About Us
Story Of Our Company
From Passion to Purpose
Celebrate Caribbean Culture Through the Arts
Spirit of Caribbean Arts (S.O.C.A.) is a nonprofit rooted in decades of cultural work by founder Tashia Antoine. Our mission is to promote, preserve, and pass on Caribbean heritage through arts education, community programming, and cultural advocacy.
We work with Black, Caribbean, African, Indigenous, and racialized communities—using culture as a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment. Guided by a volunteer board and experienced collaborators, we lead initiatives that inspire pride, address systemic inequities, and uplift future generations.
Our Mission
To educate, preserve, and promote Caribbean culture through the arts, storytelling, and community engagement.
Our Vision
To be a leader in cultural preservation and creative evolution of the Caribbean diaspora, keeping the spirit of Emancipation alive.
Our Work in Action
We deliver high-quality programs blending history, arts, and empowerment, amplifying Caribbean voices and cultivating youth leadership.
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Why Spirit of Caribbean Arts Was Born
Spirit of Caribbean Arts (S.O.C.A.) was founded to preserve and celebrate Caribbean culture through the arts, while confronting anti-Black racism and empowering Caribbean voices.
The organization was born from a pivotal moment in the journey of founder Tashia Antoine, who has long been a champion of Caribbean arts education. Refusing to let critical cultural initiatives fade, she established S.O.C.A. to carry on the legacy of programs she helped build—ensuring their growth, impact, and accessibility to future generations.
Advantages
Our Impact
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Cultural Arts Participation
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Heritage Awareness Boost
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Community Event Growth
SPIRIT OF THE CARIBBEAN ARTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025
Mark David
Tashia Antoine
FOUNDER & CHAIR
Tashia Antoine is a passionate cultural leader and arts education coordinator committed to celebrating Caribbean heritage and empowering the next generation. As founder of Spirit of Caribbean Arts (S.O.C.A.), she fuses creative vision with strategic purpose to develop impactful programs that inspire pride, resilience, and community connection through the arts.
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Co Founder – Lamburg
Mark David
Nicole Brand-Dixon
VICE CHAIR
As Vice Chair of Spirit of Caribbean Arts (SOCA), Nicole Brand-Dixon brings over 30 years of vibrant carnival experience. A dedicated costume designer, her family’s legacy includes her great uncle, Clive Brand, the first King of the Bands winner.
With a commerce degree, Nicole applies strong business acumen in strategic planning and change management. Beyond her professional roles, she’s passionate about preserving carnival’s artistry. She champions STEM integration in carnival arts, providing youth with transferable skills. Her strategic vision is crucial to SOCA’s mission, ensuring both tradition and innovation thrive in the community.
Co Founder – Lamburg
Mark David
Stacy Hughes
SECERATARY
As Secretary of Spirit of Caribbean Arts (SOCA), Stacy Hughes brings over 20 years of results-oriented administrative experience. She excels at supporting teams through rapid change, consistently completing projects on time and within budget. Her background includes roles at Toronto Hydro and within the healthcare sector, alongside providing ad hoc consultation for Divercity Consultants, focusing on diversity training.
Stacy’s deep connection to Caribbean culture stems from her uncle, Arnold Hughes, an acclaimed mas maker who made immense contributions to Toronto’s Caribana Festival. Growing up immersed in the inner workings of his band, Stacy gained firsthand insight into mas culture. This blend of extensive administrative expertise, rich family legacy, and a passion for mas makes her an invaluable asset to the SOCA board, dedicated to preserving this vibrant culture for future generations.
Co Founder – Lamburg
Mark David
Kateri DeSouza
DIRECTOR
As a Director for Spirit of Caribbean Arts (SOCA), Kateri DeSouza brings over a decade of carnival costume design expertise. She’s also Co-Founder/Partner of Caribella Mas, where her leadership in design, marketing, and administration has generated consistent annual profits since 2016.
Kateri holds a B.A. in Caribbean Studies from York University, deepening her understanding of her cultural heritage. Fusing academics with her passion, she champions diversity and community engagement through her “The Art of Mas: What is Your Story” workshops for various school boards.
Her profound knowledge of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival community and strong relationships with its members fuel her dedication. Kateri’s project management skills and unwavering commitment aim to support the highest artistic standards and professionalism in Emancipation Arts, delivering programs that are both economically viable and educational.
Co Founder – Lamburg
Mark David
Keith Birmingham
DIRECTOR
As a Director for Spirit of Caribbean Arts (SOCA), Keith Birmingham is the CEO of Triple T Entertainment, a dedicated promoter of Caribbean culture. He brings extensive project management experience and expertise as an artist liaison.
Keith is a passionate community advocate and mentor, deeply committed to preserving and passing on Caribbean traditions. His leadership in entertainment and cultural programming ensures that Caribbean arts, music, and heritage remain vibrant and accessible. Through his work, he actively supports youth engagement, mentorship, and community-driven initiatives that celebrate and elevate Caribbean contributions both within Canada and globally.
Co Founder – Lamburg
Mark David
Paul Green
DIRECTOR
As a Director for Spirit of Caribbean Arts (SOCA), Paul Green brings over 35 years of grassroots community experience across the GTA, fostering a vast network in education, entertainment, and business. His passion lies in youth leadership development, from early adolescence through young adulthood.
Paul is a founder of B.S.A. (The Universal Black Students Association), B.L.O.C.K. Headz, and “Rush The Vote,” spearheading initiatives that empower young leaders as agents of social change.
Currently an educator with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and a founding member of ONABSE (Ontario Association of Black School Educators), he specializes in “edutainment” programming. This approach uses arts and entertainment to teach civic and media literacy, promoting political engagement for building prosperous communities.
Co Founder – Lamburg