Women’s Panel
Cheryl Nembhard – Co-Host
Cheryl Nembhard is a dynamic international speaker, author, podcast/tv host & social justice advocate who also uses her artistic talents in film & theatre to tackle some of the toughest societal topics. Her dedication to Community Service includes working with at-risk youth, former gang members, sexual assault victims, programs for low income families & teenage mothers. Her Not for Profit Educational Theatre Company, EMG Education has performed special assemblies on topics such as Mental Health, Anti-Black Racism, and Bullying in over 190 High Schools across Ontario, impacting over 85,000 students and counting. CBC Canada has recognized her as one of 150 Black Women who are making Canada a better place.
Among her many awards, she is also the 2017 recipient of the Harry Jerome award for Social Advocacy. Cheryl is Co Host of ‘See, Hear, Love’, a nationally televised Women’s talk show on YES TV. She recently became a published author of an interactive journal for girls ages 12 – 18 entitled “Brave: This is Us”. Cheryl hosts a weekly one on one podcast entitled ‘On The Path’ & a daily devotional podcast entitled ‘ Soulfood To Go’ available on all podcast platforms and on Youtube. Cheryl is an active Board Member with Brave Canada, a catalytic movement for at risk girls, and also sits on the national steering committee for “Power of Her” a World Vision initiative for marginalized women and girls globally.
Social Media handles: @cherylnembhard on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter, @soulfoodtogopodcast
Tryphena Perumalla-Gagnon – Contributor
Tryphena grew up as a second generation immigrant in Toronto, where she was surrounded by good food and people from every walk of life. It’s no surprise that people feeling known and loved is the ethos by which she desires to live her life today. That life has changed a lot over the years as she studied sociology and education, taught elementary school, was home with her littles, and served in various local churches. All of those experiences have deepened her passion to see individuals walk in freedom and be able to bring their whole, authentic self into every facet of their life, especially when it comes to racial identity. Tryphena and her husband, Marc currently live in Guelph, Ontario where they have the privilege of serving their local church and exploring cute ice cream shops with their two effervescent littles. Tryphena can often be found with a book in her hand, enjoying the glory that is chocolate, and laughing loudly with the people she loves.
Esther Lysakovsky – Contributor
Esther is a Senior Advisor with Alpha Canada and is a life-long learner with a passion to know Christ and to make Him known. In addition to her full-time work in both the not-for-profit industry and as an entrepreneur, she has always had a deep love for the local church, serving as a lay leader for over 20 years in the areas of preaching, teaching, evangelism, discipleship, family ministry, and the creative arts.
Esther currently resides in Truro, Nova Scotia with her Ukrainian husband and two sweet boys. They enjoy low-key family adventures exploring the province’s incredible beaches, hiking trails, and local eats…almost always with a book or coffee in hand.