Strengthening Cultural Communities Through The Lens Of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Coalition of Manitoba Cultural Communities (CMCCF)is a diverse, collaborative network of individuals and community-based organizations united to promote the well-being of Manitoba's cultural communities. Find out how to build a connection between different communities to live in a healthy society in this segment of 'Community Hour'.

Florence Okwudili and Martin Itzkow speak to Yuliia Kovalenko about what their organization is doing to make all voices matter, address family violence, promote the safety, security and well-being of children.

Florence Okwudili is a community leader and active member of the African community, who currently serves as Board Chair for the CMCCF. As an Immigrant who arrived in Canada with her family, Florence’s lived experiences spurred her into looking at ways of ensuring that cultural communities and their families become co-creators of solutions to issues that affect them.  

In addition to her work with the CMCCF, Florence also actively pursues her passions in the areas of women’s rights, community building, youth participation and general welfare of Immigrant families. She is the Coordinator for the Folklorama Africa Pavilion, a position she has maintained for over 10 years, and is the former Co-Chair of the Institute for International Women’s Right-Manitoba. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration from Nigeria and a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from the University of Winnipeg.

Martin has had a diverse career and background in the human service sector, government, and as a private executive coach and organizational development consultant locally, nationally and internationally. Martin’s philosophy is to take care of people. When analyzing systems or data, Martin sees the patterns and designs a better solution. It’s very much about the people who are impacted by systems, structures, culture, communities, and the meaning they make in loving their lives, which matter the most to Martin.