Our Board of Directors

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute’s Board of Directors provide strong leadership and strategic guidance, ensuring the organization remains grounded in community priorities and dedicated to advancing justice and equity.

Louise Delisle

Community Activist

Louise Delisle, the eldest of seven children, was born and raised in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. She attended Shelburne Regional High School, where she formed lifelong friendships, before pursuing a career in nursing.

Deeply connected to her community, Louise became involved in theatre through a small acting group called the Dancing Beggars. She later founded the Black Pioneers Acting Troupe, where she continues to serve as president. A passionate storyteller, she has been writing plays for the Black Pioneers for many years.

Elizabeth Cooke-Sumbu

Executive Director Nova Scotia Works - Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association (CANSA) a Careers Nova Scotia Centre

Elizabeth is from Amherst, Nova Scotia. From 2000 until her retirement, she served as the Executive Director of Nova Scotia Works – CANSA, an organization providing employment services to individuals living in Cumberland County. She now owns and operates Cooke Sumbu Consulting.

Folami Jones

Lawyer, Community Activist, Wombanist

Folami (she/her) is an African Nova Scotian whose community has lived in Nova Scotia for over 400 years. Her practice focuses on wills and estate planning, estate litigation, general litigation, and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters.

Her academic and professional background fostered a deep awareness of environmental and social impacts, and she continues to stay current on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and ESG practices. Folami has also provided families with pro bono estate planning services, ensuring access to justice for those in need.

Sylvia Parris-Drummond

2022 NSCC Honorary Diploma, 2022 Queens Jubilee Recipient, 2022 Top 50 CEO Atlantic Business Magazine, 2020 RBC Social Change Award Recipient

Sylvia is the CEO of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute. Her work in education and community development is grounded in core Africentric principles. She has a strong record of building collaborative relationships with communities and stakeholders.

Through her extensive public sector experience, Sylvia has developed a deep understanding of policy analysis, publishing, and the design and implementation of education, multicultural, and diversity programs.

Yvonne Atwell

Community Advocate

Yvonne Thomas-Atwell is a respected community leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing community development, restorative justice, and social change in African Nova Scotian communities. She served as Executive Director of the Community Justice Society from 2005–2016 and has held leadership roles with the African Canadian Employment Clinic and the Maritime Centre of Excellence for Women's Health at Dalhousie University. In 1998, she became the first African Nova Scotian woman elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. A dedicated volunteer, Yvonne has served on numerous boards and committees and is recognized for her lifelong commitment to equity and justice.