21Aug2026
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Leadership

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At Niffy Wellness Foundation, we are proud to be guided by a diverse and passionate leadership team that provides strategic direction, mentorship, and community-rooted insight to help advance our mission. Each member brings unique expertise, lived experience, and cultural awareness , ensuring that every area of our work is led with integrity and purpose.
 
From seasoned professionals to youth representatives, our board structure reflects a deep commitment to inclusive leadership. By welcoming the very audience we serve — girls from age 10 and up, as well as young women , to have a voice at the table, we actively model the empowerment we champion.
 
We are also deeply grateful for our Advisory Council, whose wisdom, values, and life experience quietly strengthen the vision, offering thoughtful guidance as we grow.
Every audience is meaningfully represented at the leadership level, and together, we are nurturing wholeness and inspiring change.
 
Board of Directors
• Olawunmi Arinola 
• Sabah Hussain 
• Wanda Kagan 
• Adekunbi Fashakin
 
Advisory Council 
• Hosna Kadary 
• Gemma Raeburn-Baynes
• Joan Kirton
• Lisa Gariépy 
• Seeta Ramdass
• Yvonne Sam
 
Girls Advisory Board
• Keirah Scott
• Adora Fagbohun
 
 
Founder
• Dr. Oluwanifemi Fagbohun – Founder & Chair
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OLAWUNMI ARINOLA

Olawunmi Arinola is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 14 years of experience leading people strategy across sectors including healthcare, oil and gas, banking, and environmental industries. With global HR certifications and an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, she brings cross-cultural expertise, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Passionate about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Olawunmi is deeply invested in creating inclusive, safe environments where individuals can thrive.
 
At Niffy Wellness Foundation, she lends her leadership to advancing holistic wellness and empowering girls and women to grow with confidence, purpose, and dignity.
 

SABAH HUSSAIN

Sabah Hussain is a 7x entrepreneur, investor, and Founder & Chair of the Federation of Women Empowerment & Support (F.O.W.E.S.). She partners with founders, executives, and boards of growing organizations to drive strategic growth and operational excellence. Drawing on her expertise in business neuroscience and consumer psychology, she has developed proprietary frameworks that connect human behaviour with business performance to help organizations scale sustainably.

Through F.O.W.E.S., Sabah is dedicated to advancing women's leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and economic empowerment by creating opportunities for women and girls to lead, build, and thrive.

As a Board Member of the Niffy Wellness Foundation, Sabah brings strategic leadership, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to empowering women and strengthening purpose-driven organizations. Her expertise supports the Foundation's mission of equipping girls and women with the confidence, leadership, and opportunities to achieve lasting impact.

 
 
 

WANDA KAGAN

Wanda Kagan is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, healthcare professional, and mental health advocate with over 30 years of experience. Known for her unwavering dedication to empowering girls and women, she has championed education, emotional well-being, and personal growth through her mentorship and philanthropic work.
 
Her inspiring journey has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, Oprah Daily, and on CNN. In 2024, she was named one of The New York Times’ most influential figures of the U.S. elections. Currently writing her memoir, Wanda continues to impact lives through her advocacy and leadership.
 
At Niffy Wellness Foundation, She brings valuable insight, visionary leadership, healthcare expertise, and lived experience , strengthening our core mission of nurturing holistic wellness, emotional safety, and sustainable growth for the next generation of women and girls.

ADEKUNBI FASHAKIN

Adekunbi ‘Limitless KayFash’ Fashakin is a visionary entrepreneur and wellness advocate whose work bridges beauty, health, and personal transformation. As an award-winning makeup artist and founder of a thriving health and beauty brand, she empowers individuals to embrace wellness from the inside out. With a background in Chemical & Polymer Engineering, certifications in food safety, and a passion for creative expression, Adekunbi brings a unique blend of science, artistry, and empathy to her work. 
 
At Niffy Wellness Foundation, she champions self-worth, safety, and empowerment, helping girls and women feel radiant, nourished, and confident in every aspect of life.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

HOSNA R. KADARY

Hosna R. Kadary is a nationally recognized financial services leader with over 20 years of experience advancing economic inclusion, financial empowerment, and equitable access to opportunities across Canada. As National Market Leader, Zero Barriers to Business at BMO, she leads national strategies that expand access to capital, mentorship, business resources, and financial literacy for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs.

She also serves as Director of Economic Empowerment & Strategic Partnerships at African Collective Quebec (ACQ), where she helps strengthen strategic partnerships and create sustainable economic opportunities for African entrepreneurs and professionals across Quebec.

