Meet our Community Leaders
Our Board of Directors
Portia Sarah Manzini, President
As the president of Black Women Leaders Foundation she brings a wealth of passion, experience, and global perspective to the forefront of our mission to empower black women leaders and communities at large. Her African roots inspire her commitment to fostering empowerment, equity and values that form the cornerstone of leadership and community growth. At the helm of the organization, she is dedicated to realize a vision where black women not only break through barriers but shatter them completely. Also a Philanthropist authored LIFE JOURNALS, contributor to OBAAHIMA WOMEN’S MAGAZINE, and a, co-author of the book Courage Change and Faith: INSPIRING NARRATIVES OF BLACK WOMEN LEADERS. Her impressive legal background will playa role of ensuring that the Organization operates with highest ethical standards. Out of office she is an outdoor enthusiast, love spending time trying cuisines from different cultures and travelling with her family.
Paula Collins-Pingue, Vice-president
Paula is the visionary Founder and Owner of MASALA Model & Talent, established in Sept 2000. Her multifaceted expertise extends into the realm of Personal Development, Modeling and Acting where she passionately guides individuals towards unlocking their full potential. With a keen eye for enhancing personal style and a compelling ability to inspire, she also serves as an esteemed Image Consultant and excels as a Motivational Speaker.
Paula has become a respected figure in the world of modeling, talent, self-improvement, leadership and mentoring.
Bukola Udefiagbon, Treasurer
Bukola is an entrepreneur, a former banker, certified relationship coach, Natural Wellness Expert, and a clinical Administrative Assistant. She began her career in the banking sector following her degree in Banking and finance. She relocated to Canada in 2015 for her post-graduate but decided to change her field to health and wellness in general. Bukola had a long time experience working with doctors (Psychiatrists & Family doctors) to provide services to clinic patients: there she developed an interest in mental health following her exposure to people’s needs, especially the mental health issues that developed as a result of relationships and marriages. She is naturally gifted in that area so she sees a need in helping people.: She obtained a certifications in relationship coaching (Singles/married) thereby helping people in her community in relationships and marital-related issues. She is the founder of IBISS LOVE HAVEN, a relationship and marriage platform. She is also the founder of IBISS NATURAL WELLNESS for all kinds of health and wellness products for skin, hair and general wellness. Bukola is currently pursuing another degree in Social Works and plans to focus her practice on FAMILY, MARRIAGE, and MENTAL HEALTH. She has had a long battle with IMPOSTER SYNDROME as a result of BULLYING and she has taken it upon herself to be a voice against it and any form of injustice affecting people’s mental health.
Theodocia Quagraine, Secretary
Theodocia Quagraine is a proud Ghanaian-Canadian woman living in Saskatoon, Treaty 6, land of the Métis. A passionate UX designer in the tech industry, she has been interested in technology since childhood and enjoys teaching digital literacy and web design to both adults and children. Beyond her work in technology, Theodocia is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and empowering others. She was a co-founder and director of BIPOC Coffee Talk Inc., a platform that facilitated anti-racism discussions and fostered connection within diverse communities. Theodocia has also served as the Communications Director for Daughters of Africa Resources Center Inc., an organization focused on improving the experiences of African-Canadian women.
Committed to mentorship, Theodocia hopes to inspire young Black girls to pursue their dreams and break through barriers, while continuing to use her skills to make a positive impact in both the tech industry and her community.
“Do not allow that little tiny voice, whispering your inadequacies to you, stop you from birthing greatness.”
– Bukola Udefiagbon