Shayla Bird (MPEd, BEd, BA) is a visionary educator and strategic communications expert
whose work bridges education, culture, and community storytelling. As the founder of PLANher
Consulting Inc., she leads with the belief that access equals impact—creating spaces where
knowledge, opportunity, and representation meet. Shayla designs equity-centered learning
experiences that help individuals meaningfully engage with Black history, identity, and
belonging.
She has worked with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, designed curriculum for BLK:
An Origin Series, and has led professional walking tours in Hogan’s Alley since 2023—joining a
partnership with Airbnb in 2025 to expand the experience’s reach and accessibility. A trusted
community member and mentor, Shayla also supports post-secondary access and leadership
development through her ongoing involvement with the University of British Columbia’s Black
Futures program, where she mentors emerging Black scholars and youth leaders.
Her work spans both education and strategic communication, including hosting a Women’s
National Basketball Association (WNBA) event in Vancouver and advising for Pitch Better
Canada, supporting women founders in the digital and green economy.
Shayla is known for translating complex ideas into accessible, inspiring conversations that spark
reflection, dialogue, and collective growth. >>Website<< >>Instagram<< >>Linkedn<<
Ron Harris is a highly talented writer, director, and producer hailing from
Greensboro, North Carolina, known for his unique storytelling and innovative
techniques. With a deep passion for filmmaking, Ron established himself as a true
force in the independent film circuit. He began his journey in California, gaining
valuable experience on various film sets, before returning to his roots to launch his
independent career, where he has since written, directed, and produced several
short films. Ron holds an MFA in Creative Producing from the prestigious University
of North Carolina School of the Arts ('21), further solidifying his reputation as a
rising star in independent cinema.>>FB/Website<< >>YouTube<<
Supreme Freedom, aka Hardbody Dreams, is a Vancouver-based artist who defies the odds
with every verse he spits. Growing up on the East Side of Vancouver and navigating the
challenges of visual impairment, Hardbody turned adversity into ambition, channeling his
experiences into raw, impactful music. His sound is a fierce blend of traditional boom-bap
with futuristic twists, driven by hard-hitting lyrics that pull from the streets and his
personal journey.
Influenced by icons like Nas and Jadakiss, Hardbody Dreams crafts songs that combine
street wisdom with intricate wordplay. His music isn’t just about rhythm; it’s about the
message, speaking to the struggle and resilience that define him. As the voice behind One
Order Radio’s 6 O’Clock Blitz, he uses the platform to showcase his culture and mentor the
next generation, bringing fresh talent into the spotlight.
Through his One Order brand, Hardbody represents unity, knowledge, and equality,
spreading the message that no matter where you come from or what you face, there’s
always power in standing together and rising above. With every project and every verse,
Hardbody Dreams is building a legacy that resonates with authenticity, passion, and a
hard-body spirit.>>instagram<< >>YouTube<<
Albert St. Albert Smith “The Drum Speaks”
Mr. Smith has been a professional musician, performer and composer for 45
years. He has performed and toured with Anna Wyman Dance Theatre Company, Themba
Tana’s African Heritage ensemble, World Drum Ensemble, Nina Simone, Freddie
Hubbard Jazz ensemble, Uzume Taiko Ensemble and with many others. Mr. Smith has
performed, recorded and toured with choirs, theatre ensembles, orchestras and bands as
well as touring projects throughout the world.
Mr. Smith was a full time faculty member and has taught courses in the School for the
Contemporary Art at Simon Fraser University from the fall 1981 - December 2015. He is
a gifted dance accompanist who uses his voice to characterize and embellish the quality
of movement combinations with his music. He taught the art of Dance accompaniment
using the African drum and the voice as instruments.
Mr. Smith was the founding director of Simon Fraser University, Ghana Field School
program in the Arts from 1999 through 2011.
The SCA offered this Field School as three courses at SFU and the University of Ghana.
The Ghana Field School was made possible through the SFU International Programs and
the School for the Contemporary Arts in Vancouver, Canada and the University of Ghana
International programs and the School of the Performing Art in Legon, Ghana.
The Ghana Field School program allowed many students, staff and faculty in Canada and
Ghana to share and learn Contemporary Art, Culture and History of both countries. It
thrived as an important Arts program between the University of Ghana and Simon Fraser
University.
Mr. Smith has retired from teaching in December of 2015. He is still playing his music
and moving his body with a song to teach and to share as an performing artist with many
African musical instrument. >>Instagram<< >>Linkedin<<
Chris Wilson, a cultural futurist, strategist and guide whose work dances at the intersection of Black
imagination, foresight, creativity and design justice. His practice is shaped by ancestral wisdom, radicalpossibility, and a commitment to futures where Black folks are not only seen but centred. With a Master’s ofDesign in Strategic Foresight and Innovation and currently pursuing his PhD in Cultural Studies he isdedicated to fostering communities that are not only more connected but also better equipped to navigate theobstacles and possibilities of the future. Guided by curiosity, Chris is deeply committed to reimagining the pastand present as pathways to inspired future possibilities, particularly through a Black cultural lens. His workreflects a passion for exploring how we envision and utilize our collective futures to build stronger, more meaningful communities. >>Instagram<< >>Linkedn<<
Shayla Bird (MPEd, BEd, BA) is a visionary educator and strategic communications expert
whose work bridges education, culture, and community storytelling. As the founder of PLANher
Consulting Inc., she leads with the belief that access equals impact—creating spaces where
knowledge, opportunity, and representation meet. Shayla designs equity-centered learning
experiences that help individuals meaningfully engage with Black history, identity, and
belonging.