A recipient of the Woman of Merit Award, Hosna is widely respected for her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to creating lasting community impact. As a member of the Advisory Council of the Niffy Wellness Foundation, she provides strategic guidance in advancing financial confidence, economic empowerment, and sustainable opportunities for girls and women, believing that true wellness includes financial independence and access to opportunity.

GEMMA RAEBURN-BAYNES

Gemma Raeburn-Baynes is a celebrated community builder, cultural advocate, and retired Senior Auditor from BMO Bank of Montreal, where she served with distinction since 1973. During her impactful tenure, she championed equity, diversity, and inclusion, leading transformative initiatives that promoted access to education and employment for visible minorities, Indigenous youth, and persons with disabilities.
 
As the Founder and President of Playmas Montreal Cultural Association, Gemma has been a driving force in preserving and celebrating Caribbean heritage in Canada. Her legacy includes pioneering programs such as the GemStar Circle of Excellence Scholarship and Mentorship Program, Triumph Through Adversity culinary scholarship, Montreal Ebony Models, Miss Black Quebec Pageant, and co-founding Montreal’s Caribbean Carnival.
 
Gemma’s remarkable contributions have been honored with numerous awards, including the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award, and the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award. In 2012, she was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her outstanding leadership in anti-racism and cultural advocacy.
 
Featured in Who’s Who in Black Canada and a respected voice on national platforms such as *United Against Hate*, Gemma continues to inspire change-makers of all ages. Her presence on our Advisory Council enriches our foundation with strategic guidance, cultural insight, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, equity, and community transformation.
 
With over five decades of unwavering dedication to volunteerism and community empowerment, Gemma brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the Niffy Wellness Foundation’s Advisory Council. Her passion for uplifting marginalized voices aligns with our mission to promote holistic wellness, education, and social equity across diverse communities.
 

JOAN KIRTON

78-year-old Joan Kirton is a retired educator and devoted community mentor whose work has touched lives across generations. After decades of service at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, she took a bold turn in 2017 to serve Inuit youth in Northern Quebec, working in Inukjuak and Kuujjuaraapik with the Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre. In 2019, she shifted her focus to Black seniors, leading advocacy efforts and wellness programs as President of the Council for Black Aging Community of Montreal.
 
From crafting and aqua-fitness to working with mayors on senior-focused advocacy, Joan’s passion for connection and intergenerational healing shines through. Also, Honoured with the 2023 Woman of Merit Award and the 2024 CBC Black Changemaker Award. At Niffy Wellness Foundation, she serves as a guiding voice and light — sharing wisdom, lived experience, and heart with our growing sisterhood, and helping nurture confident, empowered girls and women across communities.
 
At Niffy Wellness Foundation, she serves as a guiding voice and light — sharing wisdom, lived experience, and heart with our growing sisterhood, and helping nurture confident, empowered girls and women across communities.
 
 

LISA GARIÉPY

Lisa Gariépy is a seasoned marketing and communications expert with deep experience in brand strategy, digital engagement, and wellness-focused entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Belle Tropique Natural Skincare, a brand dedicated to women’s health, confidence, and conscious self-care. Lisa has also contributed her expertise to community organizations such as the West Island Women’s Centre, using her voice to empower women and families. A proud mom of twin girls and a passionate mentor, she is committed to uplifting women through knowledge and support.
 
As an Advisory Council Member of the Niffy Wellness Foundation, Lisa offers valuable strategic guidance in marketing and wellness, helping to shape initiatives that inspire confidence, conscious living, and positive change for girls and women.

SEETA RAMDASS

Seeta Ramdass is a respected Patient & Community Advocate and former Associate Director of the Office of Social Accountability and Community Engagement (SACE) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, public health, education, and media relations, Seeta brings to the Niffy Wellness Foundation a deep commitment to health equity, social accountability, and culturally safe care for diverse, marginalized, and vulnerable populations.
 
A Clinical Psychology graduate of McGill University, Seeta holds several specialized certifications, including Gender and Health from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Human Factors in Patient Safety, and Harassment Prevention in the Workplace. Her leadership and expertise have been recognized across numerous provincial and national platforms.
 
She has served on various impactful committees such as McGill’s FMHS Social Accountability and Social Engagement Task Force, Quebec’s Groupe Action Contre le Racisme, and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Standing Committee on Social Accountability. In addition, she is Co-Chair of the MUHC’s Committee for Action on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, where she co-led research and co-authored a landmark report addressing systemic racism in Quebec’s healthcare system.
 
