundation, focusing on marginalized communities. A passionate advocate, he has represented BIPOC groups at international forums, including the United Nations in Geneva.
Solomon Iwegim – Award-Winning Financial Services Professional & Community Leader
Solomon Iwegim is a seasoned financial services professional with expertise in business banking, financial analysis, strategic planning, risk management, and innovation. At RBC Royal Bank of Canada, he currently manages a high-value business portfolio and supports the Black Entrepreneur Program, driving economic empowerment and business growth. His excellence earned him the RBC Leo Award, the pinnacle of recognition at RBC globally.
Beyond banking, Solomon is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Thrive-4-Blacks Community Services Society, leading youth empowerment, newcomer settlement, and capacity building. He also serves on the board of AMSSA, providing strategic guidance and corporate governance for multicultural integration and social impact.
His academic background includes degrees in Botany and Business Administration. He is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and a Certified Retail Banker from the Retail Banking Academy, UK, with additional certifications in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRCP) and Financial Planning.
Solomon loves soccer, music, and playing Scrabble. His best moments are spent discovering new fun places with his wife, Nelly, and their three kids.
Garrison Duke, MBA
Garrison Duke is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience dedicated to developing impactful community programs, fostering team growth, and creating environments of shared learning. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Salvation Army – Buchanan Lodge, an award-winning long-term care facility. At Buchanan Lodge, Garrison oversees 112 publicly subsidized beds and a multidisciplinary team, including a Medical Director, Spiritual Health Coordinator, Physiotherapist, Director of Care, Social Worker, Clinical Nurse Team Lead, Rehab Assistant, and other key staff. His leadership ensures the delivery of compassionate, person-centered care that meets the needs of residents.
Before joining Buchanan Lodge, Garrison was the Chief Operating Officer and Director at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s capacity, creating new opportunities for growth, and strengthening partnerships. Under his leadership, the organization flourished, broadening its reach to support diverse populations through an array of impactful programs, including settlement services, employment training supports, entrepreneurship and social enterprise.
Garrison holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University, a qualification that underpins his strategic approach to leadership. His expertise lies in creating opportunities for marginalized populations, driving organizational growth, and championing social change. In addition to his executive roles, he is an active community advocate, serving as Board President of AMSSA and as a member of the Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee. His previous board roles include the BC Career Development Association and the British Columbia Multicultural Advisory Council.
Garrison’s dedication to community service extends to media advocacy, where he has engaged with the public through appearances on platforms such as Breakfast TV Vancouver, CKNW 980, and CBC Radio. His outstanding contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Surrey-Now Leader’s Community Leader Honourable Mention Award in the Above & Beyond category.
With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Garrison continues to make a lasting impact on the communities he serves, advocating for vulnerable groups and mobilizing resources to drive meaningful change.
