General Information

Name	Leonel
Last Name	Ako Tiku
Nickname	leonelakotiku2gmail-com

Background

Organization	Cambrian College
Professional Title	Business Analytics Student
Bio and Background	My name is Leonel Ako Tiku, and I am currently pursuing a Business Analytics program at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. I am originally from Cameroon, West Africa, where I previously worked as an entrepreneur, offering services in telecommunications and money transfers. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Management Sciences. Furthermore, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Cambrian College team and to collaborate with you.
Why I am a Force for Health Member	As a member of Force for Health, my role involves exploring and analyzing the platform to identify opportunities for improvement. I focus on developing engaging and educational games tailored to raise awareness and understanding of various diseases.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I use the Force for Health Network tools as a practical and educational resource that supports both my personal growth and academic development. The platform offers interactive content, reliable health information, and engaging learning tools that make it easier for me to stay informed about important health topics. As a student and future data professional, I also explore how these tools can be optimized or transformed into interactive games to educate others about disease prevention and wellness. This hands-on experience not only enhances my understanding of health issues but also helps me develop creative solutions that can positively impact communities.
My inspiration	One of my greatest inspirations is Nelson Mandela. His resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality deeply resonate with me. As someone from Africa pursuing global education and contributing to health and technology, I’m inspired by his ability to lead with integrity, even in the face of immense challenges.
Location	I am currently based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I believe community is about shared values and purpose—wherever people are working together to learn, grow, and make a positive difference, I feel at home
What would you like people to know about your community?	I would like people to know that my community is rich in diversity, resilience, and a strong sense of togetherness. Whether in Cameroon or here in Ottawa, I’ve seen how people support one another, adapt to challenges, and find creative ways to grow and succeed. In Cameroon, there’s a deep cultural pride, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to education despite limited resources. In Ottawa, the community is welcoming, multicultural, and driven by collaboration and innovation.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	Some of the factors that have been challenging for me include adjusting to a new cultural and academic environment after moving from Cameroon to Canada. Adapting to a different educational system, climate, and lifestyle required time and resilience. Additionally, balancing academic responsibilities with part-time work and community involvement has tested my time management skills.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	Some of the strengths of my community’s health are the strong sense of support, resilience, and willingness to help one another. People come together to share information, care for those in need, and promote healthy habits.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	Some of the challenges in my community weigh heavily on my heart. Many people struggle with limited access to quality healthcare, and too often, they don’t have the resources or information they need to protect themselves from illness. It pains me to see loved ones suffer because of barriers like economic hardship or cultural misunderstandings that keep them from getting the care they deserve.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	I believe I can help improve my community’s health by using my skills to raise awareness, share accurate information, and create engaging tools like games that educate people about diseases. By combining my background in business analytics and my passion for health, I want to make learning about health easier and more accessible for everyone.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

Coming from Cameroon, I’ve seen the devastating effects of health inequality—how preventable diseases, such as Malaria, take lives simply because access, education, and resources are not fairly distributed. Now living in Canada, I’ve come to realize that even in more developed countries, minorities and marginalized groups still face serious disparities in healthcare. That truth is both painful and motivating.

To me, advancing the DREAM means transforming that pain into purpose. It means using my background in economics, management, and business analytics to bring innovative, data-driven solutions to health challenges—especially those affecting underrepresented communities. It means creating tools that educate, empower, and inspire change—like games and platforms that make health knowledge accessible and engaging.

In the spirit of Dr. King, I believe equity is not a favour—it is a right. And I have a responsibility to help build systems that treat every life with the same value, regardless of race, background, or status.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

In 2025, I pledge to focus on creating engaging, accessible health education tools that support better understanding and prevention of disease, especially in underserved communities.

By using my skills in business analytics and my passion for community health, I hope to help others—especially youth and minorities—make informed choices about their well-being. Through innovation, collaboration, and compassion, I want to be part of building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

I commit to advancing the DREAM by turning knowledge into action—and action into impact.

leonelakotiku2gmail-com