Afoali Ngwakum Akisa

Afoali Ngwakum Akisa is a Montreal-based creative mind, storyteller, and founder of 9:16 Stories, a video production company specializing in emotionally resonant, goal-driven narratives. Inspired by her father’s love for capturing family memories, Afoali turned her passion for storytelling into a thriving career, helping businesses and creators cut through the digital noise with content that connects and drives results.

Her work has delivered measurable impact across industries. Afoali’s expertise helped Swab the World raise over $232,000 through social media campaigns, secured $614,000 in funding for Sayaspora’s mission to empower African women, and supported Juno in raising $300,000 to innovate menstrual health solutions. Known for blending creativity and strategy, Afoali ensures that her clients’ stories resonate and inspire action.

In her workshops, Afoali empowers participants to create engaging content that not only captures attention but delivers real results. By sharing practical techniques, creative insights, and actionable strategies, she equips business owners, marketers, and creators with the tools to stand out in today’s crowded content landscape.

Afoali Ngwakum Akisa

other stakeholders

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Diane Gistal

Diane Gistal is a cultural producer and independent curator of Haitian-French descent, recognized for her dedication to promoting Afro-descendant and African artistic creation. As the founder and director of Nigra Iuventa, she works to amplify the practices of visual artists from these communities. With expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as extensive experience in cultural project management, Diane is a committed leader in Quebec’s cultural sector.Her career has led her to collaborate with prestigious institutions such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Phi Foundation, the Goethe-Institut, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Le Livart, and the UNESCO Chair DCMET. Her curatorial practice—at the crossroads of visual arts, literature, and the humanities—delves into the literary, visual, and cinematic representations of the Black Atlantic.

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Mahaya Boicel

A dynamic and versatile entrepreneur, Mahaya brings a wealth of experience to the worlds of business and entertainment. Coming from a family with deep jazz and blues roots, she has nurtured a passion for creativity, innovation, and communication. With over two decades of experience, she has honed her expertise in customer service, sales, networking, and business development.

Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her strategic vision and adaptability. She has worked closely with emerging artists, supporting their creative and professional growth while building a vibrant network in the entertainment industry. At the same time, she has navigated the tech sector, particularly in Blockchain, and has invested in tech-focused startups and fashion merchandise ventures, showcasing her innovative mindset and ability to seize growth opportunities.

Passionate about health, wellness, and personal development, Mahaya seamlessly combines her business acumen with a deep commitment to enhancing quality of life. As the owner of a franchise for over six years, she has demonstrated strong business management skills while successfully balancing her roles as both a mother and an entrepreneur.

Resilient and driven, Mahaya embodies excellence in all her ventures, inspiring those around her by shaping the business landscape while prioritizing well-being and success for those she supports.

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Cameron Bailey

Few people understand the importance of the arts and culture sector as well as Cameron Bailey. He is CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) - the world's largest public film festival and one of Canada's premier cultural brands. Under his strategic direction, the festival continues to grow in size and significance each year.

Bailey began his career as a film critic. He also curated films for Cinematheque Ontario, The National Gallery of Canada, The National Film Board of Canada, and Australia’s Sydney International Film Festival before joining TIFF in 1990. He began as a programmer selecting Canadian films before moving on to African and South Asian cinema. He’s responsible for TIFF’s highly successful subscription series, Reel Talk, and also headed TIFF’s Perspective Canada series and founded its Planet Africa section.

Bailey has taught film curation at the University of Toronto and holds an honorary doctorate from Western University. He is a Chevalier in France’s Order of Arts and Letters, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, and for 12 consecutive years been named one of “Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People” by Toronto Life.

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