Dr. Krissy Doyle-Thomas

Dr. Krissy Doyle-Thomas is an accomplished researcher and educator with a PhD in Medical Sciences from McMaster University, an MSc in Health Sciences from the University of Calgary, and an Honours BA in Psychology from McMaster University. Her research, funded by CIHR, focuses on mental health and healthcare disparities, particularly for Black Canadians and marginalized communities. She is dedicated to developing culturally-tailored advancements in mental healthcare. In addition, Dr. Doyle-Thomas serves as a Co-Investigator for the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network and Principal Investigator for the POND National Survey Project, where she investigates the impact of race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status on the research participation of neurodivergent children and families. She is also involved in research initiatives supported by the Health Research Council for People of African Descent, which promote Black health and well-being.

As the Program Coordinator and Professor for the Brain Disorders Management and Mental Health & Disability Management programs at Mohawk College, Dr. Doyle-Thomas co-developed these pioneering programs to equip community-based health professionals with the skills to support individuals with brain disorders and disabilities. She also co-chairs the Mohawk College Research Ethics Board, further demonstrating her commitment to ethical research and community engagement.

In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Doyle-Thomas serves as a Knowledge Translator, providing mental health education and consultancy to organizations such as Amnesty International, Edward Jones, and the Congress of Black Women of Ontario. She collaborates with various institutions to develop knowledge translation tools that enhance mental healthcare. Her work continues to shape culturally sensitive healthcare interventions for marginalized communities.

Dr. Cheryl Thompson

Dr. Cheryl Thompson is a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Black Expressive Culture and Creativity and an Associate Professor in Performance at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. As a leading scholar in Black Canadian studies, her work focuses on the intersections of race, history, and performance. Dr. Thompson is also the Director and Creative Lead of Mapping Ontario’s Black Archives (MOBA), an innovative project aimed at reimagining and making Black archival collections in Ontario more accessible through an open-access online platform. Funded by the Early Ontario Researcher Award and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), MOBA allows the public to engage with vital historical resources, preserving Black cultural heritage for future generations.

In addition to her work on MOBA, Dr. Thompson leads the Black Creative Lab, a space dedicated to curating public exhibits, hosting speaker events, and creating content that explores Black creativity and cultural expression. The lab serves as a platform for amplifying Black voices and fostering greater public engagement with Black cultural production across various media. Dr. Thompson’s creative and scholarly work brings critical attention to the complexities of race, identity, and representation in Canadian culture.

Dr. Thompson is the author of two influential books, Uncle: Race, Nostalgia, and the Politics of Loyalty (2021) and Beauty in a Box (2019), which critically examine the politics of Black representation and identity. Her upcoming book, Canada and the Blackface Atlantic: Performing Slavery, Conflict, and Freedom, 1812-1897, will be published in 2025, further contributing to the field of Black Canadian studies by exploring the historical use of Blackface in Canadian culture. Inducted into the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists in 2021, Dr. Thompson is reshaping the study of Black culture in Canada, influencing both academic research and public discourse on race and cultural preservation.

Dr. Amy Gajaria

Dr. Amy Gajaria is an associate scientist in the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health and a psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She is also an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Dr. Gajaria completed her postgraduate training in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Toronto. She has a specific interest in supporting the needs of racialized young people and was a recipient of a Public Psychiatry Fellowship from the American Psychiatric Association.

Dwight G. Townsend LL.M, MA, BHA

Mr. Townsend has extensive expertise in managing complex health care projects, policies, and operations in the primary, community, and regulatory health care sectors. He led one of Ontario’s first Provincial Health Strategy, overseeing province-wide implementation with the Local Health Integration Networks, Ontario Telemedicine, hospitals, and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

 As Former Deputy Registrar at the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario, he has implemented legislative changes to the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and Labour Mobility ensuring equitable access for internationally trained health care professionals.

 He led COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts for BIPOC communities and has held senior roles in notable institutions such as Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network (UHN). His leadership has spanned both clinical and non-clinical programs, including Toronto’s 211 Crisis Supports, Ingenious Health initiatives, and Federal Development Ontario’s Health Ecosphere. Mr. Townsend has managed numerous mental health programs and initiatives, including the WhatsApp Mental Health Walk-in Clinic, and several Child and Youth Mental Health programs across Ontario.

