Rudi Quammie Williams

Merging Art with Strategic Influence

Rudi Quammie Williams stands at the intersection of art and strategic business, driving cultural and educational initiatives with a keen business acumen. His academic credentials in Fine Arts and an MBA from York University have equipped him to blend creative endeavors with impactful leadership effectively.

As a central figure in Toronto’s cultural arena, Rudi significantly contributed to the Caribbean Cultural Committee and the iconic Toronto Caribana Festival. His roles ranged from Chair of the Island Picnic Committee to innovator with the Caribana Rap-Off, showcasing his ability to engage communities and enhance cultural events with strategic oversight.

Rudi’s influence extends to the film industry as the co-founder and first Executive Director of the Reel World Film Festival, a platform that celebrates Canadian filmmaking diversity. His leadership here highlights his capacity to navigate and innovate within competitive sectors.

Through the Ujima Fathering Centres, Rudi has also made strides in social entrepreneurship, supporting African Canadian fathers by leveraging community resources for social impact. His efforts in founding arts organizations such as Truths and Rights, Usafiri, Sankofa, and Baro Dununba further illustrate his commitment to using art for community engagement and education.

Rudi Quammie Williams exemplifies the powerful synergy between artistry and strategic thinking, illustrating how creative initiatives can be harnessed for substantial cultural and business impacts. His work as a cultural architect showcases a unique blend of innovation, leadership, and community-focused strategies.

DAVINA REID

Being a successful woman and financial services professional for 20+ years, of Caribbean (Guyanese) heritage, achieving roles of increasing importance in the Canadian automotive financial services industry, and possessing extensive non-profit experience, qualifies Davina Reid as a true trailblazer.

From 2002-2014, Reid was an active member of the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP), formerly UFSC-Urban Financial Services Coalition; a non-profit professional services organization focussed on financial literacy and the advancement of Blacks and minorities in the financial services industry. She served as President of CAUFP from 2011-2012, and as President Emeritus and Chair of the organization’s Corporate Advisory Board from 2013-2014. She also served as Board Secretary for the charitable organization, National Junior Golf Academy from 2006-2017. Reid was appointed to the Caribana Arts Group (CAG) board in October of 2018 as a Director-at-Large and was officially voted in as Vice Chair by its membership in Jan of 2019, assuming the role as Acting Chair in the Fall of 2020.

Professionally, Reid is currently with the “Insurance Division” at Scotiabank as a Director, Growth & Partner Management. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from York University and an MBA degree with a concentration in Leadership from Dalhousie University.

Reid believes in the future potential of CAG and is dedicated to bringing the organization back to its previous greatness. She has prior board experience, having served on two non-profit boards, before joining CAG, and brings with her a firm understanding of Board Governance.

Previous CAG Board of Director history:

•  Davina was previously elected as the Vice Chair however, assumed the role of Acting Chair in October 2020 on the 2018-2021 CAG Board
• She has served on two consecutive CAG board terms (2015-2018 and 2018-2021), first joining the Board in 2018 when she was appointed as Director-at-Large

TASHIA ANTOINE

Tashia Antoine has acquired an extensive resume of successes as a business consultant in a variety of industries such as the food and beverage industry, corporate events, community initiatives, and cultural organizations.

She brings to Caribana Arts Group (CAG) many years of experience in public relations, project management, and customer service.

Antoine is also well known in Toronto’s Caribbean entertainment industry as a Carnival Queen, Artist Manager, Promoter, Radio Host, and Carnival & LifeStyle Correspondent.

Born in Toronto, her parents are Trinidadian and Vincentian. Antoine was not only exposed to her Caribbean culture from a very young age but was taught to embrace its culture as an art form and a way of life.

She grew up immersed in the culture: making mas with veteran mas-maker Arnold Hughes, singing in calypso tents, and performing and choreographing routines with local artists.

Her dance background and vibrant personality were a perfect match in competing as Carnival Queen in the “King & Queen Competition” over the years for Arnold Hughes & Associates, its new generation spin-off band Renaissance Mas Productions, and top masquerade band, Toronto Revellers led by NBA All-Star Jamaal Magloire.

Antoine continues to promote Caribbean Arts & Culture through her promo group Triple T Sports & Entertainment. She looks forward to serving her community through the efforts of the Caribana Arts Group and in keeping the legacy of Caribana alive.

Previous CAG Board of Director history:

• Tashia Antoine previously served as a Director-at-Large on the 2018-2021 CAG Board
• She never served on CAG’s Board prior to 2018

GERALDINE STAFFORD

From Grenada; Geraldine brings to the Board a strong governance, relationship/ client engagement background complemented by her holistic love and passion for everything carnival. Growing up immersed in the culture, Geraldine is the daughter of the late Calypsonian, Sailor.

Geraldine is currently the Manager of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Unit, Executive Branch, Waterloo Regional Police Service and also has strong background in DE&I conversations within Black and indigenous communities.

