ALA Summer Edition: Across the Diaspora, Under the Summer Sun
Empowering Futures Through Growth, Connection, and Impact
As the summer season winds down, the energy within the ALA community continues to shine. From vibrant in-person gatherings to hands-on investment education and deepening connections across our network, the momentum we’ve built is carrying us into fall. This next chapter is about reflection, renewal, and expansion — continuing our shared journey of leadership, entrepreneurship, trade, legacy, and impact with even greater purpose.
InaUgural ALA SUMMER SUMMIT– MONTREAL JUNE 13
This June marked a major milestone — we brought the ALA ecosystem together in person for the first ALA Summer Summit.
Hosted in Montréal, the summit united innovation, leadership, and education under one roof. Centered on the transformative forces of Venture Capital, Artificial Intelligence, and Storytelling, the event challenged attendees to imagine — and actively build — the future.
Keynote speakers Paul Desmarais III (Sagard) and David Fialkow (General Catalyst) offered powerful insights on navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape with purpose, imagination, and agility. The impact was felt throughout the day — from engaging panels and breakout sessions to meaningful networking moments that fostered genuine connections.
We were also privileged to hear from Joelle Pineau, Laurent Charlin, and Hugo Larochelle on building AI responsibly and inclusively; Fabrice Vil, Fabienne Colas, C.M., MBA, DFA (Hon.), and Martine Musau Muele on the creative power of storytelling and cultural narrative; and Patrick Lor and George Damian, who closed the day with practical pitching wisdom every founder should hear. The impact was felt throughout the day — from engaging panels and breakout sessions to meaningful networking moments that fostered genuine connections.
“It was an interesting and well-organized event. The guests and discussions were very inspiring. I'm glad I attended.”
— Katia Koundjia, ALA Community Member
The energy was also shaped by those who made the day possible. Volunteers and organizers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring everything flowed smoothly.
“Being part of the team that organized the ALA Summer Summit in Montreal was a powerful experience. The energy was electric — investors, entrepreneurs, and creatives connecting with purpose. From the AI Confessional activity to the networking cocktail, our volunteers played a key role in making it all happen. Working alongside them and seeing their dedication in action was amazing.”
— Axel Ntakaburimvo-Ndayiragije, ALA Events Lead
For many, the summit was not just an event, but a source of inspiration and renewed commitment.
“The ALA Summer Summit was truly inspiring. Bringing together leaders in venture capital, artificial intelligence, and creative storytelling, the event beautifully blended entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and culture. I had the privilege of hearing powerful testimonies from industry leaders, which left me energized, inspired, and more committed than ever to fostering both my personal growth and the growth of my community.”
— Christian Mugabo, ALA Community Member
We’re already excited for what comes next.
On the Horizon: More Adventures to Come
Back to the Roots: South Africa Trade Mission – January 2026
Following the success of our original “Back to the Roots” trip, we’re heading to South Africa this January for the next chapter in our global economic development series.
This experience will connect Canadian professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors with South Africa’s vibrant innovation and business ecosystems. Through business meetings, cultural immersion, site visits, and curated dialogues, participants will deepen their business network and develop business opportunities.
If you run a company that you think is aligned with the theme of this trade mission, please reach out to us at info@theala.ca. Find details on our website.
Entrepreneur Program Launch
We’re proud to announce a new addition to the ALA learning ecosystem, a dedicated Entrepreneur Program consisting of multiple workshops spread out over several months aimed at supporting early-stage founders and those considering entrepreneurship through acquisition (repreneuriat). Designed to complement the Angel Investor Program, this offering will provide entrepreneurs with strategic tools, mentorship, and practical knowledge to launch and scale impactful ventures.
More information coming soon from Yinka and the team — watch this space!
If you think you are an entrepreneur that should be admitted to this program, or have any other inquiries, please reach out to info@theala.ca with any inquiries.
Africa Diaspora
Spotlighting African and Caribbean Heritage and Contributions
A few months ago, the world lost Amadou, one half of the iconic Malian duo Amadou & Mariam. Their music has long served as a bridge between cultures, and in a moment of nostalgia recently, I found myself revisiting some of their timeless songs. One that always moves me is Je pense à toi. Even if you’ve never heard their name, chances are you’ve heard their sound — most notably in Patience by Nas and Damian Marley, which opens with Mariam’s ethereal voice singing “Sabali, Sabali.”
Watching the music video again, I was struck by the magic that happens when black artists across continents collaborate. That song — blending Bambara from Mali, Jamaican patois, and African American hip-hop — is more than just a hit. It’s a sonic metaphor for what’s possible when we connect across borders. The video, rich with imagery from African kingdoms, feels like a love letter to our shared heritage.
