Partners
Diversity in Leadership Summit
Program Overview
1:30 PM – Doors Open, Check-in and Networking
Begin the afternoon by connecting with emerging leaders and community partners.
2:00 PM – Official Opening
Hosted by Master of Ceremony Namarta Kochar, followed by an Opening Prayer from Elder Rick Daniels. Brief remarks from community and provincial representatives will frame the purpose of the Summit and the impact we aim to create together.
Namarta Kochar
Namarta Kochar is a respected community leader and CEO of Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan. Known for her dedication to volunteerism and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, she serves on Saskatchewan’s Drug Advisory Committee and the TCU Place Board. Namarta is also a sought-after master of ceremonies for major community and cultural events.
Elder (kēhtēyis) Rick Daniels
Elder Rick Daniels is a residential school survivor from the Mistawasis Neyhiyawak First Nation. He is a graduate of the First Nations University of Canada, having earned a Bachelor of Indian Social Work and Arts degree. Rick enjoyed 22 years as education counsellor for Sask Polytechnic in Saskatoon and is currently an active member of and advisor for the Saskatoon Survivor’s Circle and Reconciliation Saskatoon.
2:15 PM – Collaborative Activity: Building Connections Brick-by-Brick
Take part in a guided small-group activity designed to build connections, collaboration, trust, and appreciation across diverse groups. Facilitated by April Sora (City of Saskatoon) and Cynthia Hernandez (Immigration Partnership Saskatoon), this session is grounded in their experience advancing inclusion and cross-sector collaboration in our city.
April Yuri Sora
April Sora is the Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant with the City of Saskatoon. She has worked extensively in the immigrant and refugee sector in both Toronto and Saskatoon and previously served in federal government roles including Human Resources Advisor and Employment Equity Consultant. April is also a passionate taiko drummer with the Saskatoon performance group Living Sky Taiko.
Cynthia Hernandez
Cynthia Hernandez is the Manager of the Local Immigration Partnership Saskatoon and a multidisciplinary professional with experience in nonprofit leadership, finance, and strategic operations. Originally from Mexico, she has lived in three countries and brings an international perspective to community building. Cynthia is a strong advocate for inclusion, collaboration, and strengthening connections across diverse communities.
2:40 PM – Networking Break
Engage in guided cross-sector networking conversations that spark collaboration, with light cultural bites to enjoy.
3:00 PM – Featured Speaker (Recorded): Senos Timon
Discover diverse leadership in action. Senos Timon, Saskatoon City Councillor and founder of People’s Bridge Advocacy, reflects on his journey into civic leadership and shares how diverse voices and cross-sector collaboration strengthen communities and public systems.
Senos Timon
Senos Robert Timon is the City Councillor for Ward 2 in Saskatoon and a long-time advocate for social equity and community leadership. Originally from South Sudan, he has dedicated more than two decades to strengthening inclusion and civic engagement. As founder of People Bridge Advocacy, Senos continues to champion collaboration, belonging, and equitable opportunities across Saskatoon.
3:10 PM — LACE Alumni Panel: Leadership Journey Experience
Hear powerful stories of resilience, growth, and community impact from LACE alumni as they reflect on their leadership journeys in Canada and their growing impact across sectors and communities.
Tina Marki
Tina Marki is an economist who believes that when women are empowered with the right tools, they don’t just build careers—they transform entire communities. As the Founder of Karmaburn Yoga, she has designed and scaled community-based programs that have served thousands of individuals and families.
A proud LACE Alumna, Tina brings a rare blend of heart and high-level operational mastery to her work, dedicated to building resilient communities and strengthening the local economy through service-driven leadership.
Akintunde Owoseni, PMP
Akintunde Owoseni is a technology Project Manager and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience leading complex transformation initiatives. Since moving to Saskatoon, he has taken on active governance and civic roles, including Director of Governance with Project Management Institute – North Saskatchewan Chapter; Volunteer Coordinator with Library of Things, Volunteer Customer Experience Ambassador with the Saskatoon YXE Airport, and recently appointed to the Saskatoon Board of Revision.
A proud LACE Alumni, Akintunde brings a systems-thinking approach to inclusive leadership, with a focus on strengthening pathways for newcomer professionals and advancing meaningful community impact.
Sonia Arifa
Sonia Arifa has over nine years of experience in public health care. She has worked as a physician, community medicine lecturer, and specialist in community healthcare programs with a strong focus on maternal and reproductive health care.
Sonia is also deeply engaged in community service, volunteering with organizations including Global Gathering Place, the Canadian Red Cross, the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, and the Palliative Care and Dialysis units at St. Paul’s Hospital. In her current role as a Community Development Worker at Saskatoon Open Door Society, she works to strengthen inclusive and resilient communities.
David Ohene-Amoako
David Ohene-Amoako is a Ghanaian student leader and community advocate whose leadership journey began with the Ashanti Regional Students’ Representative Council (ARSRC) in Ghana.
He later continued his leadership in Canada at the University of Saskatchewan, where he served in several roles and eventually became President of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA).
David also served at the national level as Deputy Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).
3:30 PM — Workshop: Communication Across Cultures in Saskatoon
Leadership often means navigating different communication styles. In this interactive session, facilitated by Abdur Rehman Ahmad, Talent, Leadership, and EDI Consultant at the University of Saskatchewan, you’ll gain practical tools to reduce misunderstandings, check assumptions, and communicate with clarity. Through guided practice, you’ll build intercultural communication confidence – strengthening trust and creating space for more voices to contribute.
Abdur Rehman Ahamd
Abdur Rehman Ahmad is a Talent, Leadership, and EDI Consultant at the University of Saskatchewan. Originally from Pakistan and now based in Treaty 6 territory, he brings international experience in public health, leadership development, and inclusive workplace initiatives. Abdur has held leadership roles with the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association and SAISIA and currently serves on the Leadership Saskatoon Board.
4:00 PM – Networking Break
Engage in guided cross-sector networking conversations that spark collaboration, with light cultural bites available.
4:15 PM — Featured Speaker (Recorded): Nick Noorani
Be inspired by one of Canada’s most respected voices in immigrant leadership. Nick Noorani, renowned advocate, entrepreneur, and change-maker, shares powerful insights on how networks, mentorship, and inclusive leadership create opportunities and lasting impact nationwide.
Nick Noorani
Nick Noorani is the Founder and CEO of Immigrant Networks and a leading advocate for newcomer success in Canada. With over two decades of experience, he focuses on mentoring, networking, and career development initiatives that help immigrants build meaningful connections and opportunities. His work promotes inclusive leadership and community engagement across Canada.
4:25 PM — Cultural Performance & Closing
Celebrate Diversity in Leadership and reflect on the day’s learning.
4:45 PM — Departure
Leave with new connections, practical insights, and renewed momentum for inclusive leadership in our communities.