Voices Less Heard with Dr. PMak

Just on the strength and uniqueness of his ideas, Allen Fahden has gotten the attention of people in groups of up to 50 million. His One-Book Book Store, ReadDundant, appeared in People Magazine, on ABC News, the BBC, National Public Radio and in major city newspapers. As a speaker he appeared for 25 of the top 100 companies in the world, ranging from Jeff Bezos and his top people at Amazon.com to Coca-Cola, GE, Disney and a TED talk. Shell Oil reported that using Allen’s techniques saved them a million dollars per team.

Bonnie and Roger Neugebauer are creators of Child Care information Exchange magazine and co-founders of the World Forum Foundation. Bonnie has a Masters Degree and an Honorary Doctors Degree in Education from Wheelock College. Roger has a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Leadership from Leslie College. Currently they serve as Global Impact Engineers supporting the World Forum Foundation and Exchange Magazine as well as helping build the emerging Early Childhood Wisdom Initiative.

Rolf Foster-Jorgensen is an award-winning leadership coach, facilitator, and consultant with decades of experience supporting Fortune 500 organizations worldwide. As the owner of Optimire Consulting and Training Inc., he specializes in leadership coaching, consultative skills, and his proprietary Risk-Giving peer mentoring approach to leadership development. Now based on the oceanfront in Nova Scotia, Rolf also enjoys performing percussion with Canada’s oldest fire department concert band.

Colleen Hanley is a BCCIC Board Chair at Interculturalist-Consultant and Trainer. ________________________________________________________________________ About Patrick Makokoro Ph.D | Social Entrepreneur, Educational Researcher, Development Practitioner // I am an author, social entrepreneur, researcher, and development practitioner. My work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for social challenges. With a passion for positive change I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. \\

Olaolu Adeleye describes himself as Nigerian mentally, shaped by British tendencies, and grounded in Canadian sensibilities—a blend formed through lived experiences across all three cultures. He’s a Senior Consultant with Deloitte’s Government and Public Sector Services and a faculty member at Royal Roads University, where he brings global insight to topics like international development, humanitarian innovation, equity, and diaspora studies.

In this conversation Dr. PMak speaks with Tara Schroder, the Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Dimensions Educational Research Foundation whose mission is to inspire joy and wonder in children, educators, and communities with a heart-centered approach to early education. Her work supports the major departments of the Foundation: The Nature Explore Program; Exchange Press; and Dimensions Education Programs.

In this conversation Dr. PMak speaks with Tapfuma Musewe, a seasoned trade and investment executive with over 15 years of experience in advancing emerging markets and fostering regional leaders. Tapfuma has built one of Canada’s foremost platforms for bridging African and Canadian innovation ecosystems through  trade and investment. 

In this episode Dr. PMak speaks with Diana Schaffter, a teacher, educator, international speaker, mother, and grandmother. Diana is fluent in Thai, has traveled to over fifty countries, lived in seven countries in Asia and Eastern Europe for forty-two years, including two years in Pyongyang, North Korea, where her husband worked for UNICEF. Wherever she has lived, Diana has witnessed the power of human resilience, cooperation, and caring, which inspires her writing.

Dr. PMAK and Mark speak about his leadership journey serving children and families in the US and globally. Mark speaks passionately about his love of building community capacity to help programs and leaders better serve children and families.

In this episode, Dr. PMak and Maeva Gauthier talk about her work in oceanography, discuss resilience and adaptations, human dimensions of global change, participatory approaches, youth engagement and Arctic regions. Her research is using participatory video to engage youth in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, on issues that matter to them: climate change and living in two worlds (modern and traditional worlds).

Dr. PMak speaks with Darren Abrahams, a Sydney-born radiation therapist turned counsellor, pastor, published author, and chaplain for Alliance Door Products Canada (part of the Lynden Family of Companies) as Canadian representative who has lived in Victoria, Canada since 2013 with his wife and two adult children.

Dr. PMak has a conversation with Alex Ruhter whose primary purpose in life is to give honor to God. Alex has a wide range of experience starting multiple ventures. From for-profit, to not-for-profit organizations, he has built multiple companies and learned many lessons along the way. His primary giftedness lies in his ability to cast clear vision, simplify complex systems, and build strong teams.

In this conversation, Dr. PMAK speaks with Karen,  a nationally respected consultant, author, and speaker known for her vibrant energy and deep commitment to helping early childhood leaders thrive. With a career spanning ownership of childcare centers, executive leadership of diverse nonprofits, and the creation of successful business development initiatives, Karen brings unmatched insight to the intersection of mission-driven care and sustainable business practice.

Dr. PMak speaks with Ana Valle Rivera — an early childhood educator, consultant, and founder of Early Years Thriving. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Ana brings a powerful blend of personal story, deep professional knowledge, and a passionate commitment to inclusion, trauma-informed care, and anti-bias education. She’s trained educators across Canada, worked with families and communities, and continues to advocate for just, responsive, and joyful early learning environments. Get ready for a conversation full of insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom for anyone working with or raising young children.”

