Board Members

Meet The Team

Charlet Muskwe

Founder & Executive Director
(Baobab Black Seniors Health and Social Care Services Society)

Charlet Muskwe is a visionary healthcare leader, Registered Nurse, and lifelong advocate for equity and justice, with over two decades of experience across London, England and British Columbia, Canada. She brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and lived experience to her work in advancing health equity for the Black Community.

She is the founder and Executive Director of Baobab Black Seniors and Social Care Services Society, an organization rooted in justice, equity, dignity, and the belief that all elders deserve culturally safe and affirming care. Charlet’s work is grounded in a long-standing commitment to dismantling systemic racism, anti-Black discrimination, and the deep health inequities that continue to impact Black communities.

Her clinical background spans intensive care, medical-surgical, and community-based nursing, including more than a decade as a Home Care Community Manager of Clinical Practice. But her impact goes far beyond the clinical setting. Charlet has served on the Elders Committee for ZICUSO BC and co-led a community farming initiative in partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University, addressing food insecurity among low-income and senior populations. This initiative, which was featured in the Richmond BC Recorder, reflects her dedication to tackling the broader social and structural determinants of health.

Charlet brings an intersectional approach to all she does, informed by anti-oppression, anti-Black racism, inclusive feminism, disability justice and decolonial values. She is committed to reimagining healthcare systems through a decolonial and equity-focused lens. For her, transformation begins with research, shapes policy, and must be reflected in how care is delivered. Her work centers the voices, knowledge systems, and priorities of Black communities in every aspect of healthcare decision-making.

As a passionate educator and connector, Charlet has led information sessions for Zimbabwean newcomers in Canada, helping them navigate healthcare systems with confidence and clarity. She is also the co-founder and director of a healthcare recruiting company, where she works to align professionals with roles that reflect both their skills and their values. Through this work, she is actively investing in the diversity of the healthcare ecosystem advocating for inclusive hiring, culturally responsive leadership, and career pathways that elevate underrepresented voices. For Charlet, workforce development is inseparable from health equity.

She walks in the legacy of her ancestors, drawing strength from those who came before her and carrying forward their vision for justice and liberation, grounded in the African philosophy of Hunhu/Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” Charlet brings this intergenerational heritage and resilience into every aspect of her work in health and community care. Her commitment is evident in the time she has devoted to BIPOC communities and in her unwavering focus on advancing equitable, culturally responsive, and community-driven healthcare for Black seniors in British Columbia.

Vimbainashe Daisy Gudu

Secretary

Vimbainashe Daisy Gudu is a dynamic leader, visionary, and changemaker with a deep commitment to community empowerment and intergenerational connection. With a background in Health Studies and a wealth of experience spanning multinational corporations and nonprofit organizations, Vimbai brings both strategic insight and heartfelt passion to every endeavor.

Driven by a calling to support marginalized communities, Vimbai is especially passionate about youth development and elderly care. She currently leads initiatives focused on at-risk youth in the Downtown Eastside, designing and delivering impactful programs that foster resilience, purpose, and opportunity. As the Founder of Batannaii Young Hearts Connect, she champions a unique mission: bridging the generational divide between the young and the old, fostering mutual learning, respect, and support.

Vimbai’s leadership and advocacy have earned her recognition across Canada and beyond. She serves as a Senior Advisor on the board of Pan African Legacy, and formerly sat on the board of Limitless Impact, an organization dedicated to providing relief in Southern Africa. Her influence also extends to key community projects funded by the Canadian Red Cross, MusiCounts, Tropicana Community Services, and Communities for Families, BBI each reflecting her commitment to empowering vulnerable populations.

An accomplished event planning and skilled programming. Vimbai has a talent for turning ideas into action. Her approach integrates creativity, compassion, and a deep understanding of social dynamics qualities that make her leadership both inspiring and effective.
During her time at the University of Manitoba, Vimbai made a lasting impact as one of the founding members and Director of Advocacy for the Black Student Council. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, where she further honed her leadership and service values.
Vimbai’s dedication to mental wellbeing, community upliftment, and generational unity resonates deeply with her mission. Her leadership continues to shape a brighter, more inclusive future one heart at a time.

Nthabi (Nthabiseng) Akolo

Director of Volunteer and Support Services

I have worked 20 years in the British Columbia food industry, manufacturing and retail sectors, specifically in compliance, quality assurance, and food safety roles. During this time, I helped companies comply with food safety regulations, industry standards, and protect their brands. My education is in science and business, a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Chemistry from the National University of Lesotho, a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of
London, and a Diploma in Business in Operations Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Recently, I transitioned to the hospitality sector, working at Triumf House, a guesthouse serving the Triumf laboratory at the University of British Columbia. For centuries, people have welcomed travelers and strangers into their homes, offering a place to sleep, a cooked meal, and a drink to quench their thirst. The timeliness of hospitality, the value of service, and the importance of treating people with respect and dignity shaped this transition.

In my free time, I volunteer at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and canvass for various political campaigns locally, provincially, and federally. Ultimately, I am passionate about working with organizations that directly enrich people’s lives.

Ruvimbo Ruvarashe Muskwe

Director of Fundraising and Development Leads

Ruvimbo Ruvarashe Muskwe is a dedicated and hardworking university student working towards her BSc in Computing Science at Simon Fraser University. Ruvi has played various leadership roles, especially in the BIPOC community. After volunteering at the Great Zimbabwean Cultural Society of British Columbia (ZICUSO BC) for few years, she has had vast experiences working with children, youth and elders in learning cultural heritage. Whilst volunteering at ZICUSO BC, she also has played many other significant roles in both the kids storytelling and food distribution programs. At ZICUSO, she assisted in children’s cultural storytelling, fostered inclusivity and encouraged self-expression. Her organizational skills shone during food distribution and community supported farming where she ensured families received nutritious locally grown produce, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to her community.

For the past two years, Ruvi has also been a day camp staff member at Thriving Kids Care Society (Clubhouse Kids). In this role, she has taken on the responsibility of monitoring kids, collaborating with fellow camp leaders to create engaging daily schedules, and guiding children in their personal growth. She provides conflict resolution assistance, teaches social skills, and focuses on core values while facilitating fun weekly themes and activities. Ruvi balances her roles as both a coach and a mentor and she creates a positive environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration among campers.

Demonstrating her hardworking ethics, Ruvi is also a proud recipient of the District/Authority Scholarship in Applied Design Skills and Technologies (Business Education) and has received a scholarship for BC Achievement.

Ruvi’s heartfelt mission is to ensure BIPOC especially Black seniors and young Black people are truly seen and heard, with their voices and experiences recognized and valued. She is dedicated to bridging gaps between generations and communities, fostering a deeper appreciation for their rich cultures and the unique challenges they face. With her unwavering commitment to empowering others and her inspiring spirit, Ruvi is a remarkable leader who brings warmth and passion to everything she does.

Tecklar Machaya

Tecklar is a registered nurse and Family Nurse practitioner with a passion for giving back to the community through volunteering, supporting local businesses, sharing skills and participating in community events.

Roots of wisdom

Elders Council

Elder Pauline Blackman

As a dedicated and compassionate elder, Pauline has spent her life nurturing others through her work as a nurse in the UK and Canada. With over a decade of experience in community health nursing, she has developed a deep understanding of the social and health needs of individuals, particularly the elderly. Now retired, she continues to make a positive impact in her community, particularly among elderly immigrants from BIPOC communities.

Born in Guyana, South America, Pauline brings a unique cultural perspective and understanding to her work. With several years of living in Western Canada and in the UK, she has developed a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that come with cultural diversity.

As a wife, mother of two grown children, and grandmother of four, she values the importance of family and community. Her involvement with her community and church has provided her with a sense of purpose and connection, allowing her to maintain social connections and engage in meaningful activities.

Through her interactions with elderly citizens from Africa, South America and Caribbean countries, she has become increasingly aware of the existing gap in supporting their social and health needs. She is passionate about bridging this gap and advocating for the well-being of seniors in her community. Her goal is to leverage her experience, cultural understanding, and compassion to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Elder John

Elder John is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is a respected community builder, entrepreneur, and lifelong volunteer with a deep commitment to service.

For decades, he has mentored young Black men, guiding them with patience and wisdom as they grow into confident leaders and help bridge generational divides. Known for his steady presence and grounded insight, Elder John brings people together, builds lasting relationships, and strengthens community ties. His impact is rooted in his belief that lasting change begins with care, integrity, and shared responsibility.

Elder Mildred Masunda

Mildred is a retired healthcare professional. She was a dedicated and experienced Midwife with many years of practice in British Columbia, Canada. With a strong passion for supporting women and families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, Mildred had built a reputation for providing compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive midwifery services.

Throughout her career, Mildred worked collaboratively with healthcare teams to promote positive birth experiences and optimal health outcomes for mothers and babies. Her commitment to excellence and client-centered care has earned her the trust and respect of her clients and colleagues alike.

Support Our Cause

Become A Volunteer

Become part of our dynamic and supportive community, offering your time and heart to support Black seniors in our advocacy efforts.

Volunteer Sign Up Form

Join us to honor the heritage, dignity, and well-being of Black Seniors!