About Ladies in the Family Foundation

Who We Are

Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF) is a non-profit organization focused on building relationships among immigrant women with a focus on black women and girls, to increase their economic, social and emotional wellness as they navigate building new homes, businesses, and work lifestyles in Canada. LIFF’s goal is not only to connect socially, but also to help women understand and manage the fundamental contributors to the health and quality of their emotional well-being.

We know that when girls and women thrive emotionally, psychologically, economically and socially, families, societies and nations are also thriving. Through LIFF’s mandate, we hope that no voice is left behind, no skill is left untapped, and that stigmas, labels and barriers are removed as women navigate their way towards complete and wholesome wellness.

a board member and 2 young girls

Our Vision & Mission

Vision
To create a future where women, girls, and their families are physically, emotionally, psychologically, and economically healthy at every stage of life.

Mission
LIFF exists to establish a friendly and culturally diverse platform where women and their families can build healthier relationships, improve emotional wellness, increase social equity, and experience stronger integration into Canadian culture.

Our focus is on empowering Black and Afro-Canadian women and girls through meaningful community connection, support, and opportunity.

What We Stand For

01.
Emotional Wellness & Safe Spaces

Creating supportive environments where women and girls can openly discuss mental health, share experiences, and feel emotionally supported.

02.
Cultural Integration & Community Connection

Helping immigrant Black women and girls build meaningful relationships and feel more connected within their communities in Canada.

03.
Leadership, Mentorship & Growth

Encouraging leadership development, mentorship, entrepreneurial skills, and opportunities that help women and girls thrive personally and professionally.

04.
Community Engagement & Development

Promoting friendship, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives that strengthen families and create lasting social impact.

LIFF’s goal is not only to connect socially,

… but also to help women understand and manage the fundamental contributors to the health and quality of their emotional well-being. We know that when girls and women thrive emotionally, psychologically, economically and socially, families, societies and nations are also thriving.

-LIFF/ LADIES IN THE FAMILY FOUNDATION ANTHEM-
Teacher teaching students LIFF anthem
Bukola-LIFF biography

Bukola Ojemakinde

Executive Director

Bukola works as a Production Engineer at a reputable oil and gas Company in Calgary, Alberta. She has a master’s degree in industrial and Production Engineer and also a degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Petroleum Engineering. She is an ardent community servant and founder of two non-profit organizations: Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF) and Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation. She is a recipient of Suncor Energy’s 2022 Change Maker’s Award. She is married and has two kids, Danielle and David Ojemakinde

In the last 5 years, our organisation have established a friendly and culturally diverse platform for women and their families that has enabled the promotion of healthier relationships with and among women towards emotional and mental wellness, increased social capital, increased productivity, and better integration into the Canadian culture through collaborative community building.

Meet The Board of Directors

Our focus is on racialized communities with a goal to empower Black and Afro-Canadian women and girls.

MORENIKE ADESINA

Board Chair

SOMI ADDEI-BOADU

Director

ELIZABETH OFORI

Director

VICTORIA ADEOLA FAJENYO

Treasurer

TEMI KOLAWOLE

Director

Our Registration & Governance

LIFF is a registered nonprofit organization committed to transparency, accountability, and community impact. You can view our official registration and amendment documents.

Funders & Partners

As a federally and provincially registered not-for profit organization, we rely on our generous community to enable us to continually supplement the care and support to African Seniors.

calgary red
calgary foundation
africa centre
women initiative
aqua finance
servus credit union
alberta culture
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2 girls explaining what liff is about to people
  • RECENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

People Are Frequently Asking Some Questions

Who does LIFF support?

LIFF supports Black and Afro-Canadian women, girls, immigrant women, and families through programs focused on wellness, leadership, mentorship, cultural belonging, and community connection.
LIFF’s programs are grouped under key areas such as FamilyConnect, Thrive & Rise, and Community Engagement. These include initiatives connected to emotional wellness, mentorship, leadership development, cultural engagement, and community events.

You can join the LIFF community through the Membership page, where you’ll find details about becoming a member and accessing the external membership platform.

Yes. LIFF welcomes partnerships with organizations, funders, and community groups that align with its mission of wellness, leadership, social equity, and community belonging.

You can support LIFF by volunteering your time, skills, or experience at programs, events, mentorship initiatives, and community activities.

Building Confidence. Strengthening Community.

Help Create Safe Spaces Where Women and Girls Can Belong

Your support helps create safe spaces where women and girls can grow, connect, and thrive through mentorship, wellness, leadership, and community support.

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MORENIKE ADESINA

Board Chair

Bringing 20 years of leadership in commercial banking and risk management, Morenike Adesina leverages deep financial stewardship and strategic insight to empower others through her volunteer work. An MBA-qualified financial professional, she applies her decades of underwriting and leadership expertise to strengthen community initiatives, optimize resource allocation, and foster sustainable growth for the foundation’s programs. 

Morenike is dedicated to creating impactful opportunities that uplift women, bridging her extensive corporate background with a heartfelt commitment to philanthropic leadership, mentorship, and driving meaningful, lasting change within the community.

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SOMI ADDEI-BOADU

Director

Somi is a designated accountant (CPA, CMA) based out of Calgary. She has a B.Mgmt in Accounting from the University of Lethbridge as well as an MBA from the University of Calgary. She takes pride in not just crunching numbers but in unraveling the narrative they hold. Taking a human-centric approach to bring a comprehensive understanding of financial intricacies, coupled with a passion for making the numbers not only add up but tell a meaningful story.

Outside the world of ledgers and spreadsheets, Somi is married with two energetic young boys. She is an avid podcast listener, finding inspiration and knowledge in the diverse voices of the podcasting world from true crimes to accounting.

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Elizabeth Ofori

Director

Elizabeth Ofori is a Quantitative and Data Analyst with a strong foundation in advanced mathematics and applied research. She holds an MSc in Financial Mathematics from the University of Calgary and is currently completing her PhD in Financial Mathematics. Elizabeth brings deep expertise in data-driven modeling, statistical analysis, and strategic evaluation, with a passion for using evidence to guide impactful decision-making.
 
In her role at Ladies in the Family Foundation, she focuses on harnessing data and analytics to measure community impact, support organizational growth, and shape strategies that foster long-term success.
 
Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Elizabeth is a proud mother of four girls. She finds joy in singing and dedicates her time to serving in God’s vineyard, combining faith and family as central parts of her life.
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Victoria Adeola Fajenyo

Treasurer

Victoria Adeola Fajenyo is a public health professional, PhD student, and Research Coordinator in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. She holds a Master of Public Health from Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, and is a member of the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA). Her expertise includes vaccine acceptance, mental health promotion, and community-engaged health research, with a particular interest in equity-centred approaches to health and wellbeing.

Her doctoral research focuses on examining how cultural frameworks can shape healthier developmental outcomes for young people. She also coordinates a community-based breast cancer screening project for Black women in Alberta, collaborating with community partners to strengthen access and quality of care.

Beyond research, Victoria is committed to mentorship and community leadership. She previously coordinated the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program in Calgary.
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TEMI KOLAWOLE

Director