Welcome to the Speaker’s webpage for the Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugee and Humanitarian Crises. Our conference aims to bring together refugees and newcomers, experts, advocates, policymakers, and individuals working in the field of sexual health, reproductive rights, and gender equity to address the unique challenges faced by refugees and individuals affected by humanitarian crises.
Speakers at our conference will play a vital role in advancing discussions, sharing knowledge, and promoting solutions to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services, rights, and gender equality for all individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations.
On this webpage, you will find information about our esteemed speakers, and their expertise.
Bansal, Nidhi
Director, Program Quality and Impact at CARE Canada
Bansal, Nidhi is an international development expert with over 20 years of experience in social development and Humanitarian response across multiple countries in Asia, Africa, and North America. Committed to championing women’s and girls’ rights, gender equality, and social justice. Inspirational team leader, effective public speaker, and strategic thinker.
Kojo Sherwin Modeste
Executive Director – Pride Toronto
Lisa Duplessis (She/Her)
Director, Programs and Community Services – The 519
As Director, of Programs and Community Services at The 519, Lisa manages the daily operations of multiple program teams.
Lisa has been working with The 519 since 2009, when she joined the team in the role of Coordinator, Newcomer and Refugee Services. She was serving as Director, Community Access and Engagement, before taking on her current position.
Lisa is also an active member of The 519 Black Collective, a 519 staff-led group that informs the everyday work of the organization from a lens of confronting and advocating against anti-Black racism, promoting equity for all Black people, specifically Black 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
A resident of the Church-Wellesley Village, Lisa has been a calm and constant voice for equity, contributing immensely to developing key programs and partnerships. When not at work, she likes planning her next travel adventure or being by the sea.
Sarah Flanagan (she/her)
Physician Assistant and Clinic Lead for Maternal and Infant Care at Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo Refugee Health Centre
Sarah Flanagan (she/her) is a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) dedicated to providing evidence-based, culturally safe, and trauma-informed sexual and reproductive healthcare to refugees in Southwestern Ontario. As the clinic lead for maternal and infant care at Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo Refugee Health Centre since 2016, Sarah delivers full-term prenatal, postpartum, and infant healthcare services to hundreds of refugee newcomers annually. She prioritizes patient-centered, pro-choice, and empowerment-based care, passionately supporting refugee newcomers through pregnancy and early parenthood, and helping them navigate one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.
Sarah’s academic journey includes undergraduate training at McMaster University and a Master of Arts in Public Issues & Medical Anthropology at the University of Guelph, focusing on the political ecology of health in Indigenous Guarani communities in rural Paraguay. Her Master’s thesis, cited by the World Health Organization, explored health issues in isolated subsistence farming communities.
Furthering her medical education, Sarah completed a Physician Assistant program at the University of Toronto, with a keen interest in obstetric and pediatric care. Since graduating, she has cared for over 2000 infants born to refugee newcomers and teaches medical students at McMaster University about refugee health and prenatal and infant care to vulnerable populations. Recently, Sarah collaborated with the federal government and the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) to develop a continuing education course in refugee health.
Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys traveling, learning new languages, and spending quality time with her young family.
Jonta Kamara
Health Systems and Health Policy Analyst
Jonta Kamara (she/her) is a health system and health policy analyst on a mission to improve health service delivery and local manufacturing of medical supplies in Africa. She has hosted several events on sexual and reproductive health, women’s rights, and gender-based violence.
Currently, Jonta is a Toronto Urban Fellow at the City of Toronto, a Youth Reviewer for the Second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, and a World Health Organization TDR SORT IT Scholar.
She is the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award by the University of Toronto African Alumni Association and the 2022 Best Poster Award at the Canadian Global Health Students and Young Professional Summit. Africa CDC also competitively selected her to attend the inaugural Youth Pre-Conference for the 2nd Conference on Public Health in Africa.
Jonta has previous experience working at UNICEF Headquarters, Friends of the Global Fight, and several academic research centers. Jonta holds a Master of Public Health with Merit from King’s College London and an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Studies with Distinction from the University of Toronto. She also manages a blog (https://www.jontakam.com/blog) discussing public health issues/events and sharing advice from her experiences. Jonta is a third-culture kid who grew up in Africa, Europe, and North America.
The views expressed do not represent those of organizations she is affiliated with.
Pauline Wangari
Founder and President of the Kenyan Women in Canada Association
Pauline Wangari is a dynamic Speaker and committed Community Advocate, recognized for her leadership in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As the former Chair of the Kenyan Community in Ontario Women’s Forum and Founder of the Kenyan Women in Canada Association, she has spearheaded scholarships and received accolades such as the Citizenship Award from Ryerson University and recognition from the Viola Desmond Awards. With a diverse educational background including an MBA in Leadership and Innovation, Pauline’s advocacy spans social justice, human rights, and health policy, focusing on women’s rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. Currently serving on the Human Rights Committee Review board and the Student Alumni Advisory Committee at Ryerson University, she continues to champion systemic change, making a lasting impact in her community and beyond.
