Featured Members

Dr. Shafi Bhuiyan, PhD, MBBS, MPH, MBA, is an internationally recognized academic in global health training, with a career shaped by profound personal experiences and a commitment to community health. His journey began in Bangladesh, where he completed MBBS degree from SSMC medical college in Dhaka and later worked as the founding liaison of a maternal and child health research and training institute. It was here that he focused on building the capacity of healthcare professionals to serve the most...

Laura Callaghan’s journey into the realm of healthcare is one marked by a deep commitment to cultural responsiveness and humanitarian work. From her early experiences in Northern Kenya to her current role in Nova Scotia, Laura’s career reflects her dedication to serving communities with limited access to healthcare, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Her story is one of resilience, cultural humility, and a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

A...

Dr. Ibukun Abejirinde’s journey into the realm of digital health is a fascinating blend of curiosity, and a deep commitment to maternal and child health. Originally from Nigeria, her diverse background spans clinical medicine and community health psychology, and she has lived and studied in multiple countries, including Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Her passion for global health, particularly in lower-middle-income countries, was ignited when she received an Erasmus Mundus joint...

Tamara Mosher-Kuczer, an experienced immigration lawyer, shared insights from her journey and her perspectives on the significant challenges faced by newcomers to Canada. Her career in immigration law, is deeply rooted in her personal background. Tamara’s expertise and dedication have earned her the designation of Certified Specialist in Immigration and Citizenship Law by the Law Society of Ontario. She actively participates in the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Immigration Section, the...

Nancy Clark, Ph.D, RN is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, at the University of Victoria (UVic). Her research focuses on immigrant and refugee mental health and meaningful inclusion of diverse communities in her work. Nancy has published 24 peer reviewed research articles, and 9 book chapters. With a profound dedication to meaningful inclusion and a profound understanding of the complex interplay of social determinants of migrant health, Dr. Clark's journey is as inspiring as her...

Lori Wilkinson, a distinguished professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Manitoba and a Canada Research Chair in Migration Futures, has dedicated her career to exploring the economic and social outcomes of immigrants and refugees. Her research particularly focuses on women and youth. She is the director of Immigration Research West, a multidisciplinary group of over 100 members who work together to educate Canadians about the contributions of newcomers. She...

Dr. Michaël Séguin is an assistant professor at Saint Paul University and director of the School of Leadership, Ecology and Equity in Ottawa. Trained as a sociologist of ethnic relations, his expertise lies in crafting policies and strategies to nurture Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within not-for-profit organizations, including settlement agencies and institutions of higher education. From his foundational doctoral research, which delved into the cognitive dimensions of Israeli...

Lisa Jane de Gara is a dedicated leader, blending her experience in public service and academia to make a difference. Currently leading a team at Action for Healthy Communities, she's focused on bringing top-notch immigration services to small towns in rural Alberta. She is also a Sessional Lecturer with the University of Saskatchewan's Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy where she herself learned the "tricks of the trade." As a scholar, her work on the internet and disinformation has...

Dr. Hassan Vatanparast, MD, PhD, is a Professor with Joint Appointment to the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan. His journey into the realm of public health is not merely marked by academic accolades but is deeply rooted in a purpose for equitable healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as immigrants and refugees. 

Researcher, Educator, Advocate

Originally hailing from Mashhad, Iran, Hassan’s early encounters with...

Janelle Benjamin is a Juris Doctor with almost 20 years of experience in diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and human rights. Her journey to becoming a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is shaped by her unique background and a strong commitment to justice. Born in Canada to immigrant parents from Trinidad and Tobago, she faced the challenges of being a first-generation Canadian, dealing with issues of identity and acceptance.

Navigating Identity and Overcoming Barriers

Growing...