
OUR FOUNDER
"Passionate & Servant Leader"

Dee Adekugbe, President & Founder
DEE ADEKUGBE, known as “Mama Dee or Pastor Dee,” is the Founder and Executive Director of Ruth’s House, a refuge for families of African descent facing family violence. A respected community leader, she is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse through a cultural and Afrocentric lens.
Originally from Nigeria and later raised in London, Dee faced significant challenges, including homelessness and domestic violence. Finding the inner strength to escape her abusive relationship, she spent six months rebuilding her life in a domestic violence transitional house and programs.
An ordained minister, she has been a pastor and itinerant speaker for over 30years, speaking a various churches and conferences.
As an international speaker, and author, Dee began her professional journey in London before moving to Calgary in 2004. There, she co-founded All Woman Ministry in 2005 to empower women through education and self-awareness.
Dee Adekugbe, also known as Pastor Dee, is an ordained minister who has served in pastoral roles for over 30 years. Her experience as a pastor and itinerant speaker has given her a unique platform to combine spiritual guidance with social action, particularly in the areas of domestic violence, family healing, and empowerment.
Her faith plays a central role in her work and life, with a strong emphasis on the transformative power of the Gospel. As a pastor, Dee integrates her beliefs with her advocacy for women and families, offering both spiritual healing and practical solutions to issues like abuse and homelessness.
Healing through Faith: Dee uses her position as a pastor to create spaces where people can heal spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Her message often involves encouraging people to lean on their faith and the strength found in community to overcome trauma.
Community Support: A core aspect of her ministry is building community support networks that align with faith, culture, and values. Dee believes that strong, supportive communities rooted in faith can be a powerful antidote to issues like domestic violence, and she has used her ministry to help foster such communities.
Empowerment through Education: Dee often speaks at churches and conferences, where she not only preaches but also educates individuals about the dangers of abuse and the importance of creating healthy, respectful relationships. Her teachings encourage women (and men) to take ownership of their lives, seek support, and break free from cycles of abuse.
Faith-Based Leadership: Through her role as a leader in the church, Dee exemplifies servant leadership. She works to uplift those who are marginalized, advocating for those who have been affected by family violence while reminding them of their worth in the eyes of God. Her ability to lead with compassion, understanding, and wisdom makes her a respected spiritual figure within her community.
Faith and Culture: As someone who has experienced both Nigerian and Western cultures, Dee often emphasizes the importance of a culturally relevant spiritual approach. In her work with Ruth’s House, she combines Afrocentric perspectives with Christian principles to create a holistic framework for healing and empowerment. This is especially important in addressing domestic violence within the Black community, where cultural values may sometimes clash with modern interventions.
Advocacy through Preaching: In her preaching, Dee doesn't shy away from addressing tough topics like abuse and family violence. Instead, she uses her platform to raise awareness and offer hope. She encourages individuals to seek help and to break the silence around these issues, often framing the struggle against domestic violence as part of a broader spiritual fight for justice and human dignity.
In addition to her pastoral duties, Dee has served as an itinerant speaker at various churches and conferences, both in the UK and Canada. These opportunities allow her to reach a wider audience with her message of hope, healing, and empowerment, particularly for those suffering from family violence. Through her speaking engagements, she is able to share her story, inspire others, and advocate for a society that addresses the root causes of abuse.
Dee’s pastoral work is deeply intertwined with her mission to support victims of abuse and promote community healing. As a pastor, she leads with compassion, insight, and a deep sense of purpose—offering spiritual guidance to those in need while using her leadership to create tangible, life-changing opportunities for her community.
Dee’s is the recipient of numerous awards including:
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2025 Government of Alberta Immigrant Woman of Impact Award
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King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient
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2025 Black People Making History in Alberta Award from Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CREIC)
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2024 Forward Moving Organization Award, Diversity Magazine
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2024 Voice Community Impact Award for the Foundation for the Voice of Immigrants in Canada for Empowerment.
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2023 Immigrant Champions of Canada “Inclusive Leadership Award”
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2022 Adoniaa Woman of Impact Award
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2022 Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal recognizing her significant contributions of Albertans.
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2016 Vigor Award for Empowerment
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