Warda Warsame
National Network Coordinator – End FGM Canada Network
Warda is a long-time community advocate passionate about working with diverse populations in capacity and community-building roles. Warda’s experience involves supporting and advocating for people on both an individual and group level to navigate complex systems. She believes in leveraging her education, as well as lived experience to improve the practical living conditions of racialized and underserved populations in Canada. She brings a decade of community development in the settlement sector to the role, supporting newcomers to thrive in their new country. As the End FGM Canada National Network Coordinator, she is looking forward to continuing the important work of growing and expanding the reach of The Network within Canada
Patrick Segawa
Children and Youth Specialists and Women Deliver Young Leader
Patrick Segawa is a distinguished Social Entrepreneur and Public Health Specialist with over 8 years of experience managing evidence-based projects in Uganda and Canada. His expertise lies in Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS/STI Prevention, and Program Leadership, excelling in research methods, community engagement, youth participation, health promotion, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Patrick has received prestigious awards including the Spring Research Fellowship and Student Research Award 2023 from Brock University, Top 40 Under 40 2019 by the New Vision (Uganda), and 120 Under 40 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute. He was honored with the Community Impact Award – 2018 from Clarke International University for his contributions to public health.
Patrick is a prolific writer and researcher, having contributed to an edited book and published peer-reviewed journal articles. His work has been presented at renowned conferences such as the 23rd International AIDS Conference and the Women Deliver Global Conference. Currently serving as an Intensive Case Manager in Homelessness Services and Community Engagement at Niagara Region, he is a key member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Previously, he was the Executive Director and Team Lead for Public Health Ambassadors Uganda.
Patrick holds a Masters of Arts in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University and a Master’s of Science in Public Health from Uganda Martyrs University. His career reflects a commitment to improving global health and youth development, with a focus on DEI and impactful community engagement.
Maryam Pandi
Executive Director Choice in Health Toronto
Maryam Pandi (she/her) is a non-profit leader and community advocate and currently serves as the Executive Director of Choice in Health Clinic. She is passionate about social justice and grounds her work in intersectional feminism and anti-oppressive values. In her daily work, Maryam engages in community building through a gender-equity lens and strives to contribute to a just and equitable future for all.
Tanaka George Chirombo
SRHR Activist, Youth Advocate, and Communications Manager at the Toronto People Living with AIDS Foundation (PWA)
Tanaka Chirombo, Malawi’s Adolescent Activist of the Year 2020, is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and global health. Currently a public health student at the University of Livingstonia, Tanaka believes strongly in the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future of healthcare. In their role as communications manager at the Toronto People Living with AIDS Foundation and as a board member of the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention, Tanaka works tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and ensure access to quality care and support.
As a board member representing eastern and southern Africa on the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+), Tanaka advocates for the rights of young individuals living with HIV, striving to improve their access to essential services. Their leadership has earned recognition on national and global platforms, where they deliver keynote speeches, contribute to publications, and engage with policymakers to drive policy transformations.
Tanaka also serves as co-chair of the Adolescent Treatment Coalition, focusing on enhancing healthcare services for adolescents and shaping policies to address their unique needs. Beyond health advocacy, Tanaka is involved in civic engagement as one of the African Union Youth Charter Hustlers and a graduate of the Next Generation Civil Society Leader’s Academy. With a commitment to social change and policy enforcement, Tanaka exemplifies compassionate leadership and inspires others to join in creating a more just and equitable society.
Blessing Digha
Social Justice/SRHR/GBV advocate, Community Builder, and Women Deliver Young Leader
Blessing Digha is a seasoned professional with over fifteen years of experience in the non-profit and technology sectors, specializing in Community Mobilization, Engagement, and Research. As a Black woman, Feminist, Advocate, and Storyteller, Blessing brings a unique perspective to her work, focusing on Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, and Technology. Trained as a storyteller by The Moth, she initiates candid conversations on crucial issues concerning girls and women.
In the technology ecosystem, Blessing advocates for underrepresented communities, facilitating access to opportunities in the tech industry. She is actively involved in advisory roles for organizations like Afrib Women, leveraging her expertise and lived experiences to empower marginalized communities. Recognized for her influence, including receiving the influencer award from the Afropolitan Women, Blessing is committed to driving dialogue and initiatives addressing Gender-Based Violence, such as her ongoing research on Financial Abuse among Immigrant women.
