The Contributors
Perspectives and Counterpoints
Nexus Africa features a talented cast of contributors representing the rich diversity of Africa and the Diaspora. The diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experience makes for a compelling product.
Dr. AG Ahmed
An accomplished psychiatrist, Dr. AG Ahmed is a vice-president of Medical Staff at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. He is a Clinical Director of forensic services and Director of the Anger Disorders Clinic at Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. He is also a professor in the areas of psychiatry and criminology at the University of Ottawa.
Blake Batson
The CEO of 3 Vista Corporation, Blake Batson boasts 20-plus years of entrepreneurial and business management experience. A graduate of Western University, Blake founded and managed a number of high tech companies including ZIM Corporation. He earned a “Top 40 under 40” Award for entrepreneurism, and ran for municipal political office in Canada.
Doeba Bropleh
A financial expert with an MBA from California State University, Doeba Bropleh also bears a penchant for creative writing and photographic styles meant to “evoke a certain realm of self that reveals and revels in the beauty of Africa.” He is a past president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Graduate Chapter; and a board member of the Margaret Okari Children’s Foundation helping AIDS-orphaned children in Africa.
Martin Canning
Martin’s career spans public and non-profit sectors at national and international levels. His professional experiences are marked by a commitment to sustainability and an enthusiasm for leading in fast-paced and demanding environments. He brings a record of success to all his initiatives, which includes developing strategy- and performance-driven organizations; delivering creative market communications and award-winning, social marketing campaigns; and leading effective operations and program management. He is a board member of the Centretown Community Health Centre and the Centretown Citizen’s Community Association. He was appointed to the City of Ottawa’s Environmental Advisory Committee in 2009 and continues to serve today. Martin considers Ottawa home and currently works as a communications consultant. He is a graduate of Memorial University.
Jim Carty
A sales and communication skills specialist, Jim Carty is the founder and president of AltiMark Business Group. He holds designations as a Certified Sales Professional (CSP); a Distinguished Toastmaster and a Human Behaviour Specialist. He serves on various business and non-profit boards, and was president of a Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.
Al Duncan
A leading expert on at-risk youth and troubled young people, Al Duncan is the author of My Success Journal For Young People and Get ALL Fired Up! He has spoken to nearly one million young people from around the world; is the founder of Young Folk Today!™ and has been awarded the President’s Call to Service Award and The National PTA Lifetime Achievement Award, for outstanding service.
Abdul-Aziz Garuba Jr.
An accounting and finance alumnus of the University of Ottawa, Abdul-Aziz Garuba is an auditor for the Government of Canada. He was co-chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) 2010 World Conference themed Nigeria at 50: Building Public Private Partnerships in a Developing Economy.
Seun Okegbemiro
Economics graduate from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. He is currently the CEO of Dazedfaze Entertainment and Principal Partner of Dazedfaze Consult. He was the past president, National Society of Black Engineers(NSBE), Carleton Chapter. He was also the PRO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) 2010 World Conference themed Nigeria at 50: Building Public Private Partnerships in a Developing Economy. He is involved in many activities covering politics, economics, public policy, entertainment and sports. He is also a master of ceremony, with events of all varities all part of his catalogue.