It reminded me why the work we do at ALA matters. When we come together — whether to create music, build companies, or invest in our collective future — we do more than just collaborate. We define narrative, build legacy, and lay the foundation for thriving, interconnected communities. Just like Sabali showed us what cross-cultural art can achieve, the ALA shows us what cross-continental impact looks like — rooted in heritage, powered by unity, and driven by purpose.
Interesting Reads: What Are We Reading This Summer?
Six years ago, African-American storyteller, adventurer and traveler, Tara Roberts wandered into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. A single photograph stopped her cold: Black women and men in wetsuits, masks and fins, slipping beneath Atlantic waters to hunt for the wrecks of slave ships. Who were these people? They are members of an organization called ‘Diving With A Purpose.’
Tara felt the pull, learned to dive, and set off to follow them. The result is a lyrical, deeply personal memoir that moves from Washington, D.C. to Mozambique, South Africa, Senegal, Benin, Costa Rica, St. Croix, Thailand and Sri Lanka—braiding travel, history, and an intimate reckoning with identity across the African diaspora. I met her years ago in Dakar, Senegal, while she worked with divers searching the Atlantic coast for slave ship wrecks.
Diving With A Purpose (DWP) has helped build pathways for future maritime archaeologists and conservationists, trained divers, and helped locate and document the wrecks of 18 slave ships across six countries. Clotilda, the last known slave ship to reach the U.S. Scholars count roughly 35,000 voyages that carried about 12.5 million Africans across the Atlantic; as many as 500–1,000 ships may have wrecked, yet only a small number—fewer than 20—have been found and even fewer fully documented. That stark math is why Tara’s work matters so deeply.
If you’re part of the African diaspora—or simply care about truth-telling—this book will move you. It’s a testament to remembrance, to community, and to the power of Black storytellers and divers reclaiming history from the seafloor.
Cultural Expression
Fashion Week is upon us, and once again the spotlight turns to the vibrancy of African style. While the Congolese sapologie movement often takes center stage in conversations around fashion and identity, today we shift our gaze to another sartorial celebration—wedding season.
In the height of summer, weddings across the African diaspora burst with joy, music, and radiant color. From the regal drape of aso-oke to the brilliant hues of kente, every fabric tells a story of heritage, celebration, and identity. African wedding fashion is more than what meets the eye—it is culture woven into every stitch. Each garment becomes a living archive, blending tradition and modernity, while weddings provide the perfect stage for these stories to shine.
African fashion is not just clothing; it is a language of love, unity, and belonging. Across the continent and beyond, communities preserve their heritage through dress, with each ethnic group expressing its own aesthetics and symbolism. Today, a new wave of designers is reimagining this heritage—infusing it with innovation, sustainability, and global relevance.
Ese Azenabor
Renowned for dressing A-list celebrities, Ese Azenabor has built a name in luxury bridal couture where vintage craftsmanship meets modern elegance. Her Nigerian roots merge seamlessly with European sophistication, producing gowns that sparkle with intricate beadwork, lace, and tulle. Each piece celebrates individuality while honoring tradition
Alex Mativo
At the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and entrepreneurship stands Alex Mativo. His venture, E-Lab, redefined waste by transforming Africa’s electronic scraps into fashion-forward creations—statement jewelry, avant-garde accessories, and bold interior décor. For Mativo, fashion is activism: proof that waste can be not only wearable but desirable.
As African weddings light up this summer, these designers remind us that fashion is never just about aesthetics. It is cultural expression, innovation, and resilience woven into fabric, beads, and thread. It is a legacy carried forward—bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in heritage.
More to come!
Stay tuned for more info about new initiatives, public events, strategic partnerships, and exclusive networking opportunities.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, let's continue to grow, connect, and uplift one another!
What is the World Grooving To?
What Are We Grooving To This Summer?
Nothing says summer like the infectious beats of Shallipopi’s Laho. Whether you’re relaxing by the poolside or running under the warm summer sun, this track is pure energy.
Closing Reflections
This summer has been an invigorating reminder of what can happen when passionate, purpose-driven people come together. From the energy at the summit to the momentum in our programs and global plans ahead — the ALA community remains committed to impact.
Want to get more involved with BWC?
Whether you want to lead, support, or just connect, we’d love to hear from you. Apply for a program, join a team, or come to our next gathering. We're just getting started.
Angel Investor Program Co-Lead
Entrepreneurship Program Co-Lead
Mentorship Program Team
Communications Co-Lead
Sponsorship Team (especially grants)
Mentors: We are calling out to potential mentors for our next mentor onboarding cycle
Also, stay tuned for new cohort recruiting announcements in October!
Enjoy the last rays of summer sunshine, we look forward to seeing you at our activities in the autumn!
