Moving to Canada from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ed pursued his education in New Brunswick (Crandall University) and Nova Scotia (Acadia University). As a Community Economic Developer at-heart, Ed settled in Halifax and joined the workforce focusing on people development, advocacy, training, youth and entrepreneurship. Ed served in various capacities for community organizations such as Regional Residential Services Society (RRSS), Black United Front of Nova Scotia (BUF), African Nova Scotian Training Centre (ANSTC), Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED) and the Black Business Initiative (BBI)

For over two decades, Ed was involved in developing and implementing community programs throughout Nova Scotia and beyond. Of the many programs, he also committed over 15 years to helping at-risk youth and those already in conflict with the law, by providing them with necessary training, support, resources and opportunities to promote self-growth and empowerment for a complete life transformation. Ed accomplished this through a multiple
award-winning youth entrepreneurship initiative – The Second Chance Program – and successfully utilized his theory: “the Business of Life”.

Ed has provided his expertise in entrepreneurship education and social reintegration, by contributing to various projects locally, regionally and internationally (Portugal, Angola, Ghana, South Africa and the Bahamas). After relocating to Ottawa, Ed continued with his passion for community and capacity building through the Catholic Centre for Immigrants and World Skills Centre, where he trained and provided advice to newcomers in the areas of settlement, employment and entrepreneurship.

Ed served on several boards and committees in Nova Scotia and Ontario, and has also adjudicated for the JUNOs, Factor Grants, Canada Council of the Arts, the African Nova Scotian Music Awards, the Atlantic Jazz Festival and the NS Lieutenant Governor’s Masterwork Award.

Amongst many arts awards and nominations, Ed was honoured by the Urban Music Association of Canada (UMAC) in 2003, with a Special Achievement Award for his work in promoting urban music in Atlantic Canada. In the same year, Ed received the National Humanitarian Griot Awards for his active work with the youth, arts, community and the enhancement of African countries’ education and health systems. In January 2009, Ed was featured on the CBC TV program “Living Halifax” as one of Halifax’s Heroes for his involvement in community economic development, entrepreneurship education, work with at-risk youth and his contribution to Canada’s musical Mosaic.

Ed now finds himself inside a triangle that summarizes the three areas for which he has been most passionate – social justice, youth and arts – three pillars that define the mandate of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, where he currently serves as Director of Programs.

To-date, Ed’s life can be summarized in these words: True leaders spend their energies nurturing other leaders.