Serving in multicultural churches throughout Western Canada, Adam is an experienced leader, charismatic and sought-after speaker, visionary, and evangelist. It is evident that his heart is about spreading the Gospel and loving on people. He has spoken in schools, universities, retreats, conferences, camps and churches from coast to coast for audiences of all ages.

Carolyn Willis is an accomplished violinist and dedicated violin instructor based in Bellevue, Washington, part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area. With over 20 years of performance experience, she has established herself as a respected presence in Seattle's classical music scene. Carolyn earned her Master's degree in Violin Performance from the University of Washington and previously studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her performance career includes serving as a first violinist with the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra and regular appearances with chamber ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. PMak discusses with Amaka Amadike a distinguished Early Childhood Professional whose two-decade journey in education has shaped innovative approaches to culturally responsive learning. As a full-time faculty member at Bow Valley College Calgary, she brings rich insights from her experience teaching both Early Childhood Education and Indigenous Early Childhood Education.

Dr. PMak is joined by Oneil Randall, Founder and President of Fusion Rise, a groundbreaking Black-led organization that's transforming how we approach community empowerment. Randall shares how his unique background - from his Caribbean roots and Jamaican military service to his expertise in net-zero building - shaped his vision for addressing systemic inequities.

Dr. PMak speaks with Tiara Cash, the dynamic founder of Crowned Vitta LLC, whose work weaves together mindfulness, meta-awareness, and relationship building in innovative ways. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Social Psychology at Simon Fraser University as a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar, Cash shares insights from 20+ years of personal mindfulness practice and professional experience across higher education, athletics, and non-profit sectors.

Dr. PMak and Kofi Achampong in today's episode, delve into crucial advocacy initiatives shaping Black communities across Canada. This discussion explores three pivotal areas: the historic Black Class Action lawsuit, Canada's evolving engagement with the African continent through the Canada-Africa strategy, and the economic landscape for Black entrepreneurs as Canada approaches its federal election.

Dr.PMak in this episode, explores the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and early childhood education with two passionate educators. Rachel, a sqilxʷ/syilx member of Okanagan Indian Band, and Andrea, a Montessori-specialized educator, share their unique perspectives on transforming early learning spaces through their social enterprise called Juniper Tree Learning.

In this episode Coach JT Ward shares insights from his private practice, W.A.R.D Athletics, where since 2016 he's been implementing his philosophy centered on work, accountability, resilience, and determination.

Dr. PMak and Alison Isaac discuss the rising voices of Afro-Caribbean-Canadian writers. They explored her recent literary successes, including her short story "Legacy" which caught attention at the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival's Emergent Writers competition and went on to win the inaugural issue of Rewrite Reads. Join us for this fascinating discussion about emerging voices in Caribbean-Canadian literature and Afrocentrism. 

Dr. PMak and Alison Isaac discuss the rising voices of Afro-Caribbean-Canadian writers. They explored her recent literary successes, including her short story "Legacy" which caught attention at the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival's Emergent Writers competition and went on to win the inaugural issue of Rewrite Reads. Join us for this fascinating discussion about emerging voices in Caribbean-Canadian literature and Afrocentrism. 

Dr. PMak sits down with design strategist and public speaking expert Kevan Gilbert to unpack the art and science of effective facilitation, creative leadership, and building an entrepreneurial mindset. Drawing from their experience leading workshops and strategic initiatives, they explore practical design thinking strategies centering the work that Kevan does through his company co.school. Dr. PMak and Kevan Gilbert discuss the life hacks of entrepreneurship, focusing on creative processes of building teams, creative design thinking, importance of collaboration and co-creation of ideas. 

Tinashe, a social entrepreneur, shares his journey from Zimbabwe to Canada and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses his experiences starting businesses in Zimbabwe during a period of economic instability and inflation. He shares his transition to the United States and his pursuit of a master's degree. Overall, Tinashe's story highlights the resilience and determination required to navigate entrepreneurship in challenging environments. ________________________________________________________________________ About Patrick Makokoro Ph.D | Social Entrepreneur, Educational Researcher, Development Practitioner // I am an author, social entrepreneur, researcher, and development practitioner. My work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for social challenges. With a passion for positive change I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. \\

In this conversation Dr PMak and Michael Ford cover a wide range of topics, including the income potential in trades, global crises, the future of humanity, and the meaning of life. Michael shares insights on the importance of mastery, the impact of instant gratification on youth, and the significance of building communities and purpose. He also discusses the role of spirituality in his work and the value of perseverance. ________________________________________________________________________ About Patrick Makokoro Ph.D | Social Entrepreneur, Educational Researcher, Development Practitioner // I am an author, social entrepreneur, researcher, and development practitioner. My work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for social challenges. With a passion for positive change I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. \\

