Conference Speakers
Join us in empowering established and aspiring leaders at the Elevate Her Conference. Let's elevate together!
Abi Kibarita-Martens
Conference Host
Abigail Kibarita-Martens is a passionate educator and project coordinator committed to empowering communities through education, theatre, and strategic initiatives. As an active member of Black Women Connect Vancouver, she plays a pivotal role in organizing projects that promote community engagement, leadership, and growth.
Her dedication to youth empowerment is evident in her work with initiatives like Empowered Black, which provides Black teens with the resources, mentorship, and inspiration they need to reach their full potential. A lover of theatre, Abigail harnesses the power of creative expression and storytelling to uplift voices and foster self-confidence, believing in the transformative impact of the arts.
With her background in education and theatre, Abigail is deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where Black women and youth are seen, heard, and supported. She works tirelessly to build platforms that encourage individuals to express themselves authentically and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Abigail is thrilled to be the host of the 2025 Elevate Her Concert, an event dedicated to celebrating talent, creativity, and empowerment within the community. Her unwavering commitment to strengthening and uniting communities continues to make a lasting impact.
Giselle Blackman
Workshop Facilitator - Navigating Workplace Politics
Giselle Blackman (MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, CHRL) is an award-winning, certified Human Resources Executive currently serving as the Vice President of People Culture at Fit-Foods Ltd, a consumer packaging firm that manufactures and sells protein powders internationally. Her experience, education and unique perspective enable her to operationalize the firm’s strategy and drive organizational culture.
She holds an Executive MBA and Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, a Diploma in Arts from Douglas College, and a Diploma in Human Resources from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
With a background encompassing HR leadership across diverse industries such as Financial Services, Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Consumer Products, Giselle's contributions have left lasting impacts. Notably, she played a pivotal role in leading HR for TransLink’s Olympic Transportation Project Team during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Giselle's proficiency extends across HR strategy, operations, talent development, DEI initiatives, health and wellness, payroll, and employee relations.
In addition to her role as a dedicated mother to Kenny Jr. and a loving partner to Kenny Sr., Giselle is deeply committed to community service. In addition to her role as Board Chair at Pacifica, Giselle volunteers with CPHR BC & Yukon HR Association. She also serves as a Board Member for Cultch and is the Vice-Chair of the DE&I Strategy Committee for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Giselle enjoys giving back and strives to make an impact in her relationships, projects and society as whole.
Ruth Unaegbu
Workshop Facilitator - Burnout
Ruth Unaegbu Counselling & Coaching is a private counselling practice based in British Columbia, Canada, providing compassionate, culturally affirming support. Ruth Unaegbu is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #12132) and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years of experience offering counselling, supervision, and coaching services to clients in British Columbia and worldwide.
Ruth specializes in working with People of the Global Majority, focusing on Black women, first-generation Canadians, and immigrants. She also works extensively with creative professionals and high-performing athletes, helping them address challenges such as performance blocks, focal dystonia, and personal and professional growth.
Her expertise extends to parental guidance, where she supports parents and caregivers in understanding child behaviour, addressing caregiving challenges, and meeting attachment needs. Ruth is also highly experienced in transracial adoption, assisting adoptees and adoptive families in navigating racial trauma, fostering healthy family dynamics, and developing a strong sense of cultural identity.
At the heart of Ruth's practice is a deep commitment to addressing the complex intersections of identity, race, trauma, and high performance, helping individuals heal and thrive. Her approach is empathetic, professional, and grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and transformation.
Sharla Farrell
Workshop Facilitator - Strategies for Safeguarding Your Business Identity (PR)
Sharla Farrell is a seasoned public relations and communications consultant and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the public relations industry, especially for BIPOC representation. With over a decade of experience, Sharla has honed her expertise in digital marketing, media relations, communications, and copywriting. As a proud Black female entrepreneur, she founded Easy Consulting Studio to empower small businesses to communicate their messages effectively. Sharla’s commitment to excellence and dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices set her apart as a leader in her field.
Rochelle Grayson
Workshop Facilitator - AI in Business
Rochelle Grayson is a dynamic leader with over 30 years’ experience in business, technology, and education. As Co-Founder of Circles of AI and Founder of Mosaic Accelerator, she champions learning and innovation through AI applications and has taught AI courses at the University of British Columbia (UBC), focusing on AI application, innovation, and ethics for Canadian and international students ranging from high school through to Executive Education. Rochelle has also received the UBC John K. Friesen Excellence in Teaching award.
Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women's Executive Network, Rochelle has been named "The New Executive Cool Hunter" by Canadian Business Magazine, awarded one of Vancouver's Top Forty Under 40 by Business in Vancouver, and listed among Vancouver's Top 10 Technology Women. Rochelle holds an MBA in Finance and Business Policy from the University of Chicago, and her career has spanned from New York to Silicon Valley, and now Vancouver, Canada. Her extensive expertise in digital business models and AI-driven solutions makes her a prominent figure in the tech and business communities.
Firina Anchor-Beamish
Workshop Facilitator - Strategies for Safeguarding Your Business Identity (PR)
Firina’s journey from South Sudan to Cairo, Ottawa, and ultimately Vancouver has shaped her into a dynamic leader in the PR and marketing industry. As the founder of Firina Achor Creative Agency, she has built an accomplished career working with top-tier clients in health, wellness, retail, and fashion. With a keen eye for strategy and execution, Firina has successfully led high-impact campaigns, driving brand visibility, fostering community engagement, and setting new standards for inclusion and representation. Her expertise extends beyond traditional marketing, as she actively contributes to cultural conversations that empower women, particularly Black women and entrepreneurs.
Her ability to curate meaningful events and collaborations has positioned her as a thought leader who bridges the gap between social causes and commercial success. With every initiative, Firina balances her personal experiences, offering a relatable, authentic touch that resonates deeply with diverse audiences. Her story is not only one of professional achievement but of personal resilience and a commitment to advancing cultural shifts that inspire and empower communities
Melissa Nkomo
Panelist - Entrepreneurship
Melissa Nkomo is the founder and CEO of Kunye Wellness Group, a wellness company providing the tools and resources to support a more mindful and sustainable approach to physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
For almost 15 years, Melissa has carved her own unique path in the wellness world. Merging her passion for fitness and beauty, she has shared her knowledge and deep love for refined and intentional living through her business.
Kunye sells a collection of skincare products online and across Canada. In 2022, Melissa became the first Black woman to open a pilates-based studio in western Canada called The Well by Kunye and is credited with starting the slow wellness movement.
By creating intentional offerings and sharing honest information, Melissa is helping to open up a world of possibilities for others - and empower a more mindful and well-lived life for all.