Beyond Representation: Celebrating Black Excellence in BC Healthcare

Aisha is the Student Manager for the UBC Midwifery program. Aisha is responsible for overseeing all aspects of student recruitment, advising, educational program planning, and student retention initiatives for two UBC Midwifery programs – the 4-year undergraduate Midwifery program and the Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP).

Barb Sutherland is a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience providing frontline care to those most in need. She served as the Director of Operations at Royal Columbian Hospital and recently came out of retirement to support Lions Gate Hospital as Interim Director of Coastal and Acute Services. Barb is a certified leadership coach with extensive experience supporting leaders in gaining competence and confidence in their roles.

Dr. Oluseyi Malomo is a Staff Psychiatrist at Fraser Health and Clinical Instructor at UBC. In addition to being licensed to practice in Canada, he is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrist in the UK.

Dr. Taru Manyanga is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia. He is affiliated with the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Taru obtained his entry-to-practice physical therapy degree from the University of Manitoba and completed a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Ottawa. Taru is a registered physical therapist who has practiced physical therapy in four provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, BC) and one territory (Yukon). He occasionally provides physical therapy services in rural First Nations communities in northern British Columbia.

Taru’s research applies an equity lens in examining and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., physical activity, sleep, less screen time), particularly among rural and underserved populations throughout the life course. Taru is a member of several clinical and research organizations where he is actively involved in projects advancing physical therapy and promoting healthy lifestyles for overall health and wellbeing.

Madison Tardif is an Equity Advisor at the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) within the Faculty of Medicine. In her capacity at REDI, she offers strategic guidance and supports capacity-building for department heads, faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to implementing decolonization, anti-racism, and inclusive practices.

Oluwaseun, the inaugural Regional Manager for Anti-Racism at Vancouver Coastal Health, is a seasoned human rights lawyer with a wealth of experience in public policy, intergovernmental affairs and conflict resolution.