Kendra Weerheim
Nurse Practitioner Community HealthCaring
Kendra is a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Refugee Healthcare. She has been supporting the primary healthcare needs of Waterloo Region’s Newcomer Refugees, for eight years. As a new graduate, she joined “Dr. Mike”, and the multidisciplinary care team at Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre. Though the clinic welcomes a global diversity of Refugees, the majority of clients come from Syria, Somalia, Eritrea, Turkey, and Latin America.
Her primary areas of focus include pediatrics, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health (including sexual health education, trauma-informed cancer screening, reproductive justice, contraception/birth spacing, as well as abortion care). In September of 2017, Kendra became the first female Medical Abortion provider in the Waterloo Region and has gone on to be recognized as a national expert on culturally safe Abortion Care, co-authoring a course on Barriers to Abortion Access for the University of British Columbia.
Emmanuel Ndyanabo Lambert
Program Coordinator Africans in Partnership Against AIDS
Emmanuel Ndyanabo Lambert, originally from Kisoro district in Uganda, serves as a dedicated minister of the word of Jesus Christ in Canada. He reaches out to newcomer immigrant refugees, those affected by HIV/AIDS, facing addictions, and experiencing homelessness, emphasizing spiritual and community support. Emmanuel works part-time at Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), promoting HIV prevention and providing spiritual care and counseling.
With a background in Social Work from George Brown College and Ryerson University, he has a lifelong commitment to social justice and community development. Emmanuel has extensive experience in HIV/AIDS advocacy, community development, and leadership training. He co-founded Gospel Groovers Uganda and chaired initiatives fostering African performing arts groups in Toronto.
Emmanuel is involved in various organizations focusing on refugee support, human rights, and HIV/AIDS education. As a servant of God, he continues to seek funding opportunities to enhance newcomer programs and services, praying for success in the Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugee and Humanitarian Crises.
“Tee” Tina Garnett
Executive Director – Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention
Sharifah Nalugo
HIV/AIDS and Women’s Rights Activist
Sharifah Nalugo, a newcomer to Canada, is dedicated to creating supportive spaces for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and newcomers. As a peer mentor, she assists them in navigating services and advocates for women’s health and youth empowerment. Sharifah is actively involved with Women’s Health in Women’s Hands (WHIWH), raising awareness about women’s health issues and promoting access to healthcare services through advocacy and outreach efforts.
Additionally, she supports youth living with HIV/AIDS through stigma-free zone groups at the People with AIDS Foundation (PWA), ensuring they receive holistic care and resources.
Sharifah’s tireless dedication and selfless commitment demonstrate the power of resilience and community spirit, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she serves. Her journey from newcomer to advocate inspires others with an emphasis on empathy and empowerment.
Nassimbwa Anna
Women and LGBTQ+ Rights Activist
Nassimbwa Anna is a transgender woman and a seasoned development leader with extensive experience in lobbying, advocacy, and program management. Over the course of six years, she has collaborated with various Ugandan, African, and international civil society organizations to implement advocacy and capacity-building programs aimed at combating gender-based violence and HIV. Her work has contributed to significant changes in attitudes, beliefs, policies, and practices, particularly in democratic and post-conflict settings, with a focus on promoting the rights and liberation of LGBTQ+ individuals, with an emphasis on transgender persons.
Anna is deeply passionate about women’s empowerment, gender equality, access to justice, and supporting initiatives that amplify the influence and impact of transgender rights advocacy. Her commitment to advancing these causes has made her a respected figure within the development community, and her expertise has been instrumental in driving positive change for marginalized communities.
Alice Hope Birungi
Founder and president of African Descent Ontario
Alice Hope Birungi is the dedicated founder and president of African Descent Ontario, where she tirelessly advocates for the rights and well-being of individuals of African descent in Ontario, Canada With a strong background in working with youths and refugees, particularly those of African descent, Hope brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her passion for social justice and equity is evident in her efforts to address issues such as sexual health, reproductive rights, and gender equity, especially within Refugees and humanitarian crisis contexts. As a presenter at the Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights, and Gender Equity in Refugees and Humanitarian Crises, Hope endeavors to shed light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities and drive meaningful change on a global scale.
Richard Teixeira
Sexual Health Promoter -Toronto Public Health
Simona-Maria Williams
Youth Advocate and Student at the University of Ottawa
Simona-Maria Williams is a dedicated youth advocate hailing from Toronto, Ontario. With a background in non-profit work, she has contributed significantly to Outreach and initiatives at the Petellier Teenage Mother’s Foundation (PTMOF) and the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT).
