About us DAYO.KEFENTSE September 23, 2024

About Us

Guided by a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we work extensively with Black and Caribbean communities across Canada to help them elevate their voices

Founded in 1999, DAYO Media & Communications (DM&C) is an award-winning, Black women-owned and led agency based in Toronto, with strategic partnerships in New York and Barbados. Our team of seasoned media and communications professionals has consistently delivered impactful multimedia campaigns, communications strategies, and media literacy initiatives across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean.

At the heart of our work is the belief that powerful storytelling transcends boundaries. By connecting at the intersection of journalism and communications we partner with our clients to refine and amplify their message, ensuring it stands out in today’s dynamic media landscape.

DM&C is passionate about driving conversations that inspire action and change. We are committed to causes that challenge us to talk, think and act. From arts and culture to education and entertainment, we proudly serve a diverse range of industries, helping them shape narratives that resonate.

Media relations management

Creative consulting

Stakeholder solutions

Media Relations Management

Creative consulting

Stakeholder solutions

Our lead:

Dayo Kefentse

Founder and Managing Director

Dayo Kefentse is the Founder and Managing Director of DAYO Media & Communications Inc. An established journalist, communications director and broadcaster, she leads a team in amplifying stories designed to increase public awareness of impactful initiatives and social issues that affect people, communities and organizations.

“A Nigerian term meaning ‘joy returns,’ Dayo is not only my name, it’s what I bring to my work and life. As a communicator, broadcaster and public affairs specialist who is passionate about telling stories, creating media and connecting with others, I’m happiest when helping people sift through their story and making it shine.”

- Dayo Kefentse

Dayo is based in Toronto, Canada, and was first introduced to the public as a journalist on CBC’s ‘Metro Morning’ and ‘Here and Now’ radio programs. Since then, she has showcased her journalistic talents at CBC News, Global News, CityNews Toronto, Rogers Television’s ‘Toronto Living,’ the Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail.

As a senior communications leader, Dayo gained a wealth of experience across various sectors, including Arts and Culture, Higher Education and News Media. At Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), she was the Director of Communications for the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, which, during her tenure, hosted Canada’s first-ever White Privilege Conference. She also managed media and communications for the Toronto 2015 Pan American / Parapan American Games, Canada’s largest-ever multi-sport event.

A long-time advocate for education and inclusion, Dayo has lent her skills to the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants through the development of media literacy workshops, and to the Toronto District School Board through communications and outreach support for the Africentric Alternative School. Dayo served as Board Director with Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke and as a volunteer Board member with the Obsidian Theatre Company, Canada’s leading culturally specific theatre group, and has volunteered with many other deserving organizations over the years.

Dayo completed a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Culture jointly conferred by TMU and York University. Her master’s project-based thesis, Generation X Marks the Spot, explores the intersection of Black history and youth activism in Mississauga’s late-1980s and was exhibited at the Bradley Museum from February to December 2024. Dayo has also taught the next generation of communication professionals at Centennial College and TMU.

Our lead:

Dayo Kefentse

Founder and Managing Director

Dayo Kefentse is the Founder and Managing Director of DAYO Media & Communications Inc. An established journalist, communications director and broadcaster, she leads a team in amplifying stories designed to increase public awareness of impactful initiatives and social issues that affect people, communities and organizations.

“A Nigerian term meaning ‘joy returns,’ Dayo is not only my name, it’s what I bring to my work and life. As a communicator, broadcaster and public affairs specialist who is passionate about telling stories, creating media and connecting with others, I’m happiest when helping people sift through their story and making it shine.”

- Dayo Kefentse

Dayo is based in Toronto, Canada, and was first introduced to the public as a journalist on CBC’s ‘Metro Morning’ and ‘Here and Now’ radio programs. Since then, she has showcased her journalistic talents at CBC News, Global News, CityNews Toronto, Rogers Television’s ‘Toronto Living,’ the Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail.

As a senior communications leader, Dayo gained a wealth of experience across various sectors, including Arts and Culture, Higher Education and News Media. At Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), she was the Director of Communications for the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, which, during her tenure, hosted Canada’s first-ever White Privilege Conference. She also managed media and communications for the Toronto 2015 Pan American / Parapan American Games, Canada’s largest-ever multi-sport event.

