Today’s the day! Faces of Fusion is tonight at the Imperial Theatre—a celebration where meaningful networking meets community impact. Hosted by Fusion Saint John, this annual event shines a spotlight on the individuals, organizations, and businesses driving progress across the Saint John region.
With five award categories, every nominee is already a standout. Each honouree has been nominated by the community and selected by a volunteer jury of Fusion board alumni—representing the people shaping Saint John’s future.
Nominees in the New ‘Johner’ (newcomer recognition) category
presented by SJ Today
Ovunda Green
Ovunda Green is a strategic project manager and community-focused professional based in Saint John, New Brunswick. He works full-time with Black Lives Matter New Brunswick, where he previously supported the Skills for Success Carpentry Program, a workforce development initiative that provides youth with hands-on carpentry training, essential employability skills, industry exposure, and pathways into apprenticeships and construction-related employment.
He currently serves as Program Manager for the Youth Leadership Employment Program, working alongside partners to support youth in building leadership capacity, job readiness, and sustainable employment outcomes. In addition, Ovunda contributes his time in a volunteer capacity as President of the Black Business & Professional Network (BBPN), supporting entrepreneurship, professional development, mentorship, and inclusive economic opportunities within the BIPOC community. He holds an MBA in Project Management from the University of New Brunswick and a PhD in Petroleum Economics and is committed to collaborative, practical approaches that strengthen workforce outcomes and inclusive growth in Saint John.
Dr. Nada Rabie
Since relocating to Saint John in 2023, Dr. Nada Rabie has established herself as a key figure in the local entrepreneurship and business growth community. At Envision Saint
John, she works to empower small and micro-businesses by connecting them to vital resources, breaking down barriers, and enabling their growth and development. As a
strong advocate for diversity, equity, and newcomer inclusion, she mentors women and newcomer founders across multiple regional and national programs. Nada also
contributes to the academic community as a Contract Assistant Professor at UNB Saint John and as a judge for entrepreneurship competitions at UNB Fredericton, where she
champions experiential learning and student success. She remains deeply committed to building a more inclusive, innovative, and opportunity-rich Saint John for all.
Sam Del Duca
Sam Del Duca is a nonbinary American whose background spans law, hospitality, and nonprofit work. They hold a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center where they served as editor in chief of the Georgetown Journal of Gender and the Law. During law school Sam worked for NPR and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs during the Obama Administration. After leaving the legal industry to pursue their passion for community-facing work in hospitality, Sam directed front of house operations for the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award winner Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia.
After moving to Saint John with their partner (a born and raised Johner) Sam began volunteering for Chroma NB, hosting Chroma’s monthly intergenerational supper club for the local queer and trans community. Now in their role as program manager for Chroma, Sam provides support for members of the 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Brunswick and serves as a founding member of the board of directors for the Queer Atlantic Business Hub across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland.