Previous CAG Board of Director history:

• Geraldine Stafford previously served on CAG’s Board as Chair from 2018-2020

CHEDWICK CRIEGHTNEY

Chedwick is a leader, transformational coach, entrepreneur, and visionary. Throughout his career, he consistently worked to help others succeed as managers, CEO’s, or business owners. His leadership and coaching assisted clients in exploring their hidden potential by becoming focused, people-centric leaders, harnessing exceptional teams and delivering remarkable performance.

Chedwick is of Jamaican heritage and brings to the board significant fundraising and networking experience.

Chedwick is currently CEO of Gold Pill Group Inc. A group of companies providing consultation to small and midsize companies.

Previous CAG Board of Director history:

• Chedwick Criegntney has never previously served on CAG’s Board

Amanda J Edwin

Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Amanda undertook immigration to Canada in 2008, establishing her residence in the Region of Waterloo. Preceding her immigration, Amanda pursued an early retirement following a distinguished 21-year tenure as an elementary teacher with the Ministry of Education. Amanda possesses a Bachelor’s in Education with a specialization in Educational Administration and a Master’s Degree in Sociology, both acquired at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.

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Demonstrating a profound commitment to community service, Amanda sought avenues to contribute meaningfully to her new environment. In 2016, she assumed the role of a Board Member at the CCAWR, drawn by the alignment of the organization’s values, mission, and vision with her own. Amanda served as a Director of the Board in the capacity of Secretary for six years. She also engages in the Scholarship Committee, fostering connections with fellow Caribbean residents in the region.

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Beyond her board responsibilities, Amanda dedicates part-time hours to instructing adults at Pathways Educational Services and at Conestoga College. Additionally, she is a solo entrepreneur and operates a modest notary services practice situated in Kitchener-Waterloo. During her non-professional commitments, Amanda prioritizes quality time with her family and pursues her enduring passion for writing. Leveraging various platforms, including blogging and social media, she endeavors to inspire others by sharing her insights on education, parenting, and law. Amanda acknowledges that her writings, much like herself, are perpetual works in progress, marked by an ongoing journey of refinement rather than an aspiration for flawlessness.

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Daren James

Daren James is a tech and education professional who immigrated from St. Lucia and lives in the Waterloo Region. He holds a Master of Technology Management, a bachelor’s degree, and several diplomas and certificates in education and technology.

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He has worked in different industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, education, and engineering.

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Daren is passionate about the community and fostering environments where everyone can thrive and be their best version. His passion for community has brought him to volunteer with several community organizations, such as CCAWR.

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Everton Dixon

After graduating from York University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Everton Dixon grew his understanding of the financial industry through working for BMO Bank of Montreal and RBC Insurance. He joined the mortgage industry to help people avoid the limitations set by traditional banks and financial institutions.

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Everton’s motivation came from the fact that he could help Canadians find better mortgage terms and more flexibility. Early in his mortgage career, Everton partnered up with Home Equity Bank to become a Tri-City reverse mortgage referral partner and successfully became a Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist. This experience is in-home refinancing for those looking to beat their bank renewal or increase their monthly cash flow by consolidating high-interest unsecured debt.

To further grow his expertise in wealth generation through real estate, he enrolled in the Real Property Administration (Assessment & Appraisal) program at Seneca College. Once he completed his Ontario College Diploma in Real Property Administration and his Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, he was hired by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) as a property inspector. After enrolling in several courses in the Real Estate Division at the University of British Columbia School of Business, he decided to register with the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) and enter the private sector of property assessment in commercial and residential spaces. Everton is currently an AIC candidate working towards his AACI designation.

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Everton applies this expertise to help people from all stages of life and backgrounds break into the real estate market, even under the most challenging financial circumstances. By having a foothold in the financing and appraisal portion of real estate, his end goal is always to help people become successful in their financial endeavours.

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PAUL GREEN

Paul Green is a community leader with over 35 years of experience working at a grassroots level in many of the communities across the Greater Toronto Area. Additionally, he has developed a network of relationships throughout the education, entertainment, and business sector. Green’s passion is tied to youth leadership development; primarily starting from early adolescence to early adulthood.

He is a founder of B.S.A. (The Universal Black Students Association), B.L.O.C.K. Headz (Building Links On Community Korners), and “Rush The Vote” (a national youth voter turnout initiative), spearheading many projects and initiatives that focus on developing young leaders to see themselves as agents of social change.

Currently, he is an educator with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and is a founding member of ONABSE (Ontario Association of Black School Educators) that specializes “edutainment” programming; an arts and entertainment approach to education with a focus on civic and media literacy.

With expertise in youth and community civic engagement, Green has developed programming for youth; from adolescence to early adulthood. This programming promotes the importance of involvement in the political system as a key and vital component to building prosperous communities, and teaches how the political system and how government works.

Green’s previous experience includes working with young offenders in both open and closed custody facilities, developing educational resource material, as well as counseling, mentoring and coaching.

Presently, Green sits on the board of Dream Legacy Foundation whose mission is to support grassroots capacity-building and to promote economic inclusion of marginalized communities.