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TORONTO BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK
Toronto Black Maternal Health Week (TBMHW) is a dedicated initiative that brings together healthcare professionals, community organizations, and advocates to raise awareness, provide education, and promote equitable access to quality maternal healthcare. This week-long event will feature expert led seminars, interactive workshops, and community discussions, all focused on addressing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of Black mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. The inaugural Toronto Black Maternal Health Week will take place from April 11-17, 2025.
2025 THEME
"Amplifying Our Voices" – emphasizing the importance of sharing and listening to Black maternal health stories in Canada.
2025 SPEAKERS
THE HONOURABLE PAULETTE SENIOR
THE HONOURABLE PAULETTE SENIOR
THE HONOURABLE PAULETTE SENIOR
Senator, Government of Canada
Guest speaker,
Opening Ceremonies on April 10
Senator Paulette Senior has dedicated her life’s work to breaking down systemic barriers for women, girls, and gender diverse folks. Her over three decades as a leader in the gender equality sector includes
serving as President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation and CEO of YWCA Canada.
PERDITA FELICIEN
THE HONOURABLE PAULETTE SENIOR
THE HONOURABLE PAULETTE SENIOR
Olympian, World Champion, Television Host, Author, and Public Speaker.
Guest speaker,
In Conversation With panel on April 10
Perdita is a two-time Olympian, world-champion and 10-time national champion and record holder for the 100 m hurdles. Perdita retired from professional sport in 2013 and is now a bestselling author, a
sports broadcaster
Olympian, World Champion, Television Host, Author, and Public Speaker.
Guest speaker,
In Conversation With panel on April 10
Perdita is a two-time Olympian, world-champion and 10-time national champion and record holder for the 100 m hurdles. Perdita retired from professional sport in 2013 and is now a bestselling author, a
sports broadcaster, television host and keynote speaker, along advocating for multiple humanitarian organizations. For more visit: www.perditafelicien.com
DR. NA-KOSHIE LAMPTEY
THE HONOURABLE PAULETTE SENIOR
DR. NA-KOSHIE LAMPTEY
Acting Medical Officer of Health Toronto
Guest speaker,
In Conversation With panel, on April 10
Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey is Toronto’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Canada’s largest local public health agency. She is a public health and preventive medicine physician, with a strong commitment to improving population health. Dr. Lamptey has h
Acting Medical Officer of Health Toronto
Guest speaker,
In Conversation With panel, on April 10
Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey is Toronto’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Canada’s largest local public health agency. She is a public health and preventive medicine physician, with a strong commitment to improving population health. Dr. Lamptey has held medical leadership positions in Ontario and New Brunswick.
DIAMOND ANTWI-MANSAH
DIAMOND ANTWI-MANSAH
DR. NA-KOSHIE LAMPTEY
Diamond Antwi-Mansah (she/her) earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from
Toronto Metropolitan University, where she deepened her commitment to supporting
women and their children. In her current role as Live-In Treatment and Transitional
Housing Programs Manager at Abiona Centre For Infant & Early Mental Health, she provides support to young pregnant and parenting clients.
DIONNE SINCLAIR
DIAMOND ANTWI-MANSAH
DR. EILEEN DE VILLA
Dionne Sinclair is an accomplished Certified Healthcare Executive who is currently the Vice President, Clinical Operations, and Chief Nursing Executive at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
A visionary leader with a passion for transformative change and innovation, Dionne has honed her skills in creating a climate that fo
Dionne Sinclair is an accomplished Certified Healthcare Executive who is currently the Vice President, Clinical Operations, and Chief Nursing Executive at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
A visionary leader with a passion for transformative change and innovation, Dionne has honed her skills in creating a climate that fosters innovation and develops new approaches to achieve strategic
outcomes.
DR. EILEEN DE VILLA
DIAMOND ANTWI-MANSAH
DR. EILEEN DE VILLA
Dr. Eileen de Villa served as Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health from 2017-
2024. In this role, she led Toronto Public Health, the largest local public health
agency in Canada, serving the city’s 3+ million residents. Dr. de Villa earned a Bachelor’s degree from Mc Gill University, her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Health Science (MHSc)
Dr. Eileen de Villa served as Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health from 2017-
2024. In this role, she led Toronto Public Health, the largest local public health
agency in Canada, serving the city’s 3+ million residents. Dr. de Villa earned a Bachelor’s degree from Mc Gill University, her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Health Science (MHSc) degree in Health Promotion
from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
DR. CINDY MAXWELL
DR. MODUPE TUNDE-BYASS
DR. MODUPE TUNDE-BYASS
Dr. Cindy Maxwell is an accomplished physician, researcher, and educator who has been recognized as a transformative health system leader. She is the Vice President, Medical Affairs & System Transformation and Lead Medical Executive at Women’s College Hospital at University of Toronto.
