The Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada initiative identifies and honours immigrants who stand out in their towns and cities across the East Coast – the trailblazers and leaders who have made a positive impact in their communities.
Its mission is to showcase and celebrate success stories from those who have chosen to settle in Atlantic Canada. Its vision, to see our communities thrive under new bonds of tolerance, and to inspire even more immigrants to settle in and contribute towards making the East Coast of Canada the number one place to be.
This one-of-a-kind initiative culminates in a gala celebration with a select number of nominees being honoured by delegates from across the region. Honourees are selected by a distinguished Advisory Committee comprised of members from Canada’s Atlantic region, and assessed on a number of key criteria, including leadership, vision, social responsibility, and impact in their communities.
In 2026, we proudly presented the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada Award to the following nine honourees.
ADEGOKE FADARE, MLA
Nova Scotia
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Adegoke Fadare is the MLA for Clayton Park West and the Ministerial Assistant for Service Efficiency in Nova Scotia. A community builder, policy leader, and advocate for inclusion, he is passionate about creating systems and opportunities that help people thrive. Before entering politics, he worked as a Project Manager with the Department of Community Services, leading province-wide policy, service, and efficiency initiatives that improved outcomes for children and families. As President of the Association of Nigerians in Nova Scotia (ANNS), he raised over $450,000 in two years and led the province’s first recruitment and retention drive for internationally trained healthcare professionals. He also founded the Leading Leaders Society of Nova Scotia, empowering youth and Black leaders through programs like Dare2Dream and Camp Aspire. An IT graduate with certifications in Project Management, PMP, and Cybersecurity, Adegoke is completing his MBA at the Australian Institute of Business.
DANIELLA SAM
Nova Scotia
Country of Origin:
Originally from Ghana, Daniella Sam moved to Nova Scotia in 2012 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and a minor in Psychology at Saint Mary’s University. She begun her working journey in banking and insurance, roles that helped her qualify for permanent residency and citizenship before finding one of my true passions in recruitment. Now a Senior Executive Recruiter at KBRS, she is a champion for cultural diversity, having foundeda diversity committee at AON and earning a Rising Star Award. She serves on the YWCA Halifax Board, lead young adult groups at Emmanuel Baptist Church, and mentor immigrant students. She is also a creative entrepreneur, sharing her art through my website and social media, and engaging youth through community art sessions. Her journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to community impact.
DEBORAH SANNI
Nova Scotia
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Deborah Sanni is a Nigerian-born, Kenya and Benin Republic–raised ecosystem designer and community builder passionate about creating inclusive pathways for entrepreneurs and changemakers. She served as Associate Director, People, Programs, and Partnerships at Tribe Network, where she led initiatives that empower racialized and immigrant founders to access resources, funding, and networks to thrive. Deborah also serves on the Advisory Council to the Deputy Minister of IRCC, helping shape human-centered immigration policy, and chairs the HR Committee on the Board of TEAMWork Cooperative. Beyond her professional work, she runs a women’s wellness community and leads sustainable fashion initiatives that promote connection and conscious living. Curious and globally minded, Deborah finds joy in exploring new cultures, connecting with people, and learning from diverse experiences. She is driven by purpose, empathy, and the vision of a more inclusive and equitable world.
HENRIETTA OBAJEMU
New Brunswick
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Henrietta Obajemu is a dedicated teacher, community advocate, and co-founder of Black Moms New Brunswick, a nonprofit supporting immigrant and marginalized families through connection, mentorship, and advocacy. She also co-leads Safe Haven Learning Hub Daycare and a Tutoring Program in Fredericton, providing inclusive childcare and educational support. Relocating from the UK six years ago, Henrietta holds a B.Ed. from the University of New Brunswick, a CELTA from the University of Sheffield, and a B.Sc. in Biological Science from the University of Lagos. She is pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Certificate in Bilingual and Multilingual Education. A board member of the Fredericton Community Kitchen and United Way, Henrietta’s work reflects her deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and empowerment. Her teaching philosophy centers on celebrating students’ identities and cultures as strengths while fostering belonging and purpose in every learner.
