WHO WE ARE

Feed the Soul YEG’'s mandate is to celebrate and amplify Black-owned businesses, particularly in the food and beverage sector, in Edmonton. Our mission is to create a more inclusive and diverse culinary scene in the city while supporting local Black entrepreneurs. We aim to showcase the rich cultural contributions of the Black community to Edmonton's hospitality industry and address barriers to the success of Black-owned businesses.

Our Mandate

Volunteer-led and driven - Feed the Soul Dining Week was executed by a group made up of Edmonton’s Black community, allies and supporters dedicated to promoting events and creating opportunities and inclusive spaces for Black-owned businesses in food, beverage and hospitality to grow.

Our Team

Meet the Team

  • Rochelle Ignacio (She/her)

    Founder & Co-Lead

    “I started Feed the Soul Dining Week to shine a spotlight on Edmonton’s diverse Black-owned food and beverage community. Food is a communal language and I see Feed the Soul Dining Week as an anti-racist cultural tool that can be used to shift perspectives of Black communities.”

  • Kira Vliestra (She/they)

    Graphic Designer and Social Media Lead

    "I volunteer with Feed the Soul because I was initially excited about it's initiatives and exploring new cuisine. While supporting this team, I’ve grown a local connection and continue my work towards cultivating a positive community. Feed The Soul is a great opportunity to support local Black business owners and develop my marketing experience here in Edmonton."

  • Ashley Prasad (She/Her)

    Volunteer & Event Coordinator

    "I volunteer with Feed The Soul because I love food; cooking, eating, exploring. Moreso, I’m passionate about being involved in my community and supporting the culture we crave. It’s amazing to see how diverse yet versatile so many ingredients are when used in dishes around the world, and so similar in so many ways, just like us when we come together.“

  • Davion Cohoon

    Event & Administrative Coordinator

    "I volunteer with Feed the Soul to create a meaningful impact in my community, to gain experience and to meet new people. I am excited to be back for another year to learn , grow and support black owned businesses.

    Follow me on insta @Dye.cohoon"

  • Stacy Shyaka (She/Her)

    Event and Social Media Coordinator

    “I volunteer with Feed the Soul because I love supporting amazing black-owned business that have not reached the public eye, YET. I’m excited to be back after seeing how much positive impact this project had on last years business."

  • Lola Adegun (She/Her)

    Finance & Administrative Lead

    "I volunteer with Feed the Soul to give back to my community and execute exciting innovations. As a foodie, I value the spotlight it shines on Black-owned cuisine. On the team, I specialize in delivering client services with a focus on financial administration."

  • Maurice Humphrey (He/Him)

    Design & Content Coordinator

    "I volunteer with Feed The Soul to feed my curiosity of cultural cuisine. I love finding and experiencing new things, especially local restaurants providing great food"

  • Jessica Dodds (she/her)

    Finance Coordinator

    "I volunteer with Feed The Soul as a way to connect with my community. Food is a universal language that speaks in a way that anyone can understand. Some of my fondest memories have been made over slurping noodles with others. I'm delighted to be a part of a team that will amplify stories of Black-owned businesses in the city and can't wait to see how the year unfolds.”

  • IBK (He/Him)

    Web Developer & Business Development

    “I volunteer with Feed The Soul because I love getting involved with my community”. As someone who is passionate about the survival and growth of Black businesses in Edmonton I am excited to use my platform, network and IT skills to amplify this amazing group.”

  • Nneoma Amogu (She/Her)

    Administrative Volunteer

    ”I volunteer with Feed The Soul because I want to be more involved in my community. I believe in uplifting small businesses and I love food so this organization feels like the best of both worlds. I’m excited to discover new black owned businesses and restaurants and collaborate with the amazing Feed The Soul team to showcase them”

Want to volunteer?