She has worked with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, designed curriculum for BLK:
An Origin Series, and has led professional walking tours in Hogan’s Alley since 2023—joining a
partnership with Airbnb in 2025 to expand the experience’s reach and accessibility. A trusted
community member and mentor, Shayla also supports post-secondary access and leadership
development through her ongoing involvement with the University of British Columbia’s Black
Futures program, where she mentors emerging Black scholars and youth leaders.
Her work spans both education and strategic communication, including hosting a Women’s
National Basketball Association (WNBA) event in Vancouver and advising for Pitch Better
Canada, supporting women founders in the digital and green economy.
Shayla is known for translating complex ideas into accessible, inspiring conversations that spark
reflection, dialogue, and collective growth. >>Website<< >>Instagram<< >>Linkedn<<
Ron Harris is a highly talented writer, director, and producer hailing from
Greensboro, North Carolina, known for his unique storytelling and innovative
techniques. With a deep passion for filmmaking, Ron established himself as a true
force in the independent film circuit. He began his journey in California, gaining
valuable experience on various film sets, before returning to his roots to launch his
independent career, where he has since written, directed, and produced several
short films. Ron holds an MFA in Creative Producing from the prestigious University
of North Carolina School of the Arts ('21), further solidifying his reputation as a
rising star in independent cinema.>>FB/Website<< >>YouTube<<
Supreme Freedom, aka Hardbody Dreams, is a Vancouver-based artist who defies the odds
with every verse he spits. Growing up on the East Side of Vancouver and navigating the
challenges of visual impairment, Hardbody turned adversity into ambition, channeling his
experiences into raw, impactful music. His sound is a fierce blend of traditional boom-bap
with futuristic twists, driven by hard-hitting lyrics that pull from the streets and his
personal journey.
Influenced by icons like Nas and Jadakiss, Hardbody Dreams crafts songs that combine
street wisdom with intricate wordplay. His music isn’t just about rhythm; it’s about the
message, speaking to the struggle and resilience that define him. As the voice behind One
Order Radio’s 6 O’Clock Blitz, he uses the platform to showcase his culture and mentor the
next generation, bringing fresh talent into the spotlight.
Through his One Order brand, Hardbody represents unity, knowledge, and equality,
spreading the message that no matter where you come from or what you face, there’s
always power in standing together and rising above. With every project and every verse,
Hardbody Dreams is building a legacy that resonates with authenticity, passion, and a
hard-body spirit.>>instagram<< >>YouTube<<
Albert St. Albert Smith “The Drum Speaks”
Mr. Smith has been a professional musician, performer and composer for 45
years. He has performed and toured with Anna Wyman Dance Theatre Company, Themba
Tana’s African Heritage ensemble, World Drum Ensemble, Nina Simone, Freddie
Hubbard Jazz ensemble, Uzume Taiko Ensemble and with many others. Mr. Smith has
performed, recorded and toured with choirs, theatre ensembles, orchestras and bands as
well as touring projects throughout the world.
Mr. Smith was a full time faculty member and has taught courses in the School for the
Contemporary Art at Simon Fraser University from the fall 1981 - December 2015. He is
a gifted dance accompanist who uses his voice to characterize and embellish the quality
of movement combinations with his music. He taught the art of Dance accompaniment
using the African drum and the voice as instruments.
Mr. Smith was the founding director of Simon Fraser University, Ghana Field School
program in the Arts from 1999 through 2011.
The SCA offered this Field School as three courses at SFU and the University of Ghana.
The Ghana Field School was made possible through the SFU International Programs and
the School for the Contemporary Arts in Vancouver, Canada and the University of Ghana
International programs and the School of the Performing Art in Legon, Ghana.
The Ghana Field School program allowed many students, staff and faculty in Canada and
Ghana to share and learn Contemporary Art, Culture and History of both countries. It
thrived as an important Arts program between the University of Ghana and Simon Fraser
University.
Mr. Smith has retired from teaching in December of 2015. He is still playing his music
and moving his body with a song to teach and to share as an performing artist with many
African musical instrument. >>Instagram<< >>Linkedin<<
Chris Wilson, a cultural futurist, strategist and guide whose work dances at the intersection of Black
imagination, foresight, creativity and design justice. His practice is shaped by ancestral wisdom, radicalpossibility, and a commitment to futures where Black folks are not only seen but centred. With a Master’s ofDesign in Strategic Foresight and Innovation and currently pursuing his PhD in Cultural Studies he isdedicated to fostering communities that are not only more connected but also better equipped to navigate theobstacles and possibilities of the future. Guided by curiosity, Chris is deeply committed to reimagining the pastand present as pathways to inspired future possibilities, particularly through a Black cultural lens. His workreflects a passion for exploring how we envision and utilize our collective futures to build stronger, more meaningful communities. >>Instagram<< >>Linkedn<<