DR. MODUPE TUNDE-BYASS
DR. MODUPE TUNDE-BYASS
DR. MODUPE TUNDE-BYASS
Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass is the president-elect of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada. She was the inaugural and Past President of Black Physicians of Canada. She is the Chair of the Governance Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
DR. CRYSTAL CLARK
DR. MODUPE TUNDE-BYASS
DR. CRYSTAL CLARK
Dr. Crystal Clark is an internationally recognized psychiatrist in women’s mental health. She is the Canada Research Chair in Reproductive Mental Health, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and Associate Head of Research at Women’s College Hospital.
ALEXIA SINGH
NICOLE WAITHE
DR. CRYSTAL CLARK
Alexia is a registered midwife and Clinical Director at Ancestral Hands Midwives. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2015 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Midwifery at McMaster University with a focus on culturally concordant care and its impact on reducing racial disparities in Black reproductive health.
NICOLE WAITHE
NICOLE WAITHE
NICOLE WAITHE
Nicole Waithe is a Registered Midwife
(currently inactive) that was in active
practice for close to 17 years before
becoming a Policy Analyst at the
Association of Ontario Midwives. She
has occupied various leadership and
multi-disciplinary roles in midwifery
which focused on equity deserving
groups such as teen parents and
racialized midwives.
JENN BREWER
NICOLE WAITHE
NICOLE WAITHE
Jenn is a Registered Midwife with over a decade of experience supporting individuals through birth, perinatal mental health challenges, and major life transitions. Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, she is passionate about addressing mental health inequities in Black communities and increasing access to culturally safe care.
RHEA BRIDGE
CHEYENNE SCARLETT
CHEYENNE SCARLETT
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and hold a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, along with an Honours Degree in Psychology from York University. As a first-generation Canadian with Caribbean roots, I am dedicated to supporting the well-being of Bla
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and hold a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, along with an Honours Degree in Psychology from York University. As a first-generation Canadian with Caribbean roots, I am dedicated to supporting the well-being of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) and reducing mental health stigma.
CHEYENNE SCARLETT
CHEYENNE SCARLETT
CHEYENNE SCARLETT
Cheyenne Scarlett (she/her) is a Black maternal health advocate and professor in the Early Childhood Education Department at Seneca Polytechnic. She is also the co-founder of the Black Birth Project, a non profit organization focused on improving reproductive health outcomes for Black people in Canada.
RACQUEL BROWN
CHEYENNE SCARLETT
SHÂDÉ CHATRATH
Racquel Brown is an educational leader, parent coach, workshop facilitator, and speaker. Racquel is the host of The Empowered Parent Podcast a platform dedicated to providing support, resources, and coaching for parents, with the aim of empowering them with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance their impact on their children's lives.
SHÂDÉ CHATRATH
DR. MARJORIE DIXON
SHÂDÉ CHATRATH
I am Shâdé Chatrath also known as Baby Catcher and I am a registered midwife who works in the GTA and surrounding areas. I started my journey as a Kinesiologist supporting people with their health and wellness goals. However, I love to tell people that the seed God planted in me, was to become a Registered Midwife.
DELANEY HINES
DR. MARJORIE DIXON
DR. MARJORIE DIXON
Delaney Hines is best known for his keen ability to foster relationships and strike
partnerships to help realize equitable health outcomes. He is deeply committed to
advancing health equity and is a strong champion for cardiovascular/cerebrovascular
health and sickle cell anemia health initiatives.
DR. MARJORIE DIXON
DR. MARJORIE DIXON
DR. MARJORIE DIXON
Dr. Marjorie Dixon is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist with an Accredited Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In 2016, Dr. Dixon founded Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health, the leading fertility and IVF center in Canada. As Founder, CEO, and Medical Director, she propelled Anova to the forefront of innovative reproductive care.
KARLINE WILSON-MITCHELL
KARLINE WILSON-MITCHELL
KARLINE WILSON-MITCHELL
Karline Wilson-Mitchell, who hails from Jamaica, is the first and only Black Canadian midwifery education professor. She was the director of the TMU, Midwifery department. between 2018-2024. She is passionate about reproductive justice that informs midwifery education, healthcare practice and global partnerships.
SHARI GRANT
KARLINE WILSON-MITCHELL
KARLINE WILSON-MITCHELL
Shari Grant is a mother, educator and community builder who is passionate about empowering mothers of color to navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with confidence and support. As the co-leader of a thriving local motherhood group, Shari has spent the last 4 years connecting mothers with culturally relevant resources, education
Shari Grant is a mother, educator and community builder who is passionate about empowering mothers of color to navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with confidence and support. As the co-leader of a thriving local motherhood group, Shari has spent the last 4 years connecting mothers with culturally relevant resources, education and community they need to raise their children with love and confidence
CAMILLE BAPTISTE
KARLINE WILSON-MITCHELL
EKUA ASABEA BLAIR
Camille Baptiste is a Registered Nurse with over 18 years of experience in the areas of prenatal and maternal/parental health, child health and development. As a Toronto Public Health Nurse, she has supported families through the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program and now the Nurse-Family Partnership program.
EKUA ASABEA BLAIR
EKUA ASABEA BLAIR
EKUA ASABEA BLAIR
Ekua Asabea Blair is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Abiona Centre (formerly Massey Centre and Humewood House), a client-centered infant and early childhood mental health organization supporting pregnant and parenting adolescents and their children. She is also the President of the Ontario Association of Young Parent Agencies (OAYPA).
