EDI Team and Committee

EDI team

FHSD has two key roles in supporting EDI projects and initiatives. The EDI Advisor to the Dean and EDI Coordinator operate at both the Faculty and School levels.

EDI Committee

The EDI committee provides leadership and guidance on the implementation of strategic plans and reports, and the advancement of decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion, within learning, teaching, research and administrative activities specific to FHSD.

As educators and researchers of future health care providers and as healthcare professionals, we envision an equitable and accessible health care system where respect, humanity, dignity, and compassion are embedded in all procedures, interactions, and operations.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Rishma Chooniedass (She/Her), FHSD EDI Advisor to the Dean and committee chair

Rishma believes that as educators and global citizens, everyone has a responsibility to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in admissions and hiring, curriculum development, and campus culture. Prioritizing Indigenization, decolonization, equity and justice is crucial for transforming academic culture. Visit Rishma’s profile to learn more

Natalia Peñuela Gallo (she/her), FHSD EDI Coordinator

Natalia is an uninvited guest and settler on the stolen and currently occupied territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. Born and raised in Colombia, she feels honoured to live, learn and work on Indigenous lands. Natalia is passionate about Justice, Respect and Reciprocity. Her inspiration stems from the extraordinary voices of resilience and resistance, embodied by those who have historically worked to create a better world. Visit Natalia’s profile to learn more

Dr.Sarah Dow-Fleisner

Sarah is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work, Director for the Centre for the Study of Services to Children and Families, and a Michael Smith Health BC Scholar. She earned a PhD in social work from Boston College, a MA in child development with a clinical developmental psychology focus from Tufts University, and an honors BA in psychology and a BSc in Child Development from Colby-Sawyer College. Visit Sarah’s profile to learn more

Mary Jung (she/her)

Dr. Mary Jung  is a second-generation Canadian of Chinese and Ukrainian mixed ancestry. She was born and raised on the territories of the Anishinabewaki, Wendake-Nionowentsio, Haudenosaunee, and Mississauga peoples. Personal experiences of racism continue to act as motivators for her passions and interest in advancing EDI in academia, and broader community.  Visit Mary’s profile to learn more

Kathryn Douglas-Campbell (she/her)

Kathryn  is a chronically ill/disabled woman originally from Treaty 7 territory (Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and the Métis Nation (Region 3))/Calgary, Alberta.  She joined the FHSD Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee in early 2022. Kathryn is inspired by the group’s motivation, hardworking attitude, and keenness to move forward on EDI issues. Visit Kathryn’s profile to learn more

Meaghan MacNutt

Meaghan is a white settler who grew up in Mi’kmaq territory on the east coast of Canada. Current projects include quantifying the persistent sex/gender bias in the exercise physiology literature, and exploring representations of women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters in educational case studies. Her work in curriculum development and educator outreach focuses on inclusive, equity-minded teaching and learning. Visit Meaghan’s profile to learn more

Laura Mercer

Laura is a registered nurse with a master of science in nursing. As an educator with the UBCO School of Nursing, she acknowledges her responsibility to the public and to her students. She strives to equip students entering health care with knowledge and strategies to provide safe and individualized nursing care to all patients. She hopes to be an advocate for students and patients, a leader for EDI education, and a role model for students. Visit Laura’s profile to learn more

Dr. Jennifer Jakobi

Dr. Jennifer Jakobi is Professor in Health and Exercise Sciences, the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering for the BC and Yukon Region, and the Lead Investigator for the Aging In Place Research Cluster at UBC Okanagan. She is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment in which each member of in the community can excel, contribute and benefit from different perspectives. Visit Jennifer’s profile to learn more