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.

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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.

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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.

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Dejha Carrington is a practitioner and leader in the arts.

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In 2017, Dejha co-founded Commissioner, an art membership that helps peoplecollect the work of contemporary artists in their cities. She serves as ExecutiveDirector and has thus far introduced the program in Miami, Detroit, New York,Montreal, Mexico City, and New Orleans.

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From 2015 to 2022, Dejha served as Vice President of Strategic Communications for YoungArts, the national foundation forthe advancement of artists. Previously, she led public relations initiatives with Kimball Art Museum, the Medellin Biennial inColombia, and the National Film Board of Canada.

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Dejha is a board member of the national performance arts funder MAP Fund in New York, and The Black School, an experimental schoolhouse in New Orleans. She is also a professional advisory member of Miami-Dade Art In Public Places, New York University’s Center for Black Visual Culture, and University of Miami’s Center for Global Black Studies. 

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Dejha teaches the Business of Art at New World School of the Arts at Miami-Dade College.

Tracy Paulotte is a cultural strategist and producer dedicated to transforming Quebec’s creative industries by promoting access, representation, and opportunities.

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With nearly eight years of experience, she designs and leads programs, panels, and events that offer tailored training, mentorship, and increased visibility within the industry. Her background spans commercial, web, and television production, with key roles in projects such as La Nuit où Laurier Gaudreault s’est réveillé by Xavier Dolan, Le Beau Chaos on Télé-Québec, and Les Rendez-Vous de Nolie on Natyf TV.

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Certified in production management (INIS), independent production (Main Film), and human resources management (UQAM), Tracy combines creative vision and strategic leadership to deliver high-impact projects. She also leads workshops for audiences aged 8 to 50, raising awareness about the importance of accessibility and representation in behind-the-camera roles.

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As the head of programs at the Dynastie Foundation, Tracy designs and implements initiatives that highlight Black talent in the arts, media, and culture, creating sustainable professional opportunities — from creative roles to leadership positions — one project at a time.

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