Empowering Black Parents & Caregivers Raising Neurodiverse & Special Needs Youths & Children

The 1-Day Mental Health Support Summit is a transformative, culturally responsive gathering created to support and empower Black parents and caregivers raising neurodiverse and special needs children and youth.

This summit provides practical tools, emotional support, community connection, and access to vital mental health resources in a safe, affirming space that centers Black families and lived experiences.

Parenting a neurodiverse child can be deeply rewarding - and uniquely challenging. This summit acknowledges those realities and provides guidance, advocacy tools, and culturally grounded strategies to help families thrive.

💛 Who Should Attend?

🧠 What You'll Gain

✅ Practical mental health strategies for home and school

✅ Tools for navigating diagnoses, assessments, and services

✅ Guidance on advocacy within educational and healthcare systems

✅ Culturally informed parenting approaches

✅ Emotional wellness and caregiver self-care strategies

✅ Opportunities to connect with other families and professionals

✅ Access to local resources and community support organizations

📚 Summit Format

Participants will have access to three interactive session tracks throughout the day. You may select sessions that best meet your family's needs.

🔹 Morning Sessions (10:30 AM - 1:00 PM) - FREE

10.30am - 11.00 am - Arrival/mingling (30 mins)

11.00am - 11.05 am - National Anthem by Carlamay Sheremata

11.05am - 11.10 am - Elder Linda Johnson

11.10am - 11.20am - Keynote speech by Pastor Sam Ilesanmi (10 mins)

11.20am - 12.20pm - Panel discussions (60 mins)

Pastor Samuel Ilesanmi; Mr Maruf Adekomaiya; Mr. Larry Tebong; Ms. Phelijoy Tezo; Mrs. Omolola Alawiye

12.20pm - 12.50pm: Q & A (30 mins)

12.50pm - 1.00pm: Wrap up/final thought (10 mins)

1.00 pm - 1.05 pm: Presentation of gifts to panelists (5 mins)

Keynote Speaker: Pastor Ilesanmi

Our panel members

Our moderator: Meriztsa Tebeck

Lawrence Tebong

I am Lawrence Tebong, a Canadian born in Cameroon. I am married and a father of 4 children, including Tezoh Gavriel Blesded-Munoh, who is autistic. My background is in education. In most part of my career, I have been supporting young people both in school environment and in the community to help them succeed in life.

My family and I live in Calgary Alberta. (no picture)

Ms. Joy Tezo

Hello my name is Phelijoy, but I go by Joy. I'm 19 years of age and a 1st year pharmacy student at SAIT. I'm the Older sister of Gavriel Tezoh, who is autistic with limited speech. He's nonverbal most of the time but communicates in his own way. I'll be sharing a little about him and what it's like being his sister. (no picture)

🔹 Afternoon Sessions (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM) - FREE

🔹 Evening Sessions (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) - FREE

Indigenous Blessings

Elder Cheryle Chagnon

6:05 PM - 6: 10 PM

Opening Song

Tolu Enaibe

6:15 PM - 6:20 PM

Welcome & Appreciation of Sponsors and Special Guests

Bukola Ojemakinde

6:25 PM - 6:30 PM

Welcome Address

Councillor Raj Dhaliwal, Ward 5

6:30 PM - 6:40 PM

Dance Performance

Mickey

6:45 PM - 6:55 PM

Panel Discussion

Moderated by Alison

Panelists: Claire, Kim, Carlamay, Nkiru

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Introduction of Keynote Speaker

Introduction & Video Presentation

7:30 PM - 7:40 PM

Keynote Speech & Q&A

7:40 PM - 8:00 PM

Dinner, Saxophone & DJ

8:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Remarks by Audacity for Peace

David Top

8:30 PM - 8:40 PM

Thanks to HerConnect Team, Volunteers, Staff & Board - Oluwatomiwa, Beryl and Bukola

8:40 PM - 8:50 PM

Closeout

🤝 Community & Networking

Throughout the day, attendees can visit resource tables featuring local organizations, therapists, advocacy groups, and support services.

This event is also an opportunity to build lasting connections with other families walking similar journeys.

Child-minding will be provided.