At The Nod, we believe in the power of storytelling to uplift, inspire, and connect our community. Our first magazine edition, Gold is Black, was born out of a desire to shine a light on the extraordinary achievements within the Black community, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and brilliance that often go unrecognized.
The special feature section in our upcoming edition continues that mission with a renewed focus on celebrating the icons among us—those whose contributions are shaping the future and defining what “Gold is Black” truly means.
This section of the magazine will spotlight each feature’s professional achievements and showcase the values, experiences, and cultural pride that drive them. We’re excited to use this opportunity to honour the trailblazers among us and inspire others by sharing the remarkable stories of those who continue to break barriers and set new standards of success.
Gold is Black is more than a recognition; it’s a celebration of the richness and diversity of our community and a reminder that our collective brilliance is a beacon for future generations.
You have been selected for this special feature. Please respond to the questions below.
- Full name
- Enyinnah Okere
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Superpower
- Empowering others to reach potential.
- Origin Story
Migrating from Nigeria in the early ‘90s, he moved to Canada and began his career in public service, including roles as Chief of Staff in Saskatchewan. Since moving to Edmonton in 2019, he has worked with the Edmonton Police Service to enhance community safety.
- Milestones
- Dropping crime rates in Edmonton, with a goal to make Edmonton the safest city in Canada where everyone can thrive. He’s focused on getting more Black representation in the police force.
- Special abilities
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Resourcefulness.
Achieving big goals demands all three. Teamwork brings collaboration and diverse perspectives, effective communication keeps everyone aligned and motivated, and resourcefulness helps navigate challenges with creative solutions. Together, with talented team members and community leaders, these skills drive large-scale change.
- Accolades
- Edify top 40 under 40
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
- Info
- Linkedin: Enyinnah Okere
We are dedicated to honouring and uplifting the voices of Black innovators. We believe it’s important to take control of the narrative about the Black community and highlight the strength and ingenuity of those who are shaping the future with their innovation, resilience, and vision.
But to truly elevate these stories, we need your voice. We invite you to be a part of this journey by introducing and tagging five Black innovators across Canada to The Nod Movement. These are the individuals who you believe embody the spirit of excellence, determination, and innovation – those who truly deserve #theNod. Your nominations will help us shine a spotlight on the trailblazers who are making a difference, and together, we can ensure that their stories inspire and resonate far and wide.
5 Black innovators
- Andrel Wisdom – Senior Valuations manager – Aimco. Co-Founder of the Reet Institute
- Rebecca Nedelec – Director of Community Engagement at Air Canada
- Dr. Joshua Konu – Entrepreneur, Multi-Clinic Owner
- Yonathan Sumamo – Chief of Staff to Deputy Premier of Alberta
- Nosa Ayanru – Vice President of Finance and Business Development – CORE Capital Group
