Annual Health Equity Summit

Amrit Parhar is the Acting Executive Director at the Institute for Change Leaders (ICL). She believes that through collective action we can make social change and build stronger communities, especially through the power of storytelling. She completed her Masters while working at ICL, focusing on issues related to the refugee and immigration system, early childhood education, mental health, anti-racism, gender-based violence and more. She is also a facilitator with the Institute for Change Leaders and has completed a certification for the Train the Trainer program through the Leading Change Network. Amrit holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a Master’s degree in Immigration and Settlement Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Dr. Sivapalan, a seasoned family physician with ten years of practice in the Greater Toronto Area, is dedicated to serving underrepresented communities. Leveraging his medical knowledge, clinical expertise, and a compassionate approach, he actively engages in applied research. His primary focus is the development of accessible tools and resources aimed at promoting health equity within these communities. As a campus clinic physician, Dr. Sivapalan is committed to enhancing support systems for international students. His ongoing research revolves around improving healthcare access for this demographic. Currently, he is engaged in a knowledge synthesis grant project aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of gender-based violence within the same community.

Sejal is a recent graduate from University of Guelph (B.A.H.), where she majored in Psychology and minored in Mathematical Sciences. Sejal hopes to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on (1) evaluating emotional regulation in collectivistic societies, (2) evaluating the efficacy of current services and practices for racialized groups, and (3) evaluating the sociocultural impact on collectivistic families with children with autism. Currently, Sejal is working as an Instructor Therapist with Autism Behavioural Services Inc. to implement ABA therapy for children with ASD, as well as a research assistant for SAAAC Autism Centre.

Dr. Naomi Thulien is a nurse practitioner and researcher committed to working with the community – including young people with lived expertise – to tackle the social and structural inequities that cause and perpetuate youth homelessness. Dr. Thulien is an investigator at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, a research institute at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto focused on health equity. She is also an assistant professor (status only) at the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health. In 2021, Dr. Thulien and her husband created Breakwater Foundation – a non-profit organization that provides rent subsidies, education bursaries, and primary health care to young women who have experienced homelessness.

Almeera Khalid is a public policy consultant and holds a MSc in Forced Migration and International Development from the University of Oxford. Almeera is a tri-sector policy professional–with experience in civil society, the private sector and United Nations (UN) entities.

She specializes in migration, human rights, and gender, and has worked with UN agencies and research institutions. She is passionate about addressing social and political issues and is a strong advocate for gender justice. She is currently the head delegate representing Canadian youth at the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings this year.

Eraj is a dynamic advocate and visionary leader with a strong commitment to promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and social justice. With a solid foundation in community engagement and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized populations, Eraj brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of her mission. Her role as a South Asian Community Advisory Council Member at United Way of Peel Region reflects her commitment to addressing service gaps and strengthening her community’s needs. Through her diverse roles, Eraj has consistently demonstrated her ability to coordinate projects and engage youth in meaningful ways. Her intersectional approach, combined with her cultural competence and leadership skills, positions her as a force of positive change.

Fairuz Karim is a recent graduate of the Translational Research Program from the University of Toronto. Fairuz immigrated to Canada from Bangladesh and grew up near Toronto. She is passionate about the intersectionality of community health, health equity, intersectionality, and youth engagement. Fairuz currently works as a Module Development Coordinator at the Foundation for Medical Practice Education at McMaster University, where she is involved in researching, developing, and writing evidence-based modules for family physicians. Fairuz has conducted research and worked with the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, Meal Exchange Canada, the McMaster Research Shop, and the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario. Fairuz’s work focuses predominantly on health and inclusion, drawing upon her lived experience to advocate for better health for all.

Manvir Bhangu is a dedicated community builder with over a decade of experience in gender equity, human rights, youth and community engagement, research, immigration, and settlement. She is the founder of Laadliyan (laad-lee-ah), a non-profit empowering South Asian daughters through education, engagement and awareness. Laadliyan has directly impacted over 12,000 girls and women through mentorship opportunities, access to menstrual hygiene, bridging intergenerational divides and much more. Manvir’s accomplishments include being named in Brampton’s Top 40 under 40 in 2018, winning the Women Working in Social Activism Award in 2022, and receiving the Young Woman of Distinction Award from YWCA Toronto in 2023.

Summayah Poonah is the Director at Naseeha, an organization deeply committed to the empowerment of individuals through mental health education. At Naseeha, the focus is clear: to instill a profound understanding of one’s mental well-being and foster care systems that benefit not only the individual but also loved ones and the broader society. Driven by data and the identified needs from their community helpline, Summayah and her team engage with stakeholders to provide targeted educational solutions. Recognizing the unfortunate stigma surrounding mental health, often exacerbated by myths and conceptions, Summayah’s mission goes beyond mere awareness. She is at the forefront of countering that stigma, championing the creation and dissemination of evidence-based resources. In an age where mental well-being is often overlooked, she stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that knowledge isn’t just acquired, but translated and disseminated to cultivate a more compassionate and understanding society. Comment end