Adya Afanou joined BNP Inspire in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience in event management, fundraising and communications. With a degree in Events Management and Fundraising from Concordia University, she immersed herself in the non-profit sector from her university years, where she was involved in various associations and community groups.

Her career began at Playwright’s Workshop Montréal where she managed communications and fundraising programs, including the organization of an annual benefit auction that spotlights Canadian visual artists. Her commitment and ability to mobilize resources and talent for artistic causes have enabled her to support the work of hundreds of playwrights across Canada.

Adya further developed her expertise in fundraising and event organization with various NPOs in Montreal and West Africa. In 2015, Adya assisted a philanthropic initiative at Pour 3 Points, as this organization was preparing to expand its life coaching program. Since joining BNP Inspire, Adya has been supporting organizations in the planning and deployment of their fundraising programs. Among her notable accomplishments, she contributed to the success of the Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO), an organization that has evolved to become the largest Franco-Ontarian cultural centre.
Passionate about arts and culture, Adya has volunteered at the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais and is a board member of Twice Upon a Time, an organization that distributes free books to children living in Ottawa’s vulnerable communities. She is also involved in causes related to racism, the status of women and immigrant youth. She has collaborated with Solidarité Femmes Africaines in Montreal, participating in the creation of theatre-debates across Canada.

Outside of her philanthropic work, Adya is interested in new scientific discoveries and entrepreneurial innovations, an interest cultivated during her seven years with Fondation Montréal inc.