A long-time advocate for education and inclusion, Dayo has lent her skills to the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants through the development of media literacy workshops, and to the Toronto District School Board through communications and outreach support for the Africentric Alternative School. Dayo served as Board Director with Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke and as a volunteer Board member with the Obsidian Theatre Company, Canada’s leading culturally specific theatre group, and has volunteered with many other deserving organizations over the years.

Dayo completed a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Culture jointly conferred by TMU and York University. Her master’s project-based thesis, Generation X Marks the Spot, explores the intersection of Black history and youth activism in Mississauga’s late-1980s and was exhibited at the Bradley Museum from February to December 2024. Dayo has also taught the next generation of communication professionals at Centennial College and TMU.

Our collaborator:

Chantelle Quow, MBA

President and CEO of CQ Business Consulting Inc.

In 2020, DAYO Media & Communications Inc. (DM&C) partnered with CQ Business Consulting Inc.(CQBC Inc.) to create innovative learning and career development opportunities for emerging media, communications, design, and business professionals. Under the leadership of Chantelle Quow, MBA, President and CEO of CQBC Inc., the collaboration leverages her expertise as a seasoned business strategist with a strong focus on research and entrepreneurship. Together, Dayo and Chantelle have fostered a dynamic partnership that has gained media attention and is widely recognized by industry peers as a pioneering model for professional development and cross-sector collaboration.

Our collaborator:

Chantelle Quow, MBA

President and CEO of CQ Business Consulting Inc.

In 2020, DAYO Media & Communications Inc. (DM&C) partnered with CQ Business Consulting Inc.(CQBC Inc.) to create innovative learning and career development opportunities for emerging media, communications, design, and business professionals. Under the leadership of Chantelle Quow, MBA, President and CEO of CQBC Inc., the collaboration leverages her expertise as a seasoned business strategist with a strong focus on research and entrepreneurship. Together, Dayo and Chantelle have fostered a dynamic partnership that has gained media attention and is widely recognized by industry peers as a pioneering model for professional development and cross-sector collaboration.

Our philosophy

Since its inception, DM&C has maintained a philosophy to “lift as we climb.” We do better when we work together, and that includes embracing the talents of young professionals to lean on and learn from our experience, and to bring fresh insight and ideas to our work.

Our past interns and volunteers have landed fantastic opportunities in a variety of fields and we’re proud to have played a part in their success. Chosen for their tenacity and passion for the business, these young professionals are key assets to DM&C.

Our Team

Natassia-Morris
Natassia Morris is a marketing and administrative professional. With a track record in covering stories about the arts, Natassia enjoys tackling social issues such as education, anti-violence, and mental wellness, within Black communities.
Natassia Morris
Project manager
Aryana-Singh
Aryana Singh specializes in digital communications and is our Account Coordinator. Aryana assists as the team’s client liaison and supports the creation of marketing materials, copywriting, graphic design, research and organization audits.
Aryana Singh
Marketing and account coordinator
Curtis-Hannam
Curtis Hannam is a media and public relations professional with experience in video editing and production, copywriting, and research. He contributes to DM&C's internal documentation, organizational audits, and media campaigns.
Curtis Hannam
Junior public relations assistant and social media coordinator
khalia-badawi-2
Khalia Badawi is a digital and print designer with a keen eye for detail, specializing in creating visual content that stands out.
Khalia Badawi
Junior graphic designer
marcelo-sousa-2
Marcelo de Sousa is a web developer who supports the creation of DM&C’s website and impactful project features to amplify our clients.
Marcelo de Sousa
Web developer
Crystal-Hay
Crystal Hay is a public relations and human resources professional who combines her skills to engage and support community media and DM&C’s administrative needs.
Crystal Hay
PR and business development specialist
Adam-Power
Adam Power is DM&C’s Lead Digital Designer, his passion for creating fresh and original content for video, web and digital products for clients.
Adam Power
Digital designer
Natassia-Morris
Natassia Morris
Project manager
Aryana-Singh
Aryana Singh
Marketing and account coordinator
Curtis-Hannam
Curtis Hannam
Junior public relations assistant and social media coordinator
khalia-badawi-2
Khalia Badawi
Junior graphic designer
marcelo-sousa-2
Marcelo de Sousa
Web developer
Crystal-Hay
Crystal Hay
PR and business development specialist
Adam-Power
Adam Power
Digital designer