KHALID AL HARIRI
New Brunswick
Country of Origin: Syria
Khalid Al Hariri is the Director of Employment Services at the Association for New Canadians. He has completed his PhD in Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Before moving to Canada in 2018, he was the Director of Work Readiness Program in the United Arab Emirates. His research interests include the issues of non-native English speaking teachers, culture in ESL classrooms, and academic writing.
MARY ANNE CATIPON
New Brunswick
Country of Origin: Phillipines
Mary Anne Catipon is the proud owner of Tambayan Cafe in Riverview, where she blends entrepreneurship with community-building at New Brunswick’s first 2D-themed cafe. While she didn’t complete my degree in Accounting, her business foundation comes from diverse hands-on experiences, including earning an Administrative Professional certificate with Honors from NBCC, managing Airbnb rentals, and owning a clothing store. She is dedicated to supporting her community, especially the youth, whom she actively hires and mentors to provide real-life work experience. She also focuses on the seniors, hosting events like “Sip and Chat” to cherish their memories and contributions. Her business success was recently recognized as a Finalist in two categories for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards. Through Tambayan Cafe, she strives to create a vibrant hub that celebrates local art—like our murals, a collaboration with artist Ji Hyang Ryu—while encouraging civic engagement and helping to attract and retain new immigrants in the region.
VALAR KALIAPERUMAL
Nova Scotia
Country of Origin: India
Valar Kaliaperumal has made a lasting impact on her community through leadership, service, and mentorship. As president of the Indo-Canadian Association of Nova Scotia and founder of the Maritime Tamil Welfare Association, she has driven initiatives that foster community integration and cultural preservation. She has organized blood donation drives, raised funds for wildfire relief and medical crises, supported education for children and newcomers, and led the establishment of the Indian Visa Processing Centre in Halifax, improving access to essential consular services for Atlantic Canadians. Her initiatives, including free tax clinics for students, seniors, and low-income families, as well as Tamil language classes for children, have created inclusive spaces that benefit diverse communities. Valar’s contributions extend to healthcare research, with work in cancer immunotherapy and cardiology, and she actively mentors graduate students, supports local temples, and serves on the Nova Scotia Health Research Ethics Board. Through her dedication, she inspires others to engage in volunteerism, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Recognized with Halifax Regional Municipality and Provincial Volunteer Awards, her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to service have strengthened Halifax’s multicultural fabric.
WENCHE GAUSDAL
Nova Scotia
Country of Origin: Norway
Wenche Gausdal is a passionate advocate and seasoned leader with nearly 30 years of experience supporting immigrant and refugee communities. Based in Halifax, she has dedicated her career to building inclusive programs, forging strategic partnerships, and championing equitable systems that help newcomers thrive. As Director of Programs at ISANS, Wenche leads teams focused on community integration, settlement and refugee resettlement. Her leadership has contributed to Canada’s resettlement response to global refugee crises, including the Kosovar, Syrian, and Afghan resettlement efforts. Wenche’s expertise spans social work, program design, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, and she is widely respected for her collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to social justice. As a Norwegian immigrant, she brings a cross-cultural lens and lived experience to her work—fueling her empathy, insight, and drive to create welcoming communities. Wenche’s legacy is one of impact, inclusion, and unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more compassionate Atlantic Canada.
ZAHRA ABSALAR
Nova Scotia
Country of Origin: Iran
Zahra Absalar is an experienced English language instructor and the owner of Tutor Doctor, a company dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals through personalized, one-on-one tutoring. With nearly 20 years of teaching experience in countries like Canada, Turkey, Dubai, and Iran, Zahra is passionate about education, community building, and supporting newcomers. She holds a Master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University and a CELTA certificate from Cambridge University. Zahra is also an active member of the Halifax community, offering workshops for immigrants, participating in local events, and empowering families to succeed in their new home.
