Item - 2025.CA30.1

Appointees' Biographies

Kendall Forde

Kendall Forde is a trusted non-profit leader with over a decade of experience advancing equity, justice, and youth empowerment. They are currently the Director of Project Management at Egale Canada and co-founded and serves as a Director of Black LGBTQ Justice Canada, focusing on improving justice outcomes for Black queer and trans communities through advocacy and programming. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Kendall brings expertise in organizational transformation, strategic planning, and building high-impact initiatives grounded in anti-oppression frameworks. They are deeply committed to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive futures for all.

Nicholas Marcus Thompson

Nicholas Marcus Thompson is a human rights advocate and executive leader. He serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Black Class Action Secretariat and is the founder of both the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination and the Global Litigation and Advocacy Network for People of African Descent. He is also a guest lecturer at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. He leads efforts to confront systemic anti-Black racism and advance inclusive policy, justice, and governance across public institutions.

Mahkeba Diana Walters

Mahkeba (Keba) Walters is an antiracism consultant and writer from Scarborough, specializing in equity strategy in the social service sector. As a Black, queer woman of Jamaican descent, Keba brings an intersectional lens to dismantling systemic barriers through policy, planning, and mentorship. Their work focuses on transforming workplace systems through anti-racism and equity-focused approaches, grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise.

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council appoint the 3 new individuals listed in the Confidential Attachment 1 to the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending with the November 14, 2026, to coincide with the end of the 2022- 2026 City Council Term, or until the completion of its mandate, whichever comes first:

- Kendall Forde;

- Nicholas Marcus Thompson; and

- Mahkeba Diana Walters.

2. City Council direct that the balance of Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (October 8, 2025) from the Executive Director, Social Development remain confidential as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals who are being considered for appointment to the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee.

Candidates' Biographies

Kendall Forde

Kendall Forde is a trusted non-profit leader with over a decade of experience advancing equity, justice, and youth empowerment. They are currently the Director of Project Management at Egale Canada and co-founded and serves as a Director of Black LGBTQ Justice Canada, focusing on improving justice outcomes for Black queer and trans communities through advocacy and programming. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Kendall brings expertise in organizational transformation, strategic planning, and building high-impact initiatives grounded in anti-oppression frameworks. They are deeply committed to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive futures for all.

Nicholas Marcus Thompson

Nicholas Marcus Thompson is a human rights advocate and executive leader. He serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Black Class Action Secretariat and is the founder of both the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination and the Global Litigation and Advocacy Network for People of African Descent. He is also a guest lecturer at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. He leads efforts to confront systemic anti-Black racism and advance inclusive policy, justice, and governance across public institutions.

Mahkeba Diana Walters

Mahkeba (Keba) Walters is an antiracism consultant and writer from Scarborough, specializing in equity strategy in the social service sector. As a Black, queer woman of Jamaican descent, Keba brings an intersectional lens to dismantling systemic barriers through policy, planning, and mentorship. Their work focuses on transforming workplace systems through anti-racism and equity-focused approaches, grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise.

The report recommends the appointment of 3 new community members to the Confronting Anti Black Racism Council Advisory Committee to provide a full compliment of 14 Committee members, following 3 member resignations.