About Us
About Us
Who We Are
CanAfro Research Institute is a multidisciplinary nonprofit research and action institute dedicated to advancing evidence-informed programs, policy dialogue, community engagement, and public education across Canada. As a community-based “Think-Do” institute, we combine research, advocacy, knowledge mobilization, and grassroots collaboration to support equitable social, economic, and community outcomes.
Our work prioritizes community-informed evidence and lived experience, particularly among African, Caribbean, and Black-identifying (ACB) communities and other underserved populations. Through research, partnerships, mentorship, training, and community initiatives, we develop practical and culturally responsive approaches to address systemic barriers and strengthen community capacity.
Since 2019, the organization has evolved through several stages of community organizing, research, and program development, culminating in its incorporation as a federally registered Canadian nonprofit organization.
CanAfro Research Institute operates independently while actively engaging with community organizations, researchers, educators, policymakers, and public institutions. Our approach emphasizes accessibility, collaboration, and knowledge mobilization, ensuring that research and evidence are translated into practical tools, dialogue, and action that directly benefit communities.
Rooted in community relationships and applied research, we aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge, public policy, and lived experience by making research more accessible, relevant, and actionable for the communities we serve.
Vision
Creating a data and evidence-based mentorship and collaboration that remove systemic barriers, nurture talents, and inspire transformative changes across generations. Keeping all communities unified!
Mission
Empowering African, Caribbean, and Black communities, youth and other underrepresented people through data and evidence, mentorship, events, advocacy and activism, and collaboration to celebrate excellence, address systemic barriers, and foster vision for thriving and transformative change.
Values
Empowerment, Equity and Justice, collaboration and community-centeredness
Our Team
The founding team and growing network of collaborators bring experience from universities, hospitals, research institutions, industries, community organizations, and nonprofit sectors across Canada and internationally. Our network includes researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, lawyers, CPAs, auditors, students, practitioners, and community leaders with diverse interdisciplinary expertise and a shared commitment to community-informed research, equity, and public impact. While the majority of our members are currently based in Canada, our work is strengthened by international perspectives and cross-sector collaboration.
Tedla Desta, PhD
Dr. Tedla Desta is a globally-experienced multi-disciplinary researcher, policy advisor, and the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the CanAfro Research..
Professor Mammo Muchie
Professor Mammo Muchie is one of Africa’s prominent scholars with significant national and international multidisciplinary influence. He has published over..
Roisin Smith, PhD
Roisin worked with European and international non-governmental institutions and universities. She had also taught at various universities. She has also..
Yabi Teshome, LLM
Yabi holds LLM in Human Rights Law. After graduation she worked as a legal consultant and researcher with various local..
Habibah Ibrahim
Habibah speaks 4 languages (Arabic, Somali, English, and Turkish) and loves learning new ones whenever she can. She is doing..
Sam Tecle, PhD
Dr. Sam Tecle is a Research Fellow at CanAfro Research Institute supporting research, training, and community engagement initiatives under the..
Board of Directors.
Nguavese Ukange
Nguavese Ukange is a Law, Crime and Justice professional. She completed her degree with a focus on race, crime, and..
Davrianne Stephenson
Davrianne Stephenson is a London, Ontario–based researcher with interests and skills in data, spatial, and interdisciplinary analysis, including experience with..
Chuck Chukwujindu, MBA, CPA
Chuck is a CPA with an MBA in Business Intelligence and Data Analysis from the University of Calgary. His career..
Dr. Betty ASSE
Dr. Betty Asse brings a wealth of international expertise to our Board of Directors, having joined us in Summer 2026...