Yves-Gérard Méhou-Loko shares his experiences growing up in different countries and cultures, including France, Togo, Benin and Canada. He discusses his early career in politics and journalism, as well as the challenges he faced in navigating the public service and media industry. Yves-Gérard emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding in creating systemic change and combating racism. He also highlights the need for collective action and allyship in the fight against discrimination. Despite his current position of power as the Secretary General for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Yves-Gérard acknowledges that racism can still persist and that he remains committed to uplifting others. ________________________________________________________________________ About Patrick Makokoro Ph.D | Social Entrepreneur, Educational Researcher, Development Practitioner // I am an author, social entrepreneur, researcher, and development practitioner. My work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for social challenges. With a passion for positive change I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. \\

In this episode of the Voices Less Heard, Dr. PMak interviews Anick Silencieux, founder of Support Black Charities. Anick shares her journey from a curious child in Montreal to an engineer and ultimately to a social entrepreneur. She discusses her cultural background, the importance of community service, and the vision behind her organization, which aims to enhance the impact of Black-led charities. Anick emphasizes the need for sustainability and generational impact in charitable work, and she reflects on her transition from employee to entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and rewards of her journey. ________________________________________________________________________ About Patrick Makokoro Ph.D | Social Entrepreneur, Educational Researcher, Development Practitioner // I am an author, social entrepreneur, researcher, and development practitioner. My work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for social challenges. With a passion for positive change I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. \\

Dr. PMak welcomes Zarya Thomas and Emmanuel Okee, the founders of the 4Roots Collective, a network of community organizers and social entrepreneurs of African descent. They discuss their commitment to community, the fragmentation in their community, and the need for healing and celebration. Emmanuel shares his journey from studying medicine to psychology and his passion for cultural education. They also discuss the problems within the community, including the loss of cultural values and the prioritization of capitalism over human connection. ________________________________________________________________________ About Patrick Makokoro Ph.D | Social Entrepreneur, Educational Researcher, Development Practitioner // I am an author, social entrepreneur, researcher, and development practitioner. My work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for social challenges. With a passion for positive change I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. \\

In this conversation, Dr. PMak speaks with Camarrah Morgan about the importance of self-care and finding balance in life. Camarrah shares her personal journey of realizing the need to prioritize herself and how it has transformed her perspective. They discuss the idea that caring for oneself is not selfish, but necessary for long-term well-being. They also explore the balance between taking care of the community and taking care of oneself. Camarrah emphasizes the importance of sharing the load and empowering others to contribute, creating a stronger community. They touch on the generational struggle of overworking and the need to shift the focus from quantifiable metrics to happiness and well-being. Camarrah shares her favorite hobbies, such as journaling and enjoying sunsets and water. They conclude by discussing the future of humanity and the importance of liberation and joy. ________________________________________________________________________ About Patrick Makokoro Ph.D | Social Entrepreneur, Educational Researcher, Development Practitioner // I am an author, social entrepreneur, researcher, and development practitioner. My work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for social challenges. With a passion for positive change I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. \\

This conversation explores the experiences of black people and people of African descent in the grant-making and philanthropy sector in Canada. Dr. PMak and Omar Yasin Omar discuss the importance of centering and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, the challenges of grant-making, and the need for intentional and purposeful grant-making.

Professor Alan Pence discusses his early childhood work and the importance of community, culture, and context in early childhood development. He shares his experiences with mentors such as Prof. Uri Bronfenbrenner and Thomas Weisner, who influenced his understanding of child development. Pence also talks about his work in Kenya and the challenges of being a male caregiver and house father. He then discusses his involvement with a tribal council in Canada and the development of a generative curriculum that incorporates both Western and indigenous knowledge. The conversation explores the importance of knowledge engagement and generation in education, particularly in Indigenous communities. It highlights the success of a program that focused on interaction and collaboration rather than knowledge transfer. The conversation also discusses the impact of the program on the community, elevating the students and elders and changing their perception of themselves. The conversation then delves into the establishment of the Early Childhood Development Virtual University, which aimed to train graduate-level leaders in Africa. The importance of learning from the past and the need for a global perspective in early childhood education are also emphasized.

In this conversation, Dr. PMak and Sarah Gawthrop explore the themes of poetry, nature, cultural identity, and the challenges of the publishing industry. Sarah shares her inspirations for writing, her creative process, and the significance of her upcoming work that reflects on her grandmothers.

Dr. Godwin Ude, a man with three doctoral degrees, shares his inspiring journey and the passion that drives him to find solutions to problems. Growing up in a large family of 15 siblings, Dr. Ude learned discipline and the value of making do with little. His academic journey was inspired by his desire to support his struggling family and make a difference in the lives of marginalized and impoverished people.