Mr. Townsend’s academic qualifications further underscore his commitment to leadership and advocacy within healthcare. He holds a Bachelor of Health Studies from York University, a Master’s in Leadership & Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University, and a Master’s of Laws (LL.M.) from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. His diverse background equips him to approach healthcare leadership from a multidisciplinary perspective, combining deep operational insight with legal and operational expertise to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Kerri-Ann Williams, DBA PMP®

Dr.Williams is a seasoned project management professional with over 15 years of experience spanning various industries, including the military, private security, food processing, quality management systems, and healthcare technology. Throughout her career, she has successfully managed and delivered projects in complex environments, demonstrating a keen ability to adapt and drive results. Her most recent work in industry focused on delivering medical software development and integration projects within diverse healthcare systems, where she honed her expertise in aligning technology with healthcare needs.

Currently, Dr. Williams is a full-time faculty member at Northeastern University, specializing in project and health systems management. She has transitioned into academia to share her wealth of practical experience and research-driven insights with the next generation of professionals in the field. Her teaching integrates real-world applications with theoretical frameworks, empowering students to navigate the challenges of managing projects within the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Dr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, an Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Engineering Technology, a Master of Business Administration specializing in Healthcare Management, and a Doctor of Business Administration with a research focus on Project Management. Her extensive academic background, combined with her hands-on industry experience, positions her as a valuable contributor to both the academic and healthcare sectors.

Kathleen Massey, MA

Kathleen Massey is a seasoned leader in student affairs with a deep commitment to enhancing student success at Canadian postsecondary institutions. As Vice Provost (Students) at the University of Lethbridge, she leads Student Affairs and collaborates across the University to improve the student experience. A key member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Council, Kathleen drives initiatives that ensure students from diverse backgrounds excel both academically and socially.

Throughout her career, Kathleen has held senior leadership roles at McGill University, the University of Calgary, Centennial College, and York University. She has been instrumental in transforming student services, promoting inclusion, and supporting the holistic development of students. Her leadership extends beyond her institutions, as she actively participates in national and international student affairs initiatives, including the CMEC (CICIC) Pan-Canadian Quality Assurance Framework Steering Committee and the MyCreds|MesCertif National Strategic Advisory Board, where she serves as Chair.

Kathleen is also a published author, co-authoring “Project Mobility: Expanding the Academic Document Supports for Displaced Persons” in 2023, which addresses the challenges displaced persons face in accessing academic credentials. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. In addition to her academic work, Kathleen serves on the Ecumenical Campus Ministry (ECM) Lethbridge board and represents Alberta on the NASPA Region V Advisory Board, bringing extensive experience in governance, EDI, and student engagement across the academic sector.

Camille Dundas

Camille Dundas is a highly regarded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) educator, and the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the award-winning online magazine ByBlacks.com. Through her leadership, ByBlacks has become a leading platform for Black Canadians, winning three national ethnic media awards. Camille is also the founder of the IDEA Practice, where she leads transformative DEI initiatives using scenario-based learning to shift workplace cultures. In 2022, she created Canada’s first corporate online micro-credential in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, accredited by Dalhousie University, and has since enrolled nearly 1,000 students in her Inclusive Communications course.

With a passion for fostering inclusive leadership, Camille specializes in executive coaching and facilitating workshops on critical topics like racial equity, intersectionality, allyship, and anti-racism. Her approach to DEI education emphasizes practical strategies and actionable insights to drive lasting change within organizations. Camille has worked with diverse groups, from frontline teams to executive leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of inclusion in today’s workplace.

Before her work in DEI, Camille had a distinguished career in television news, having spent a decade as a news producer at major Canadian networks like CTV and CBC. Her expertise and advocacy have earned her recognition from the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and in 2022, she was named one of the Top 100 Black Canadian Accomplished Women. Camille’s work continues to inspire and drive progress in the fields of media, leadership, and social justice.

David Grant, PhD Candidate.

David Grant is a PhD Candidate in Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, where his dissertation explores advanced quantitative methods to investigate risk and protective factors associated with suicide and depression within Black populations across the Americas, including North and South America and the Caribbean.

In addition to his academic work, David operates a private psychotherapy practice and provides legal social work sentencing reports for Black inmates. He is also actively involved in community initiatives aimed at improving mental health education and treatment within Black communities.

