Staff Bios

Alica Hall

Alica Hall has been working at the intersection of art, communications and community development for almost two decades. In 2018, she took on the role of Executive Director at Nia Centre for the Arts. In her time at the Centre, she has curated their first Art Fair, doubled the operating budget and raised $12-million in capital funding. Her curatorial practice is driven by a desire to explore identity and power, excavate lesser-known stories and a commitment to expand visual narratives surrounding the Black experience. In 2023, Alica opened the doors of the newly renovated Nia Centre for the Arts: a 14,000 sq. ft facility serving as Canada’s first professional, multidisciplinary Black arts centre. Located in historic Little Jamaica, the Centre is a gathering space for Black artists, young creatives and community to showcase, support and promote artistic traditions from Canada’s Black diaspora. As a leader with deep roots in the community, Alica has served on the board of Pride Toronto and currently sits on the board of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.

---

Ikram Kabadeh

Ikram, a seasoned Child and Youth worker with over a decade of experience, specializes in designing programs supporting individuals and communities through pivotal life phases. Formerly a caseworker addressing addictions and mental health, she later served as Children’s Program Manager at Boys and Girls Club St. Alban’s, crafting developmentally appropriate initiatives. Ikram is dedicated to creating safe spaces for youth, fostering self-esteem and life skills through the arts. An art enthusiast, she promotes healing and culture through her therapeutic approach, while her adventurous spirit and love for shoes define her outside of work.

---

Sanique Walters

Sanique holds a Master in Environmental Studies Degree and a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Social Science from York University. During her tenure at York University, Sanique served as a Senior Ambassador within the Residence Life Team and Diversity Peer Education Team, where she has gained extensive experience in administration, event management, mentorship and the development of student programs and initiatives. Since joining the Nia Centre team in the last year,  she has been responsible for coordinating the Creative Connect mentorship program, developing youth-targeted programming, workshops and events.

---

Fallona English

Fallona English is a Child and Youth Care professional with over ten years of experience supporting and engaging children and youth through relationship-based and arts-informed programming. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies at York University.

Passionate about empowering young people, Fallona is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where children and youth feel confident and supported. With a background in youth care, community programming, and the arts, she brings empathy, leadership, and creativity to her work, drawing on her experience in dance and creative collaborations to support youth development and self-expression.

---

Irene Gessesse

Irene is a dynamic and results-driven leader with over 15 years of expertise in project and event management, business administration, and strategic operations. Her career began in the retail banking field in Calgary before she transitioned to working with startups upon returning to Toronto. Irene is known for her exceptional ability to drive organizational success through innovative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and outstanding leadership. Her passion for delivering exceptional experiences and achieving business objectives distinguishes her as a visionary leader in her field. Irene’s unparalleled expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to any organization. As Director of Operations and Programs, Irene is poised to lead with distinction, drive transformative change, and achieve remarkable success.

---

Rika Mpogazi

Rika is a Toronto-based organizer, curator and DJ. She’s spent most of her career putting together panels, workshops, residencies and countless events that help cultivate communities of creativity. Equipped with an eclectic list of experiences, from guiding state officials through the Parliament of Canada, to building unique partnerships at the Toronto International Film Festival, Rika’s work in advocacy-meets-art led her to co-found a platform that highlights the ingenuity of black women & non-binary DJs in Toronto. The invaluable connections she’s built with artists, organizers and audiences have inspired the spaces she curates and the lessons she hopes to impart on the wider creative community. Armed with a growing business acumen and an endless curiosity, Rika’s goal is clear: to contribute to the continuous artistic & professional development of black and Afro-diasporic artists in her city.

---

William Skinner

William, a Toronto native from the North York community, is a multifaceted artist and dedicated mentor, with a deep commitment to empowering youth through the arts. As a singer-songwriter and producer, William’s music captures his lived experiences, weaving together stories of resilience, identity, and community. William studied Music Composition & Recording Arts in Huntsville, Alabama at Oakwood University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), where he honed his craft and performed on diverse stages. Returning to Toronto, he chose to give back to his community, becoming a Music Instructor and Engineer focused on mentoring young talent. He has been actively involved in community initiatives, such as UrbanArts’ Culture Shock and the “UrbanArts x Manifesto Cypher”. As the Youth Outreach and Programming Facilitator at Nia Centre for the Arts, William now channels his skills and experience into engaging Black youth, fostering spaces where they can explore their creativity and cultural heritage. His recent performances and show organization at Weston Common underscore his commitment to Toronto’s local music scene, where he continues to inspire youth while working on his upcoming projects.

---

Alexis Smith-Richards

Alexis is a graduate of Seneca’s Independent Music Production program and an experienced audio engineer with over six years in the industry. Passionate about using the arts to uplift and empower young people, Alexis is dedicated to helping youth discover their voices and potential through music and hands-on encouragement. Alexis’s goal is to inspire young people to engage fully in their creative journeys, developing skills that will benefit them in all areas of life.

---

Shanique Pinnock

Shanique steps into the role of Operations Manager with a dynamic blend of experience, strategic insight, and a passion for excellence. With over a decade of management experience, Shanique brings a strong foundation in organizational leadership and process optimization. She is dedicated to building efficient systems, empowering teams, and driving results. Shanique is recognized for her attention to detail, clear decision-making, and collaborative leadership style. She has successfully led high-impact initiatives that have improved operational workflows, strengthened compliance, and enhanced the overall client experience. Her ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions positions her as a key force behind smooth day-to-day operations and long-term organizational growth.

---

Justine Darby

Justine Darby is a Marketing and Communications Leader with over eight years of experience driving high-impact campaigns and over $10M in revenue. Specializing in the non-profit sector, she uses inclusive storytelling to amplify arts visibility for marginalized communities. Her portfolio includes leading campaigns for Hey Black Girl!, and executing successful rebranding strategies for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Beyond her marketing expertise, Justine is a mixed-media visual artist whose work has been featured at Brampton City Hall and Mississauga City Hall. As the Senior Marketing Manager, Justine leads the strategic execution of marketing and communications to elevate the brand, while overseeing a team dedicated to digital strategy, donor engagement and high-value corporate sponsorships. 

---

Philemon Weldu

Philemon, an experienced digital marketer, is a creative and community-oriented communicator who actively weaves storytelling and authenticity into his work. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a college diploma in Media and Communications, with a focus on digital marketing and social media communications, from the University of Guelph and Humber College. Philemon handles the digital marketing and communications of the Nia Centre for the Arts as the Marketing Coordinator. Throughout his professional career, Philemon has worked to actively communicate and highlight important stories and information in sectors such as arts and culture, health care, and education to support, uplift, and empower communities and future changemakers. Philemon is well-regarded for his ability to effectively handle and communicate messaging through a unified lens over multiple marketing channels and content avenues. He holds a special passion for the arts.

---

Sara Moieldin

Sara Moieldin is a dedicated fundraising and community engagement professional with a strong background in the non-profit sector. She holds a degree in Political Science from Brock University, where she developed a deep understanding of social systems, public policy, and advocacy. Sara began her career at the YWCA, where she supported women who had experienced human trafficking. This work strengthened her commitment to social justice and her ability to work compassionately with vulnerable communities. For the past five years, Sara has been a fundraiser with United Way Greater Toronto, where she has built meaningful partnerships, managed donor relationships, and contributed to impactful campaigns across the Greater Toronto Area. Known for her strategic thinking and relationship-building skills, she is passionate about connecting donors to causes that create real, lasting change. Sara brings both heart and expertise to her work, with a continued focus on advancing equity, strengthening communities, and driving philanthropic impact.

---

News & Reports