Wall of Honour
DORATHY THOMPSON
Dorathy Thompson is a dedicated professional with expertise in geology, education, and community service. She holds a B.Sc. (Honors) in Geology from the University of Calabar and certifications in Information Systems Management and Petroleum Geological Applications from SAIT. A professional geologist and APEGA member, she is passionate about geoscience outreach, volunteering with programs like the Science Olympics and Earth Science for Society. Dorathy is also an accomplished educator with a B.Ed. in Mathematics and a Special Education certificate from the University of Calgary. A certified Alberta teacher with the Calgary Catholic School District, she uses evidence-based strategies to support student success. She mentors immigrant professionals transitioning into teaching and volunteers with AGAPE, assisting newcomers in learning English for employment.
Dorathy participates in the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program and Healing Hands Health & Education Society, providing online education to underserved communities. A dedicated soccer mom, she has managed teams and organized fundraising activities.As an active NCAC member for over a decade, Dorathy has led humanitarian efforts, including fundraising for victims of the 2013 Calgary flood and the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in food distribution.
Her contributions have earned her national recognition, including the 2022 Knowledgehook Top Impact Influencer Award and the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. In her free time, she enjoys public speaking, cooking and traveling. She continues to inspire through leadership and service.
NCAC congratulates Dorathy on her achievements!
KEHINDE EKPUDU MBA, RSW
Kehinde Ekpudu, MBA, RSW, is a registered social worker, mental health therapist, and co-founder of the Alberta Association of Black Social Workers. She is also the founder of Twin Ocean, a mental health brand dedicated to supporting immigrant mental health. Kehinde has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to mental health, equity, and community advocacy. She was honored with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her
unwavering dedication to promoting mental health awareness, advancing equity, and supporting marginalized communities.
She holds both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Calgary. During her undergraduate studies, she received the PURE (Program for Undergraduate Research Experience) grant, leading research on the immigration experiences of Nigerian women in Calgary. This research earned her the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Internationally Focused Research.
Kehinde’s achievements also include the Recognition of Excellence Award-Student Leadership and the Clarice Chodak Recognition of Excellence in Social Action, both awarded by the University of Calgary. She is also a proud alum of the University of Calgary’s Scholar Academy. With nearly a decade of experience in social work, Kehinde has worked extensively in mental health, community development, and research, with a particular focus on immigration experiences and anti-Black racism. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy continues to shape her work, ensuring that underserved communities receive the support and resources they need.
NCAC congratulates Kehinde on her achievements!
BUKOLA OJEMAKINDE
Bukola Ojemakinde is a Chemical Engineer with extensive experience in Calgary’s oil and gas industry, but her true passion lies in community service. As the founder and executive director of Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF) – [ladiesinthefamily.com] (https://ladiesinthefamily.com/), she champions emotional wellness and addresses acculturation gaps through impactful projects. One of her standout initiatives, BE-GIRL, has successfully raised over $100,000 to empower Black girls.
Bukola is also at the helm of the HER Connect initiative ([herconnects.ca] (https://herconnects.ca/)), which enhances mental health services for Black women and girls. Furthermore, she founded and directs the Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation ([bridgetooasis.ca] (https://bridgetooasis.ca/)), dedicated to supporting seniors of African and Caribbean descent in Canada. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Bukola received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023.
NCAC congratulates Bukola on her achievements!
AMANDA OKAFOR
Amanda Okafor has been a member of the African dance community since the age of 8 and has since been a driving force in introducing Afro dance styles to the greater community of Calgary.
She has provided classes and training for the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary, Yoruba Foundation of Calgary, South South Association of Calgary, the Calgary Boards of Education, as well as various studios in the city.
While many know Amanda as a dancer, grieving the loss of her mother at the age of 19 developed a love for writing poetry. She has participated in open mic and slam competitions around the Calgary and uses the art of story telling as a vessel for others to find healing.
Her passion for people is not just limited to art but has also put her in a role as a Success Advisor at Bow Valley College and Master of Counselling Psychology student at the University of Lethbridge. Through her work and volunteer experience, she has developed wellness programs to support at risk youth and adults through dance and life skills training. As an artist and future Psychologist,
Amanda hopes to continue creating spaces that will uplift the community she has grown to love, while promoting both artistic and cultural expression.