Women’s Leadership Development Team

Nataizya Mukwavi

Program Manager (Women Leadership & Development)

Nataizya Mukwavi is the Founding Executive Director of Black Women Connect Vancouver (BWCV), a non-profit organization established in 2017 to address critical gaps within the local Black community, with a particular focus on issues impacting Black women. In 2021, Nataizya helped spearhead the launch of Empowered Black Girl (EBG), a groundbreaking conference aimed at inspiring and empowering teenage Black girls to emerge as future leaders.

In addition to her leadership role at BWCV, Nataizya has held positions as the Program Manager for the Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) and served as a Freelance Leadership Consultant with Career Contacts. She also contributed her expertise as a member of the Local Content Advisory Board of BC for TELUS Story Hive.

Nataizya’s remarkable contributions have earned her recognition on multiple platforms. In 2022, she was honored as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch by Canada International Black Women Excellence (CIBWE), followed by a nomination as a YWCA Woman of Distinction Community Champion in 2023. In 2024, Nataizya received the prestigious Trailblazer Award from Diversity Community Resources, further cementing her commitment to driving positive change. Subsequently, she was honored with the 2024 Trailblazer Award from DiverseCity Community Resources Society as part of the Black Brilliance Awards.

Sanzida Habib

Program Coordinator, Building Bridges & IWAC

Celeste Flores

Program Coordinator, Building a Childcare System

Celeste Flores is a Paraguayan who is very grateful to share the land of the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Skxwú7mesh Nations. As a newcomer, she is continuously inspired by the opportunities and challenges of being part of a diverse community. That’s why Celeste is thrilled to have recently joined PIRS as a Project Coordinator for the Childcare Leadership Group. The organization’s mission to promote an inclusive environment empowering women deeply resonates with her.

With a strong background in business, sustainable development, and DEI, Celeste supported environmental projects at the UNDP and advocated for women’s participation in the agricultural sector. She also collaborated in the affordable housing sector and continue to be involved with the Vancouver Fruit Tree project as a board member, promoting food security. As a highly motivated and passionate individual eager to positively impact our society, Celeste moved to initiatives that align with her values. She helped develop an online course in civic engagement based on her experience in governance and community development, creating system changes in community-building projects, making awareness of violence against women and 2SLGBTQ+, and advocating for including immigrant women’s voices in systems/policies that impact our lives.

Let’s connect and work towards a more equitable and sustainable future together!

Email: cflores@pirs.bc.ca
Phone: 236-607-9882

Annette Quayson

Program Assistant, Building a Childcare System

Annette Quayson is a recent Public Policy and Administration graduate with a background in administrative support particularly in the Education sector and Non profit organizations. Annette has experience supporting executives in the areas of project and event coordination. She is committed to contributing to social causes and looks forward to providing the required support for the smooth running of programs within the Women’s Leadership and Development team.

Safiya Ayuen

Policy and Engagement Officer

Safiya studied International Relations at UBC and did a study abroad program in Human Rights and Global Development at Sciences Po, France. Safiya is passionate about issues concerning social justice and international politics. She has tutored students of immigrant backgrounds in French and English as a Second Language and has volunteered as a teacher for marginalized groups in Colombia and Indonesia. In her role as Policy and Engagement Officer, she strives to advocate for immigrants and refugees to reach their full potential amid evolving pressures.