My name is Lyse Riza. I was born and raised in a central-eastern country of the Motherland, called Burundi. Traditionally, Burundi is a herding society where cattle “Inka” holds a great deal of power in its culture. Such a power that it is even reflects in the way they greet one another – “Amashyo”, translated as “may you have herds of cattle” – or the way they name their children. My surname Riza was inspired by that tradition for it translates as the first-born female calf, given that as I am a first-born girl. I immigrated to Canada in the Autumn of 2002 with my young family, pursued my postsecondary education, thereafter, graduated in 2008 and started my career as a public servant that same year. I am a blessed mother of three beautiful children. I enjoy long walks in nature, playing music, staying active and speak a total of five languages – English, French, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda and Swahili. My passion for arts, the love for dance and the knowledge of what People of African Descent have contributed to the world in terms of arts and beyond; are all to be credited for what started as an aspiration to connect with others, to a now fully-fledged and active involvement in all affairs that seek to bring unity and collaboration, to build an even stronger community. Armed with a mission to promote Burundian rich cultural heritage, I have lead, organized, planned and coordinated through musical and theatrical performances, my fellow Burundians of Calgary since 2016 and together we have been part of many wedding ceremonies; communities celebrations; festivals; workshops; sport and cultural events. Namely: • Marcus Garvey Youth Leadership Recognition and Awards Presentation • United Nations Association of Calgary for the United Nations’ 70th Anniversary Celebration • Global Fest YYC 2016 • Canada Day Celebrations (2016-2017) in the community of Rosscarrock • Unity Dance Across Africa with Woezo • Ethnica Events organized by Afrikadey Arts and Culture Society • Caribbean Heritage Sports Competition (5th Annual) • 60th Guinean Independence Day Celebration • Umuco Cultural Dance Black History Heritage Workshop • Journée Internationale de la Femme 2018 &2020 by the Portail de L’Immigrant Association • The celebration of Burundian Independence and Canada Day on July 2021. • The official launch of DDI Regional office in the Province of Alberta in January 2022. I also appreciate the need to relay the cultural knowledge and musical heritage to younger generations. My dance company Tuvyine Inc. with Lyse Riza in collaboration with INGO Solidarity Association of Alberta through the Burundi Connection Program provides dance lessons to a group of youngsters between the ages of four and fifteen since Spring of 2019. I prepared their dance choreographies and authored their scripts at the following events: • INGO Solidarity Association of Alberta’s 2020 New Year celebration • 2020, 2021, 2022 Ethnik Festival. I am fortunate to be able to share with others my passions and hobbies through public speaking/MC and moderating at events such as the Rencontre JIF-Journée de réflexion entre femmes in March 2022. My involvement in the multi-cultural community of Calgary has not gone unnoticed. I am a proud recipient of the following accolades: • 2018 Certificate of Appreciation For Support and Inspiration in Service to the AfroCaribbean Community of Calgary, by Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, Ward 9 • Le Prix Bénévole 2018, by PIA Association • Indo-Canadian Community Association Award for Diversity • Certificate of Appreciation as a Community Partner by the Black History Heritage Society 2019 • Le Prix Leadership et Bénévole 2020, by PIA Association• AC Awards 2020, Unsung Heroes. I am also an avid volunteer who sits in on a few local and national organizations’ Boards: • The Fountain of Orphans and Vulnerable Women (FOVW) as Secretary • Calgary BLACK Connection (CBC) Leadership group • Soutien Entre les Burundais du Canada (S.E.B.C – Dushigikirane) Leadership group • Dernière Demeure Internationale (DDI) as a Co-Leader of the Alberta Regional office • Diversity Brand Ambassador in Calgary • The Vice-President of the Burundian Community Association of Calgary. I believe in working together to build a better tomorrow for all of us. I consider myself a positive-mind setter and strongly believe that to have a fulfilling live journey on this earth, one must live and love without reserve, authentically.