Culture's Compass was planned and produced by a dedicated team of summer Fellows with Humber Polytechnic's Centre for Creative Business Innovation (CCBI). This year, the team benefited from the supervision and guidance of both CCBI staff and the team at Estonian Music Week. They also organized an event for all kinds of creatives in Toronto, named Creative Currents.
The Centre for Creative Business Innovation (CCBI) served as a nexus for research creation, critical thinking, and business innovation. Building on Humber’s strengths in facilities, resources, and talent, they fostered collaboration across all disciplines to find solutions that could be subsequently implemented and commercialized. CCBI was a hub for problem finders, where they worked with industry partners to help build and manage teams of students and faculty experts. In an era of digital disruption and growing competitive pressures, creativity remained a key driver of competitive advantage and business success.
Matthew McManus is a Toronto-based arts producer focused on community publishing, public programming, and supporting emerging artists. He led the development of Echoes of Home: Reverberations, a collaborative publication extending the Echoes of Home exhibition presented through Humber’s New Vistas program. A member of the Culture Compass cohort, Matthew’s work is grounded in care, accessibility, and reimagining how culture is made and shared.
Alyssa is a student in the Advertising & Marketing Communications program with a background in social media and digital marketing. She’s passionate about creative direction, storytelling, and building meaningful connections through visual content. With hands-on experience in content creation, strategy, and brand development, Alyssa is always seeking new ways to bring fresh ideas to life and engage audiences in meaningful ways.
Pabita is a UX/UI designer and researcher with a background in software engineering and mobile application development. Currently pursuing post-graduate studies in User Experience Design at Humber Polytechnic, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to digital problem-solving and also blends her technical skills with human-centred design. Passionate about accessibility and innovation, she creates inclusive, intuitive digital experiences through research, prototyping, and usability testing. As a Culture’s Compass Fellow, she supports the team through UX/UI design, website and digital management, and collaborative event experience design.
Doyinsola Ajayi is a passionate storyteller with a background in media and communications, known for crafting compelling narratives across film, television, and live events. Her creative, people-first approach informs everything from directing short films to producing immersive brand activations and high-impact corporate events across Africa, North America, and Europe. With an eye for visual detail and a deep commitment to authenticity, she brings intentionality and meaning to every experience, connecting audiences through story-driven work that resonates emotionally and experientially.
Angelica is a recording and touring drummer of Honduran descent. She performs regularly within the Toronto music scene across various musical genres. As a composer, she aims to blend acoustic and electric elements in an improvised setting to create the genre she likes to call alternative jazz. As a young woman in music, she hopes to inspire more young women to pursue music as well.
Zuhaib Dirie is an aspiring public relations professional with a passion for the arts and a focus on blending creativity with strategic communication. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Public Relations at Humber Polytechnic, Zuhaib has gained hands-on experience in media outreach, event planning, and strategic storytelling. Inspired by fashion and pop culture, Zuhaib utilizes narrative to spark conversation, foster connection, and amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals.