Seeta also serves as an advisor to the Black Community Resource Centre and is Co-Chair of the Diabetes Action Canada Steering Committee.
 
At the Niffy Wellness Foundation, Seeta’s thought leadership, policy insight, and unwavering dedication to inclusive health education enhance our mission to promote holistic wellness, beauty safety, and sustainable empowerment for girls and women across all communities.

YVONNE SAM

A powerhouse in advocacy, education, and health equity, Yvonne Sam brings a wealth of experience to the Niffy Wellness Foundation’s Advisory Council. Born in Guyana, South America, and based in Montréal, Yvonne is a highly accomplished Registered Nurse, State Certified Midwife, and Mental Health Nurse. She holds a Master’s in Education from McGill University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Athabasca University, and a Diploma in Adult Education from Concordia University.
 
For over three decades, Yvonne has been a compelling voice in the public sphere, using the power of writing to address systemic issues in health, human rights, education, parenting, and anti-Black racism. Her incisive articles have been published in the Montreal Community Contact, Huffington Post, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, McGill Daily, and even cited in legal publications. Her most recent work on Dismantling Anti-Black Racism in Nursing Education is pending publication with the Canadian Nursing Association.
 
As a community leader, Yvonne currently serves as Chair of the Rights & Freedom Committee at the Black Community Resource Centre and sits on the Advisory Committee of the Anti-Black Racism Committee at McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing. She is the visionary behind the 'Adopt a Cop' initiative (2024), recently approved by the SPVM, which promotes diversity in policing by engaging youth at the secondary school level.
 
Her remarkable contributions have been recognized through numerous awards:
 
* Governor General of Canada Caring Citizen Award (2014)
* Montreal Black History Month Laureate (2014)
* Playmas Woman of Merit Award (2016)
* Nominee, Québec Prix de la Justice (2023)
*100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Award** (2024)
 
She is also a published author, with her poetry collection 'Life’s Many Faces' and her Amazon #1 bestselling memoir 'Behind the Scenes in Nursing' (launched in 2024), which chronicles the untold truths of life in healthcare.
 
At Niffy Wellness Foundation, Yvonne lends her sharp insight, deep compassion, and lived expertise to help shape inclusive wellness solutions that center the needs and voices of marginalized girls and women. Her presence on the Advisory Council reinforces our shared mission to nurture wholeness, promote safe beauty and health practices, and create spaces where every girl and woman feels heard, seen, and empowered.
 

YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD

KEIRAH SCOTT

Passionate about mental health and breaking down stigma in underserved communities, 18 year-old Keirah is currently studying Sciences at John Abbott College and is a proud member of the Niffy Wellness Foundation’s Girls Advisory Board. Her deep interest in psychology stems from a desire to advocate for mental wellness, especially within the Black community.

As a participant in Playmas Montreal’s Gemstar Circle of Excellence Program, she was mentored by an experienced professional in the field of psychology, which further fueled her commitment to promoting mental health awareness for girls. Having witnessed the struggles of loved ones with mental health challenges, she is determined to be part of the solution by offering hope, empathy, and support to others.

In her free time, she enjoys creative hobbies like crochet, dancing, and writing, while pursuing her studies in Sciences at John Abbott College and continuing to explore her passion for psychology and mental wellness.
Keirah, a recent graduate of MacDonald High School, is the proud recipient of the Gemstar Program Scholarship Award and the Peter Bedard Achievement Award from the Kiwanis Lakeshore Montreal Club—recognitions that highlight her dedication to leadership, academic excellence, and community impact.
 
She brings a passionate voice for mental health advocacy, especially within underserved and Black communities. With her lived experience, academic excellence, and leadership in youth wellness programs, she offers fresh insight, empathy, and a deep commitment to breaking stigma and inspiring change.
 
Keirah looks forward to contributing her voice and vision to the Niffy Wellness Foundation as she continues her journey of learning, service, and advocacy.

ADORA FAGBOHUN

At just 12 years old, Adora Fagbohun is already making a powerful impact as a young author, creative entrepreneur, podcast host of 'Shine with Addie' and dedicated voice for self-confidence and kindness. A proud Nigerian-Canadian and trilingual speaker (English, French, and Spanish), Adora serves on the Girls Advisory Board at Niffy Wellness Foundation, helping shape programs that reflect the voices and dreams of young girls in our community.
 
