Krysanne McLean (she/her/hers)

“Rhythm and Blues Cambridge creates a safe, supportive space where families can thrive and connect. I started volunteering because of my children. I wanted to show them that we can create change rather than just fighting the system. My oldest daughter struggled in her early years, and seeing the challenges she faced deeply impacted my perception of our community. It made me realize the need for spaces where Black youth feel seen, valued, and empowered. Through this work, I’m committed to uplifting our culture, building stronger support systems, and ensuring that the next generation has opportunities to grow, heal, and succeed.”

Krysanne McLean is a passionate advocate, community leader, and the driving force behind Rhythm & Blues Cambridge, a non profit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black communities. As the Executive Director, Krysanne has worked tirelessly to create programs that foster growth, resilience particularly for Black youth. Through initiatives like Black Girl Excellence, Black excellence summer camps and Young Men Thrive, she continues to cultivate safe spaces that celebrate culture, identity, and personal development. Her work extends beyond programming she is committed to addressing systemic challenges, advocating for equity, and strengthening community partnerships to drive lasting change.

Born in Jamaica, Krysanne carries her culture with pride, infusing it into the work she does in the community. She believes in the power of heritage, storytelling, and shared experiences to build stronger, more connected spaces. Whether through music, food, or cultural celebrations, she is intentional about bringing the richness of culture to the forefront, ensuring that it is seen, heard, and celebrated.

Beyond her professional commitments, Krysanne is a devoted mother to four incredible children who inspire her advocacy and drive for change. Balancing leadership and motherhood, she embodies hard work, dedication, and resilience. Her passion for justice, kindness, and faith fuels her mission to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Whether she’s organizing impactful community events, mentoring youth, or navigating the joys of being a mom, Krysanne remains steadfast in her commitment to making a difference one initiative, one connection, and one step at a time.

Danielle Kydd (she/her/hers)

Danielle is the Office Administrator for the Child Witness Centre, a nonprofit supporting minors navigating the legal system in Waterloo Region. She is also a dedicated volunteer at Kitchener Stray Cat Rescue. Danielle is an avid dancer and instructor with experience in styles such as Lindy Hop Swing, Blues, West Coast Swing, Bachata, Salsa, Zouk, Hip Hop, Dance Hall, you name it!

A graduate of Human Resources Management from York University, she brings a strong background in community support and event planning to her role on the Board of Directors for Rhythm and Blues Cambridge.

In her free time (if there is any), Danielle enjoys independent films, audiobooks, thrifting, hunting for antiques, exploring artisan markets and design in all aspects.

"I find culture can sometimes be all about access. Some people grow up with relatives, friends and surroundings that can educate and immerse a person in their culture. Some people don't have that access growing up and others, like myself, know what it's like to have and lose access throughout different points in our lives. My goal is to lessen the barriers many people face when it comes to accessing their own culture and feeling accepted. I want people to know that we are building a community where events are free, welcoming to all and here to uplift you however we can"

Nadine Rubie (she/her/hers)

I’m a proud Black woman, community advocate, and mama of three, navigating life in Cambridge since 2021. I chose this city to raise my family because I believe in fostering a place where my kids (and all kids) can live, play, learn, and grow in a welcoming and vibrant community. With a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Health Sciences, I've spent over 15 years diving into work rooted in community engagement, health promotion, and mental health initiatives.

"It takes a village" is a guiding principle for me—whether in raising my children or working to create spaces where everyone can show up as their true, authentic selves. Whether through my work or volunteer efforts, I’m dedicated to making sure people feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s all about making a real difference—one project at a time—and I’m excited to bring my experience and heart to this new community as a board member at Rhythm and Blues Cambridge.

When I’m not working on community initiatives, you’ll find me enjoying all things Caribbean—whether it's the delectable food, infectious music, and vibrant culture, carnival anyone? I’m all about celebrating the beauty of my roots and sharing that joy with others!

Jalynn Grant (she/her/hers)

"When I work to centre Blackness, I am working to validate our lived experiences and equate Blackness with Love."

I am dedicated to creating equitable spaces for Black individuals to thrive. I work to foster a sense of belonging for Black children and individuals by instilling that belonging starts within oneself. Thus, I am committed to uplifting Black individuals by supporting their journey to embrace their identity.

I am a lifelong learner who believes that understanding one's identity is essential to existence and critical for Black futurity. I strive to center Blackness and reflect on our lived experiences through the lens of love, liberation, and compassion. Rhythm and Blues has created a comforting space that continuously advocates for Black individuals by building confidence and pride. It serves as an example of how to equitably provide a space that invites vulnerability and fosters a sense of belonging within the community.

Marjorie Knight (she/her/hers)

"Marjorie Knight is one of the founding members of Rhythm & Blues Cambridge and currently serves as our Board Chair. In 2018, after reflecting on how few Black History Month events were taking place in Cambridge, Marjorie took action. She brought together a group of racialized community members and shared her vision: to create space in Cambridge where Black culture is celebrated, Black youth are empowered, and Black families feel seen and supported. That vision led to the creation of Rhythm & Blues Cambridge."

Marjorie has played a central role in shaping our programs, including the development of Black Girl Excellence—a transformative program designed to celebrate and uplift Black girls and youth. Her lived experience as a member of the working poor and her deep understanding of the challenges facing families in Cambridge fuel her commitment to creating meaningful change.

Outside of Rhythm & Blues, Marjorie works as a Family Outreach Worker with House of Friendship and teaches as Community Faculty at the Lyle S. Hallman School of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. She’s a long-time community advocate who has supported campaigns for fair wages, affordable housing, equitable education, and access to healthcare. Marjorie also serves on the boards of the Cambridge Shelter Corporation and ACCKWA (AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo & Area).

A proud Cambridge resident, Marjorie brings heart, determination, and a deep love for her community to everything she does.

Brittney Emslie (she/her/hers)

“Rhythm & Blues Cambridge is a passion project close to my heart. We saw a major gap for African, Caribbean, and Black families in Cambridge and wanted to create a safe space where people could come together, feel a sense of belonging, access education, celebrate culture, and build confidence.

Growing up as a Black child in Waterloo Region, programs like Black Girl Excellence, Hair Joy, or Emancipation Day didn’t exist—and in many communities, they still don’t. Seeing the impact these programs have on ACB children, youth, and families reinforced how essential it is to continue creating these spaces—where Black kids can feel proud of their hair, their skin, and dream big about their future.

We’ve grown quickly over the past few years because the need is real. While we started in Cambridge, our programs now reach across Waterloo Region, including the townships. We’re proud to offer spaces where everyone is welcome to learn, connect, and support the ACB community—and we’re excited to keep growing.”

Brittney Emslie is a founding member and Vice-Chair of Rhythm & Blues Cambridge, a grassroots, Black women-led organization creating safe, empowering spaces for the Black community. She is currently the Director of Operations at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre and holds a Master’s degree in Immigration and Settlement Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Brittney is the former Chair of the Belong Steering Group and a current member of the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership Council. She previously served as Southern Regional Director and sat on the Anti-Racism Policy Advisory Board at OCASI (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants).

She is passionate about helping immigrants and refugees settle, work, and belong, and is actively involved in initiatives such as the KW Multicultural Festival, Elmira Multicultural Festival, Migration Film Festival, and the #RacialEquityWR campaign.