David’s research interests encompass suicidology, psychometric research, psychiatric epidemiology, substance use, and global mental health, with a particular focus on mental health challenges faced by Black populations. His work seeks to better understand and address mental health disparities and improve access to effective care and support for marginalized communities.

Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola PhD Candidate, McGill University

Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola is a doctoral candidate at McGill University School of Social Work and a Vanier Scholar, under the supervision of Prof. Tamara Sussman. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and is an alumnus of the Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Program at the WHO Collaborating Centre, University of Ibadan, and the Global Ageing and Policy Program at the University of Southampton. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a Medical Social Worker at the University College Hospital in Nigeria, accumulating over ten years of experience in managing chronic health issues in hospital and community settings.

Oluwagbemiga’s research focuses on Afrocentric dementia caregiving practices, advance directives, end-of-life planning, and the impact of health services on older adults and their families in African contexts. His work explores the sociocultural challenges of caregiving, particularly for spouses of individuals with chronic health conditions, and the complexities of transitioning into long-term care. He aims to improve health policies and practices affecting older adults by using community-based research to inform local actors and government agencies in both African and Canadian contexts.

In addition to his academic work, Oluwagbemiga is committed to professional and community engagement. He has served as the National Assistant General Secretary of the Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria and was a founding member of the Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing-Africa Network. Currently, he is involved in documenting the lived experiences of Black older adults with dementia in Canada as part of McGill University’s Black Access Committee. His work bridges social work, gerontology, and health policy, advocating for culturally relevant practices to improve outcomes for older adults and their caregivers.

Dr. Kirk Stewart, MD.

Dr. Kirk Stewart is the owner and lead family medicine physician at Jonias Health in Bowmanville, Ontario. Originally from St. Catherine, Jamaica, Dr. Stewart has built a distinguished career that blends medical expertise with a passion for community service. He served for 13 years as an Airborne Infantry Officer with the Canadian Army Reserves, all while pursuing studies in Child and Youth Work at Centennial College.

Dr. Stewart’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Welfare from the University of Western Sydney in Australia, followed by a Master’s in Organizational Psychology, which deepened his understanding of human behavior and further complemented his experience in the nonprofit sector.
Driven by a desire to make a greater impact on his community, Dr. Stewart transitioned to medicine, completing his basic sciences at St. James School of Medicine in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He then continued his clinical rotations in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in rural family medicine. Dr. Stewart’s residency in rural family medicine and obstetrics was completed at the University of Illinois in Rockford and Dixon, Illinois.

In addition to running his own practice, Dr. Stewart serves as the Executive Lead for the Durham Community Health Centre’s Black Health and Wellness Initiative, where he focuses on providing culturally affirming care and addressing health inequities affecting the African, Caribbean, and Black communities of the Durham Region. He also contributes to medical education as an Associate Professor and Clinical Mentor for the Queen’s University/Lakeridge Hospital Family Medicine Program.

Dr. Stewart’s multidisciplinary approach to healthcare and his dedication to community well-being reflect his commitment to improving health outcomes and promoting wellness for diverse populations.

Donna Alexander MSW, RSW.

Donna Alexander is a dedicated Social Worker specializing in addiction and mental health, with a strong commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in healthcare. She currently serves on the Equity & Inclusion Council at the Department of Psychiatry and is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Donna’s work in academia and clinical practice focuses on supporting individuals facing concurrent disorders and promoting cultural safety in healthcare settings.

In addition to her academic and clinical roles, Donna is deeply involved in community-based initiatives. She serves on the Community Advisory Committee for the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and is a member of the Healthcare Task Force at the Black Opportunity Fund. Donna is also engaged in the Pathways to Care Project, which supports Black youth in accessing mental health services. As one of the founding Directors of the Black Health Alliance, she played a pivotal role in advocating for improved healthcare access and outcomes for Black communities. Donna has also been a part of the Black Experiences in Health Care Initiative at Sinai Health Systems, working to enhance the quality of care for Black patients.

Donna is passionate about facilitating training for staff at community-based agencies on issues related to concurrent disorders, mental health, and cultural safety in clinical practice. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and currently works in the Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian & Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY) at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, where she continues to support youth and families dealing with addiction and mental health challenges.