About Us
The York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (York Region AACC) is a not-for-profit organization established in January 2016 to foster a progressive and cohesive York Region African Canadian Community.
Meet our Board Members
AN ALLIANCE OF PEOPLE, AMPLIFYING THE VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY
Chair
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson
Jeffrey is a volunteer and Past President of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Toronto chapter. He also gives back to the community as a board member of the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC), volunteers in his church, including with the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of the Black Employee Network (BEN) at TD Bank. Jeffrey has a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in General Business from Northcentral University (NCU), Arizona.
Previously, Jeffrey has been giving back to the community in various ways as a Scout leader with the Federation of North American Explorers (FNE), a House League Soccer Coach, and a Rep Team Manager with the Richmond Hill Soccer Club (RHSC).
He is married to Jannette and has two children, Shane and Zoë.
Vice-Chair
Ann-Marie Campbell
She has been instrumental in planning and delivering the Alliance’s Annual Black History Month event, she is the key liaison with the Ministry for the MCSS-funded Black Youth Mentorship Program, Vice Chair from 2018 to present, and more recently, she has taken on the additional role of Treasurer.
Ann Marie is an Analytics Specialist, a graduate of the Queen’s School of Business with a master’s in management Analytics (2016) and also holds a Masters’ degree from the University of the West Indies Jamaica, Mona Campus, in Management Information Systems. She currently works at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and previously at the 407ETR.
Ann Marie has a passion for service and giving back to the community through advocacy, fundraising and other endeavours. She previously served as Treasurer for the Knox Past Students Association, a Jamaica school alliance organization that raises funds to support underprivileged students at her alma mater.
Executive Director
Lee Miller
He studied Human Resources Management at Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University).
Before retirement, he held various leadership/management positions in the private sector including Assistant General Manager, Customer Service Manager, Customer Retention Trainer, and Sales and Service Consultant.
Due to his career and lived experience, he commands the respect and loyalty of others through his “people skills”, by highlighting other strengths and/or humanity regardless of their profession, positions or possession
In his role as chair of the York Region Alliance African Canadian Communities, he is instrumental in developing African Centered / Cultural Identity Programs for both elementary and high school Black students in York Region.
His life purpose is to help his Black community become grounded in their culture while evoking the best of their African values/heritage.
Director
Lisa Marshall
With over 25 years of experience in the Telecommunications sector, Lisa has honed her skills in navigating complex client relationships, strategic planning and resolving disputes efficiently.
Lisa believes in the power of community and strives to leverage her skills to create a lasting impact. Her passion for social justice and equity drives her commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive community.
Director
Alana Miller
My name is Alana Miller. I graduated from Ryerson University, currently known as Toronto Metropolitan
University (TMU)with a Bachelor’s of Social Work in 2002. I have worked in various roles as a Child
protection worker in the Child welfare sector.
I have applied my personal and professional experiences to advocate for and support Black children,
young people and families. This has been especially highlighted as my current role as an Equity
Integration Lead at Catholic Children’s Aid Society. In this role I have trained and provided consultation
regarding Anti-Black racism within child welfare and provided feedback and recommendations regarding
strengthen and supporting the Black people and families.
I have recently had the opportunity to share my lived and work experience at a presentation at YRAAC.
During the presentation I spoke of the disproportionate data regarding Black families involvement with
child welfare and I provided tips as to how to navigate the system should one become involved. This
included information about rights, questions to ask and the need for familial and community supports.
I hope to become further involved in my community and have continued opportunities to share my
personal and professional experiences, learn and lead with the goal of strengthening the Black
community.
Secretary
Winston Miller
26 years experience with Toronto Public Health serving in senior management positions up to, and including Director.
2 years as a senior policy advisor, Public Health Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health.
Past President of the Ontario Public Health Association.
13 years as International Programs Director of an International Development organization, responsible for programs in Health, Education, and Livelihoods, in over 39 countries globally.
Married, with 2 children, and 5 grandchildren.
Serves on 3 non-profit boards of directors, and is active in Church Leadership.
Seniors Initiative
Madge Logan
She has previously worked as a curriculum consultant, and supervisory officer with the North York Board of Education, and as a course leader and course director in the Faculty of Education at York University. As well Madge has worked in the Ministry of Education of Ontario, as an Education Officer. She has shared her education expertise as a speaker at a number of conferences and workshops within Ontario and across Canada and has been a panelist on a number of programs showcased on TV Ontario. Madge has served as a member of the Board of Governors at Humber College, and on the selection committee for teacher candidates for the Faculty of Education at York University. She has been chair of the Harry Gairey Scholarship Committee, member of the Harry Jerome Scholarship Committee, and member of the African Heritage Educators Network in the North York Board of Education, as well as a member of the Board of Directors – Canadian Federation of University Women, Markham Unionville. She has also been a member of the Canadian Alliance of Black Educators, the Board of Directors of the Ontario Public Schools Supervisory Officers Association and various school parent councils. She is now retired and continues her advocacy through working with community organizations as well as being a Board Member of the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Caribbean Communities.
Health and Wellbeing
Sheila Nedd-Buckmire
A Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife from the Caribbean, Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University, a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and has also completed training in Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Governance and Management from Carlton University.
A passionate advocate for vulnerable populations impacted by the determinants of health, Sheila has founded and also served on the boards of charitable organizations, and brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, Human Resources, non-profit management and financial planning to YRAACC.
Events
Sophia Mckenzie
Sophia’s specialties include primary and community nursing, palliative care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care as well culturally sensitive and competent care in the health sector. She currently manages a 72 bed unit at a GTA hospital and is also a Nusing professor at Toronto Metropolitan University teaching maternal child nursing, mental health nursing and community nursing with an equity diversity and inclusion lens to eliminate health disparities within communities of colour.
To Our Community and Partners
Gallery
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