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.

‍

Dédy Bilamba is a high-level marketing manager with a rich and diverse background spanning three continents, known for his unique career path.

‍

Throughout his journey, Dédy has demonstrated his versatility and creativity in diverse roles, including Partnership Manager at Stade de France, Communications Advisor at the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, and Brand Manager for KFC Côte d’Ivoire. His ability to thrive in different environments is driven by a consistent thread—his creative approach to tackling challenges.

‍

A passionate advocate for culture, Dédy is also the author of three books and has written short film scripts.

‍

For the past five years, he has worked in television and cinema in Quebec, contributing to prestigious institutions such as the Vues d'Afrique International Film Festival and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (Quebec section).

‍

Dédy also serves on the Board of Directors of the Dynastie Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to cultural advocacy and community impact.

‍

Despite having lived in the diaspora from a young age, Dédy maintains a deep connection to Africa. In 2022, alongside his partner Éric M'boua, he co-founded Afro VFX, a groundbreaking initiative with the mission of revolutionizing African cinema and television. 

‍

Afro VFX aims to develop a competitive ecosystem for VFX (Visual Effects) on the continent, helping amplify African stories and bring them to a global audience.

‍

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.