For Olubunmi (Bunmi) Adeleye, communications is more than just a profession; it is a passion fueled by curiosity, creativity and an unyielding drive to make an impact. As a Communications Advisor with Nova Scotia Health, she supports a growing portfolio, including primary health care, palliative care and other networks and programs. Prior to this, she had interned with the OPOR team (One Person One Record - a digitally supported, patient-centered healthcare transformation project), which then matured into the communications advisor role she now holds. Her journey to this role, however, was anything but conventional.
"I started out as an insurance person, if you'd believe it," Bunmi says with a laugh. Her first degree was in insurance, and she initially worked in Nigeria's financial sector. But a chance encounter with a communications project changed everything. "I remember being asked to help find just the right word for a Christmas ad. I suggested a phrase, and when I saw it in a full-page, coloured newspaper ad, something clicked. That moment ignited my love for storytelling and strategy, and I haven’t looked back since."
Bunmi’s career spans over two decades, with experience across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. She played a pivotal role in shaping the brand identities of multiple subsidiaries of a major group in the sector, supporting expansion across different African markets. But in 2022, she took a bold step - moving to Canada to further her education with a second master’s in Digital Innovation from Dalhousie University.
"I wanted to learn more about how to use data and digital innovation to support marketing communications and by extension, create quantifiable value for businesses. It was an opportunity to learn what Canada and business in North America was about. The transition was eye-opening. I came in with expectations - thinking that if we could do things at a certain level in Nigeria, then surely, Canada would be 'turbo-charged.' But I quickly realized every place has its own challenges, its own way of doing things. It’s been about finding the balance between my experience and the new environment."
Her journey highlights one of the key themes of African Heritage Month: resilience. "Africans, wherever we go, whatever we do, we thrive. We are tenacious, industrious and adaptable," she says. That tenacity was tested when she arrived in Canada. “Here, I was starting over in a sense. It was…humbling and a struggle at some points. I reminded myself that true growth required patience. I also had immense support, first from my professors and subsequently from the mentors, leaders and teams I have been privileged to work with at Nova Scotia Health."
African Heritage Month is about recognizing the contributions of people of African descent while also addressing the systemic challenges they face. One such challenge is the expectation of ‘Canadian experience’ in the job market. "There’s a lot of emphasis on doing things ‘the Canadian way.’ But isn’t the whole purpose of immigration to bring in diverse skills and perspectives? I imagine a future where newcomers don’t have to struggle so hard to match their expertise with opportunities here. We should be learning from one another, absorbing the good and using it to make Canada even better."
Bunmi also speaks to the cultural nuances that come with working in a new country. “I’ll admit, it took me some time to fully grasp the nuances of Canadian politeness - there’s a certain indirectness that isn’t immediately obvious. In contrast, communication in Nigeria tends to be more straightforward, which can sometimes come across differently in a Canadian setting. Even in emails, I found myself adjusting. A simple ‘Please find attached’ felt natural back home, but here, a warmer approach - starting with a friendly greeting and a bit of small talk - seemed more in tune. It’s a subtle shift, but one that has a noticeable impact on interactions.”
When asked what she is most proud of about her African heritage, Bunmi doesn’t hesitate. "The way we honor our elders," she says, referencing Nigerian artist Malik Afegbua’s AI-powered ‘Elder Series,’ which depicts older Africans in regal, fashionable outfits. "In African culture, our elders are the custodians of knowledge. They hold our history, traditions and wisdom. We take care of them because they have poured so much into us. Malik’s work reminds us that they should be celebrated, not forgotten."
Bunmi's story is a testament to the strength, adaptability and contributions of African professionals worldwide. Her experience is a reminder of why African Heritage Month is so vital - not just as a celebration, but as a time to reflect on the systemic barriers that still exist and the progress that can be made when diverse perspectives are truly valued. "We bring so much to the table," she says. "If we embrace that - if we recognize the richness that different cultures and experiences bring - we all win." As she continues to help shape healthcare communications in Nova Scotia, Bunmi remains committed to bridging gaps, amplifying voices and ensuring that every message has impact.
Her journey is far from over, but one thing is certain - wherever she goes, she thrives.
Photo of Olubunmi (Bunmi) Adeleye.
This profile is part of African Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions, achievements and impact of Black individuals in healthcare and beyond. Through these stories, we honour the legacy, resilience and excellence of Black professionals who continue to shape and inspire our communities.