Adora is the author of 'The Confidence Spark' (available in English and French), a beautifully written children’s book inspired by her own journey to self-belief. Through her storytelling, she encourages kids to embrace their light, overcome doubt, and grow in confidence , all values that mirror the foundation's commitment to emotional well-being and self-worth. Adora shines as a goalie-turned-defender on the soccer field, budding pianist, podcaster of the show 'shine with Addie', public speaker, sketches lifelike art, and devours books, often tackling 300 pages in a day!
 
As founder of Fancies by Mo (Bijoux par Mo), Adora designs handmade beaded jewelry using safe and ethically sourced materials that uplift and inspire wearers of all ages. Her creativity is rooted in care — aligning perfectly with NWF’s dedication to safe beauty practices, personal expression, and conscious confidence.
 
A lover of books, art, music, and sports, Adora is a well-rounded young leader. Also, A tech enthusiast and math lover nurtured by engineer parents, She's received several awards for academic excellence, kindness, and volunteerism, including a Certificat de Bénévolat for her contributions to her school community as she's got a big heart and the 2026 Canadian Choice Award Winner in the 'Authors' category in Montreal. Also, won the Youth Innovation Award from the Lotus Impact Foundation and was one of the black history month honoree 2026 recognized by WIBCA (West Island Black Community Association) at the Young, gifted and Rising event.  Demonstrating that leadership isn’t about age, but about heart. She leads with empathy, integrity, and joy — qualities we deeply value at Niffy Wellness Foundation.
 
She brings a fresh, heartfelt perspective to the foundation, her vibrant spirit, thoughtful leadership, championing self-confidence, safe beauty, and emotional well-being while helping us remain attuned to the real needs and voices of young girls in today’s world. Her mission reflects ours: to help others feel seen, safe, and sparkly — reminding every girl that her voice, her beauty, and her light deserve to shine boldly.

TRINITY ROMANO

Trinity Romano is a Licensed Financial Security Advisor, agency leader, and dedicated community advocate based in Quebec. Passionate about financial literacy, youth empowerment, social equity, and community engagement, she is committed to helping individuals and families build confidence, access opportunities, and create greater financial independence.

Trinity holds a Diploma of Collegial Studies in Liberal Arts with Dean’s List distinction from John Abbott College and was selected for the Frederick Phillips Summer Program at McGill University, where she expanded her knowledge of law, social justice, and minority advocacy.

Today, she leads a growing financial services team focused on accessible financial education and strategies that support financial security and generational wealth. Beyond her professional work, Trinity is actively involved in community service and mentorship, supporting youth programs, food banks, senior residences, animal rescues, and other outreach initiatives.

As a member of the Niffy Wellness Foundation’s Youth Advisory Board, Trinity brings valuable perspectives in financial wellness, leadership, youth empowerment, and community advocacy. She looks forward to using her voice and experience to help create meaningful opportunities for girls and young women to learn, grow, and thrive.

CHAIR & FOUNDER

DR. OLUWANIFEMI FAGBOHUN

Dr. Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun is a globally recognized, multi-award-winning Community Ecosystem Builder, Global Beauty & Wellness Expert, Business Development Strategist, bestselling author, and internationally trained Chemical and Polymer Engineer whose work sits at the intersection of innovation, safety, empowerment, and community transformation. With more than two decades of cross-continental impact spanning Africa and North America, she has built a legacy defined by visionary leadership, cultural influence, and sustainable community development.

She is the Founder and Chair of the Niffy Wellness Foundation, a Canadian registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing wholeness and inspiring change by empowering girls and women through holistic wellness education, leadership development, mentorship, confidence building, and culturally relevant community initiatives. Under her leadership, the Foundation creates safe, inclusive spaces where girls and women are equipped to thrive emotionally, physically, socially, and economically while becoming confident leaders and changemakers within their communities.

Dr. Fagbohun is also the Founder of Niffy Signature, a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand rooted in health, safety, and education. Through this platform, she has empowered more than 15,000 individuals worldwide while building a thriving global beauty community of over 40,000 members. As a Certified Health & Beauty Safety Professional and Certified Infection Control Expert, she is recognized internationally for advancing safer beauty practices, consumer education, and professional standards within the beauty industry, helping women build confidence while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Beyond wellness, she is the visionary Founder of Montreal Vendors, one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurial communities, supporting more than 17,000 entrepreneurs through strategic collaborations, business development, education, and visibility initiatives that strengthen small and minority-owned businesses.