JANICE APPIAH
EKUA ASABEA BLAIR
JANICE APPIAH
Promise U Now (Janice Appiah) is a passionate advocate for young parents and marginalized youth. She holds a Master’s in Child and Youth Care and has dedicated her research to understanding the experiences of young Black mothers involved in Ontario’s child welfare system.
KENYA ROBERTS
EKUA ASABEA BLAIR
JANICE APPIAH
Kenya Roberts is a single mother of two boys, Kayden (10) and Kairo (3). She is a certified cosmetologist, owner of Goddess Kay Studios, mental health advocate, and CEO of Mom Squad, a group dedicated to helping young mothers stay connected with the outside world.
WANGARI KAMANDE
JENNIFER BERNARD
JENNIFER BERNARD
Wangari is a Registered Psychotherapist, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with about 10 years of experience in Mental Health. Wangari has worked in providing trauma informed and trauma specific therapy, across diverse scenarios including working with individuals that have experienced domestic violence, and parenting after abuse and tra
Wangari is a Registered Psychotherapist, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with about 10 years of experience in Mental Health. Wangari has worked in providing trauma informed and trauma specific therapy, across diverse scenarios including working with individuals that have experienced domestic violence, and parenting after abuse and trauma, individual and family therapy supporting clients dealing with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, attachment wounds just to name a few.
JENNIFER BERNARD
JENNIFER BERNARD
JENNIFER BERNARD
Jennifer Bernard is the
featured speaker for the Fireside Chat.
Jennifer Bernard joined SickKids Foundation as President and CEO on April 11, 2023 from Women’s College Foundation where she served as President & CEO since 2018. For more than 25 years, Jennifer has held leadership roles in provincial and national organizations leading and supporting teams that have raised more than $850 million.
DR. JEAN-VICTOR
JENNIFER BERNARD
SEMHAR GEBREGZIABHER
Dr. Jean-Victor Wittenberg is a staff psychiatrist specializing in infant psychiatry at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. His primary interest is in the influence of relationships and stress on psychological development and health in infants, children and youth. He has
Dr. Jean-Victor Wittenberg is a staff psychiatrist specializing in infant psychiatry at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. His primary interest is in the influence of relationships and stress on psychological development and health in infants, children and youth. He has worked in Canada and internationally to develop, evaluate and teach treatment interventions that promote children’s mental health.
SEMHAR GEBREGZIABHER
SEMHAR GEBREGZIABHER
SEMHAR GEBREGZIABHER
Semhar is compassionate and a dedicated Black Community Doula with lived experience. She provides birth support and postpartum care to diverse communities, including young moms, black families, Indigenous people, and newcomers. She speaks fluently Amharic and Tigrigna.
She is trained as a birth and postpartum doula by Regent Park Communit
Semhar is compassionate and a dedicated Black Community Doula with lived experience. She provides birth support and postpartum care to diverse communities, including young moms, black families, Indigenous people, and newcomers. She speaks fluently Amharic and Tigrigna.
She is trained as a birth and postpartum doula by Regent Park Community Health Center and supports marginalized families in Toronto's Downtown.
STACIA STEWART
SEMHAR GEBREGZIABHER
STACIA STEWART
Stacia (she/her) is a parent of three and an auntie to many, residing in Tkaronto/Toronto, Ontario. She works as a health promoter, researcher, community leader, mentor, and advocate for reproductive justice. For the past 17 years, Stacia has led Parkdale CHC's multi-service perinatal health promotion program, which focuses on pregnant an
Stacia (she/her) is a parent of three and an auntie to many, residing in Tkaronto/Toronto, Ontario. She works as a health promoter, researcher, community leader, mentor, and advocate for reproductive justice. For the past 17 years, Stacia has led Parkdale CHC's multi-service perinatal health promotion program, which focuses on pregnant and parenting families who are homeless or precariously housed, newcomers to Canada, and teens and young parents with urgent support needs.
YVONNE OSAGIE
SEMHAR GEBREGZIABHER
STACIA STEWART
Yvonne Osagie is an award-winning health advocacy and community leadership speaker. As the founder of Med Melanin, she prides herself in the journey of social entrepreneurship and thriving as the best version of yourself. Speaking on stages like the United Nations Association of Canada or the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, she empowers women
Yvonne Osagie is an award-winning health advocacy and community leadership speaker. As the founder of Med Melanin, she prides herself in the journey of social entrepreneurship and thriving as the best version of yourself. Speaking on stages like the United Nations Association of Canada or the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, she empowers women to be better advocates for their health and supports healthcare professionals towards health equity.
NAKITA SEERAM
Nakita Seeram is a dedicated and compassionate social worker supporting individuals, families, and communities to promote equity, healing, and empowerment. As a proud advocate, she is deeply committed to empowering clients, promoting social justice, and creating sustainable change by dismantling barriers and systems that disproportionately affect the BIPOC community.
APRIL 11 - 17, 2025
