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A Journey Unveiled: From Technician to Entrepreneurial Trailblazer

Meet Pierre Ngombe, a trailblazer who turned a simple idea into a thriving reality. A decade ago, Pierre started a journey that broke norms and built dreams. From a technician to the founder of Gnomer Technology, a precision electronics company with a proven track record of repairing, modifying, and reworking electronics PCBs to IPC standards.  his story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance.

Growing up valuing education, Pierre mastered his skills as a technician in South Africa. But a yearning for more propelled him forward. Pierre’s passion extended beyond his craft. Guiding others in the field sparked a realization: he could do more. On a crucial day, he challenged himself, asking, “Why stay in the comfort zone?” That question birthed his entrepreneurial spirit.

The path of an entrepreneur is tough, marked by risks and unknowns. But Pierre’s unwavering vision led the way. With support from The Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE), he refined his business plan and financial models.

As time passed, Pierre learned a powerful truth: knowledge is earned through experience. His transformation from technician to entrepreneur was a symphony of growth. The wisdom he gained became his greatest asset, one he wouldn’t have without this journey.

Pierre’s story reminds us that embracing change and dreaming big can yield remarkable results. Today, as he stands on the brink of his entrepreneurial dream, his journey ignites inspiration in fellow black entrepreneurs. It’s a reminder that uncharted paths often lead to the brightest destinations.

To those embarking on their own journey, remember: your story matters, your dreams are worth chasing, and your resilience is your superpower. Let Pierre Ngombe’s journey fuel your aspirations as you chart your course to success.

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Rob G.C. Sobey

Board Member

Rob G.C. Sobey is a corporate director. Mr. Sobey was the President & Chief Executive Officer of Lawton’s Drug Stores Limited from 2006 until his retirement in 2014 after 25 years with Sobeys. He serves as a director of SeaFort Capital and the Institute of Corporate Directors. Mr. Sobey is Chair of the Sobey Art Foundation, a member of the Queen’s Smith School of Business Advisory Board and serves on several foundation and not-for-profit boards. For his work as an Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Army, Mr. Sobey received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He holds an undergraduate from Queen’s University, a Master of Business Administration from Babson College, and the ICD.D designation.

Denburk Reid

Board Member

Denburk Reid is the founder of Montreal Community Care Foundation (MCCF). Its mission is to empower youth by developing their leadership skills by using programs, workshops, and events, and by building bridges between communities. As the founder of MCCF, he beliefs that the youth hold the key to Montreal’s future and over the past eight (8) years, its programs have helped hundreds of Montreal youth stay on track, perform community services as well as set and achieve academic and life goals. The organization seeks to empower youth to become engaged citizens and leaders in their homes, schools, and communities. For the past five (5) years, MCCF celebrates and promotes community engagement across Montreal through the Montreal Community Cares Awards.

Along with his role as the founder of MCCF, Mr. Reid is the Founder of Red Rush Basketball & Red Rush Basketball Leadership. He has a passion for empowering youth and meeting them where they are lends to a successful outcome.

Abdikhier Ahmed​

Board Member

Mr. Ahmed is a recognized community leader in the non-profit sector with specializations in immigration and refugee resettlement, poverty reduction, and community empowerment. A dynamic, highly motivated individual with extensive experience in program development and delivery, providing strategic visioning and leadership. Over 10 years’ experience managing programs for non-profit organizations and working with communities and people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds both locally as well as internationally. Fluently multi-lingual: speaks and writes English, Swahili, Somali and basic Arabic. This experience help guide Mr. Ahmed when he was in the role of Director of Policy at the Office of Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

Mr. Ahmed is currently the Executive Director of Aurora Family Therapy Centre. Aurora is a progressive, non-profit family therapy centre that offers family therapy on a sliding scale; sees clients through services funded by Manitoba Department of Families and Department of Justice; provides community building groups for Newcomers to Canada; hosts a Psycho-Social Settlement Needs Assessment program for incoming refugees; provides summer youth programming for many newcomer communities; supports its own staff and other agencies through vicarious trauma and resilience programming; develops supportive relationships with community partners, and engages in advocacy for accessible community-based therapy services for all. Aurora is in the process of becoming a Centre of Excellence in providing cross cultural therapy from a systemic lens with a special focus on psychological trauma & recovery and community development.