Her passion for building stronger communities extends to her role as Director of Strategy, Community & Enterprise Development at African Collective Quebec (ACQ), where she advances economic empowerment, newcomer integration, cultural representation, strategic partnerships, and community development initiatives that strengthen African communities across Quebec.

A Doctoral Fellow of the Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development (ILAD) and Regional Director for North America (Canada & USA), Dr. Fagbohun leads international leadership initiatives, coordinates national and international conferment ceremonies, and delivers keynote presentations that inspire purpose-driven leadership and transformational impact.

An accomplished international speaker, Dr. Fagbohun has addressed audiences across conferences, leadership summits, educational institutions, corporate platforms, and community forums in Canada and internationally, inspiring thousands through conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, holistic wellness, women’s empowerment, beauty safety, and community transformation.

Her expertise has been featured across major media platforms in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Nigeria, including CBC Montreal, Global News, CityNews Montreal, Ticker News Australia, and The Guardian Nigeria, where she continues to champion conversations around wellness, entrepreneurship, leadership, confidence, and community development.

Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous national and international honours and recognitions, including:

  • Global Impact Award (2026) – Lotus Hope Impact Awards
  • 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Honouree (2026)
  • Black History Month Laureate (2026), where she signed Canada’s Historic Golden Book
  • Top 100 Nigerian Change-Makers in Canada (2026)
  • Top 10 Naija-Canadians in Community & Social Impact (2026)
  • Canadian Choice Awards Winner (2024 & 2025) – Health & Beauty
  • Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada (2023)
  • Women of Inspiration Awards Global Impact Finalist (2024)
  • Recognized by Emma-Tob International Academy (ETIA Academy, City & Guilds of London Institute Centre) as a Woman Engineer Shaping the Future (2026)
  • Federation of Women Empowerment and Support (F.O.W.E.S.) Wall of Fame Honouree (2026)

Dr. Fagbohun serves in leadership, governance, advisory, and mentorship roles with several respected organizations, including the Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association (CDNBCA), Playmas Montreal, Black Engineers of Canada, and the GemStar School of Excellence, where she mentors and empowers the next generation of young leaders. She also served as the 2026 Event Ambassador for UPBEAT, supporting mental health awareness and community wellness through creative advocacy.

A proud Global Cultural Ambassador of her Ijebu (Yoruba, Nigerian) heritage, Dr. Fagbohun believes culture is a powerful bridge that connects generations, strengthens identity, and builds thriving communities. Through storytelling, education, and representation, she continues to preserve cultural heritage while inspiring future generations to embrace their identity with confidence and pride.

Driven by purpose and service, Dr. Fagbohun remains committed to building people, strengthening communities, and creating systems that empower others to rise. Through the Niffy Wellness Foundation and every initiative she leads, she continues to inspire girls, women, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders around the world to lead with confidence, integrity, compassion, and lasting impact.

professional team

Meet Our Volunteer / Membership Team

At the heart of Niffy Wellness Foundation is a passionate team of volunteers and members committed to making a difference. From mentoring and event support to wellness advocacy and beauty safety education, our volunteers bring their time, talents, and compassion to help girls and women thrive.
Together, we are creating safe spaces, inspiring confidence, and building a healthier future—one act of service at a time.

 

Ioni Papadakis

Member

Nordia German

Member

Natacha Blanchard

Member

Ifeanyi Ezichi

Member / Administrative Coordinator

Roseanna Veeren

Member / Events Committee Lead

Lorena Peña

Volunteer
testimonials

What People Say About Our Organization

These heartfelt stories and reflections highlight the real impact of our work—empowering girls and women through wellness, mentorship, and beauty safety in meaningful, lasting ways.
 
all testimonials

“What sets this foundation apart is its heart. The team is intentional, uplifting, and truly invested in the wellness of every girl and woman they serve.”

Ann Peterson photo

Ann Peterson

VOLUNTEER

“Joining the mentorship circle at Niffy Wellness Foundation helped me rediscover my voice and confidence. I now feel more prepared to face life’s challenges with strength and self-belief.”

Stephanie W. photo

Stephanie W.

MENTEE

“As a parent, I’m grateful for the programs that teach our daughters about beauty safety and emotional well-being. This foundation is doing vital work for the next generation.”

Melissa B. photo

Melissa B.

PARENT

“The clean beauty and self-care workshop opened my eyes to healthier beauty choices. It wasn’t just educational—it was empowering.”

Lauren photo

Lauren

WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT