Keynote Speaker Msenwa Oliver Mweneake

Oliver makes audiences laugh and cry as he tells the story of life-altering moments that led him to where he is today. Msenwa will help you discover inner strength and the power of social connections to overcome adversity and find your inner hero. Oliver drew his strength from his loving family, community and deep conviction that he was made for a great purpose and used every breath of his life to triumph and strive.

Background

In 1996, when war broke out in eastern Congo, 15-year-old Oliver witnessed merciless killings of friends, neighbours and family. Through perseverance and determination, after years as a refugee, he emerged as a social worker who uses his lived experience to empower others to become resilient leaders. Oliver is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. He holds a master’s degree in Leadership from PACU in Kenya and a master of Social Work from the University of Waterloo, Canada.  He has practiced social work in Africa and Canada as a clinical social worker in mental health and child welfare. Oliver is interested in how policies affect macro social work, migration, diversity, inclusion and equity.

Experience

Oliver is an inspirational speaker and leader who engages organizations to become and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. He is the author of Still With Us: Msenwa’s Untold Story of War, Resilience and Hope and is the founder and director of the Msenwa Foundation, a charity that promotes resilience, hope and possibilities among children, youth and vulnerable women in DR Congo. In his spare time, Oliver loves playing soccer, spending time with his family, reading and traveling.