For over seven years, Simona has lent her voice as a public speaker, addressing audiences at esteemed events including Citizenship Swear-In ceremonies with the Government of Canada and the Toronto International Film Festival, where she served as a curator and programmer.
Passionate about community service, Simona tirelessly advocates for youth and marginalized populations, amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Autism and Behavioural Psychology at the University of Ottawa, furthering her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Tashin Rodoshi (she/her)
Lilian Aine Tusiime
Executive Director Hope for Refugees International
Christopher Mlelemba
Global Health, Grants, Partnerships and Policy Specialist
Christopher Mlelemba is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, global health, grants management, partnership development, policy analysis, research, and community advocacy. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for improving the lives of marginalized communities and advancing social justice.
With a strong background in nonprofit management, Christopher has successfully led organizations and teams in addressing complex health and social issues. His expertise in grant writing and management has secured critical funding for various public health and sexual reproductive health projects and initiatives in Africa. He has also built and maintained strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and private sector entities.
Christopher’s policy analysis and research skills have informed decision-making processes and contributed to the development of effective global and public health programs and interventions. As a community advocate, he has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and promote their rights and interests.
Throughout his career, attended and spoke at several high-level international and regional conferences including multiple International AIDS Conferences, the ICPD25 Summit, the multiple International Conferences on Family Planning and many more.
Christopher has demonstrated exceptional leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, making him a respected and accomplished professional in his field.
Adinne Schwartz
Sexual Health Promoter -Toronto Public Health
Mary Kinyanjui
LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate
Mary Kinyanjui, an environmental health scientist and LGBTQ rights advocate, brings a unique perspective to her work as a refugee in Canada. Committed to sustainability and community well-being, her journey inspires her dedication to promoting sustainable practices and enhancing community health. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Mary actively advocates for inclusivity and equal rights, believing in respect and dignity for all. She emphasizes comprehensive sexual health education for young people, advocating for accessible resources and support systems. Mary’s advocacy aims to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world, exemplifying her commitment to positive societal impact. Her unwavering passion serves as inspiration, fostering understanding and acceptance in communities worldwide.
Ian McKnight
Director, Programs and Services – PWA (Toronto People With AIDS Foundation)
Winfred Ikilai
Executive Director, Healthy Empowered Resilient Initiative (HER)
Winfred Ikilai is a Ugandan HIV Activist, Policy, and Research Advocate, and Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist with 12 years of experience in HIV programming & Management. She currently advocates and empowers marginalized communities, including vulnerable women and girls, young people living with and affected by HIV, the LGBTQ+ community, Persons who inject drugs, and sex workers, to demand and access quality HIV and SRHR services.
Winifred holds a diploma in International Gender Equality Studies and a master’s degree in Public Health with a specialty in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Reproductive Health. She is an Alumni Fellow with the Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention (AVAC) and an HIV Cure research advocate with the International AIDS Society.
Winifred has influenced the effective implementation of HIV policies in Uganda, including the “Test and Treat” policy, through lobbying and engagement of various stakeholders. She has coordinated USAID PLHIV-led treatment literacy programs and advocated for the inclusion of women and girls in HIV prevention studies.
Winifred is an influential HIV social media activist and believes in a gender-equal world where everyone, irrespective of their HIV status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, has equal opportunities. She is committed to raising awareness about HIV prevention research and advocating for the availability of quality, affordable, and accessible HIV prevention, care, and treatment tools.
Rae Jardine
Executive Director SRHR HUBS
Rae Jardine (she/they) is a Health and Human Rights professional, consultant, and activist. She currently serves as the Founder and Executive Director of SRHR Hubs, a loud and proud youth-led organization for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Rae holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Rights from St. Thomas University and a Master of Arts in Global Development Studies from Queen’s University. She has continued her education, training as a Sex Educator and Full Spectrum Doula, certifying in Perinatal Mental Health, and is working towards a Social Service Worker designation.
Rae brings insights from her lived/living experiences and has worked in both the global and Canadian spaces. Her work has been featured at venues such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and by entities such as the Sprout Ideas Fellowship. With a decade of experience in youth-driven work, Rae unapologetically advocates against youth tokenism and for the realization of conditions necessary to create strong and sustainable grassroots and youth-led spaces.
Amanda Richards
Sexual Health Promoter -Toronto Public Health
Andrew Townsend
Health Promotion Officer – Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
Andrew Townsend is a Health Promotion Officer with Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Working in the Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations Team, Andrew oversees Action Canada’s national public health campaigns, as well as the work of their Associate Organizations Network and National Youth Advisory Board.
Susan Njue
Volunteer and Community Representative
Hope for Refugees International
Patrick King Mwesigye
Founder and Director of Programs – Hope for Refugees International (HRI)