Meet the Board
Get to know our executive board and what makes them special.
Rachelle Sweeting, MSW, RSW
President
Rachelle Sweeting, MSW, RSW is an Indigenous African Nova Scotian with roots in the historic Black communities of Beechville and North Preston, Nova Scotia. A dedicated Registered Social Worker, Rachelle earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from Dalhousie University's School of Social Work. As the President of the Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers (NSABSW), Rachelle leads this organization in its mission to create access and equal opportunities for people of African descent and she has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that empower and uplift the Black community.
With over a decade of experience in social work, Rachelle has held various influential roles, driving impactful change within the field. Notably, she is a founding member of “Because We Matter,” an initiative that began as a group of Department of Community Services Child Welfare employees dedicated to addressing and confronting experiences of racism within the department. This pivotal work led to significant systemic changes in child welfare policies and practices that continue to impact the community positively. In recognition of her leadership and advocacy, Rachelle received the Minister's People and Culture Award in May 2019.
Rachelle is also an educator and consultant, offering training sessions focused on Anti-Black Racism and raising awareness of social issues impacting people of African descent. In addition to this work, she serves as an Impact of Race and Culture Assessor (IRCA Assessor), providing critical insights in criminal court proceedings to support culturally informed and equitable sentencing decisions.
A passionate advocate for the African Nova Scotian community, Rachelle is deeply committed to advancing the health and well-being of people of African descent. Her visionary leadership, persistent dedication, and deep commitment to social equity continue to inspire and drive meaningful change.
Katrina E Jarvis Powell, MSW, RSW
African Nova Scotian Health Consultant | Clinical Therapist | Equity Advocate
Vice President
Katrina Jarvis Powell is a dedicated African Nova Scotian Health (ANS) Consultant and Clinical Therapist with a deep-rooted commitment to her community. A proud Foundational Black Nova Scotian from Dartmouth North, Katrina’s family hails from the historic communities of Cherry Brook and Weymouth Falls—two of Nova Scotia’s fifty-two Black settlements. Her lived experience, combined with her professional expertise, allows her to address systemic inequities and foster culturally responsive practices.
Katrina holds Diplomas in Business Administration Information Management and Medical Office Administration, a Bachelor of Social Work (2019), and a Master of Social Work (2023) from Dalhousie University. With 20 years of combined experience spanning hospitals, government, banking, and non-profit organizations, she has honed her skills in frontline services, trauma-informed care, program development, and cultural advocacy.
In her role as an African Nova Scotian Health Consultant at the IWK, Katrina provides strategic guidance on policy development, supports and engages in research, and leads initiatives to address service gaps for the ANS community. She also provides coaching to social workers to support ANS patients and families. Additionally, she is the founder of the ANS Health Consultants Group, fostering collaboration across healthcare systems to improve equitable access and outcomes.
Katrina is a registered Social Worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) and serves as Vice President of the Association of Black Social Workers. She is deeply committed to advancing the upward mobility of the ANS community through advocacy, leadership, and culturally grounded support. In her role as a Clinical Therapist, Katrina provides Africentric, client-centered care to individuals and families navigating trauma, grief, and systemic challenges. Her previous work as a Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator reflects her strong dedication to addressing gender-based violence through education, advocacy, and culturally responsive programming. In addition to her clinical and advocacy work, Katrina volunteers as a mentor with the Dalhousie School of Social Work ANS Cohort, where she supports and empowers the next generation of African Nova Scotian social workers in their academic and professional development.
Guided by the Ubuntu philosophy, Katrina recognizes the interconnectedness of all people and works to promote compassion, empathy, and shared humanity. Whether through direct therapy, policy consulting, or community advocacy, she remains dedicated to fostering holistic well-being and meaningful change within African Nova Scotian communities and broader institutional systems.
Devon Bundy
African Nova Scotian Health Consultant | Clinical Therapist | Equity Advocate
Secretary
Devon Bundy is a committed Social Worker and Regional Manager for the Disability Support Program with the Nova Scotia Government. A native of Halifax and raised in Mulgrave Park, Devon's heritage is deeply rooted in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia. His academic achievements include a diploma from NSCC, a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from Cape Breton University, a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria.
Devon's career is marked by his dedication to equity and community well-being. His previous role as Health Services Manager with Nova Scotia Health saw him leading initiatives like the Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Sisterhood programs, which address health disparities within African Nova Scotian communities.
In addition to his professional contributions, Devon is an active and passionate community advocate. He founded the Black Men's Health Summit and serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre. In his personal time, he enjoys exploring Nova Scotia's scenic trails on his ATV and supporting initiatives that empower others.
Devon is enthusiastic about supporting ABSW's growth and expanding its impact. His leadership, vision, and dedication are a testament to his commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
Danielle Jackson (née Wright)
Assistant Secretary
Danielle Jackson (née Wright) is an 8th-generation Black Nova Scotian from the historic community of Beechville, with deep roots in East Preston—two of the more than 50 historic Black communities in Nova Scotia. She is a proud mother, grandmother, and dedicated community member, actively involved in numerous organizations, committees, and social justice initiatives.
Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology (2002) and a Bachelor of Social Work (2023), both from Dalhousie University. She brings over 16 years of experience working with the Province of Nova Scotia and currently serves as the Provincial Community Engagement Coordinator with the Disability Support Program. Her work is grounded in an Africentric lens, reflecting her commitment to culturally responsive and community-centered practice.
Her career has spanned various roles, including Child Welfare (clerical and family support), Income Assistance Case Manager, and a secondment as Community Engagement Lead with the Restorative Inquiry for the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children for Phase One.
Danielle is a founding member of Because We Matter, a collective of Black staff formed to address and challenge systemic racism within the Department of Community Services. Their advocacy led to significant changes in Child Welfare policy and practice, and in May 2019, the group was honored with the Minister's Award for their impactful work.
She is also actively involved in several community-based organizations, including: • BLM in this Together (Co-Director) • inHerited Healing Hub (Founder & President) • African Nova Scotian and Black Food Sovereignty (Advisory Board) • Beechville Community Development Association (Leadership Team)
A passionate advocate for addressing anti-Black racism since her early teens, Danielle continues to use her voice and platform to foster awareness, encourage authentic dialogue, and promote sustained community engagement.
Mario Rolle
Treasure
Mario Rolle is a passionate and dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health Consultant with the Province of Nova Scotia. Originally from Bain Town, Nassau, Bahamas, Mario's personal experiences with overcoming challenges have shaped his unwavering commitment to advocacy and community empowerment. After completing his undergraduate degree in 2009, he relocated to Halifax to further his education, earning advanced degrees in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, and a master's in social work from Dalhousie University.
Upon settling in Nova Scotia, Mario gained a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by African Nova Scotians, including his wife's community ties to East Preston, Upper Hammonds Plains, Lucasville and Africville. This awareness became a driving force in his professional journey, focusing on supporting marginalized groups, particularly African Nova Scotians, in addressing mental health challenges, addiction, and systemic inequities.
Mario is actively involved with organizations such as the Association of Black Social Workers and the Health Association of African Canadians, where he advocates for health equity and culturally competent care. His dedication to fostering positive change has made him a trusted advocate and an inspiring leader in the community. Through his impactful work, Mario continues to uplift and empower others, contributing to stronger, healthier communities across Nova Scotia.