About Us

Co-Lead Investigator; Sociologist, Professor, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora – Faculty of Education, York University, Toronto

Co-Lead Investigator; Transplant nephrologist, clinician investigator, Associate Professor of Medicine – Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network and Division of Nephrology, University of Toronto

Project Manager; Adjunct member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, York University. VP of Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators and a board member of the Caribbean African Canadian Social Services

Teniola Ajani is a third-year medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She is deeply passionate about advancing equity in healthcare and ensuring that African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities are fully supported and represented within medicine. Her interests lie in strengthening the relationship between healthcare providers and ACB community members, with an emphasis on culturally responsive and patient-centered care. Teniola is committed to advocating for greater inclusion, improving access to care, and fostering initiatives that empower ACB individuals to thrive in clinical and academic spaces.

Fola Ayibiowu is a third-year Medical Student at University College Dublin in Ireland. She is a Nigerian-Canadian with a passion for Human Rights activism, clinical research, and regenerative medicine. Folayemi began her research experience at the Hospital for Sick Children, performing laboratory experiments and investigations into phagocytosis, kidney health, and cell biology. She currently works as a Student Volunteer at UHN with Dr. Mucsi’s KHE-ACB and CARM laboratories, while also volunteering in the SickKids Rheumatology research lab. Through working with CARM and KHE-ACB, Folayemi hopes to educate others, especially black youth, about regenerative medicine and clinical research. 

Kayla-Rae Barnes is a second-year Health Sciences student at Queen’s University. She is passionate about promoting health equity and education in marginalized communities. As an aspiring healthcare professional, she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

Marwa Douelrachad is a 4th year Honours Global Health student at York University, specializing in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Her work explores health systems strengthening and the use of community-led research to inform policy. She is dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and community-centered approaches to care both locally and globally.

Chiamaka Okenna-Afamefuna is a second year Health Sciences student at Western University and aspiring pediatrician with a strong passion for healthcare, youth empowerment, and community advocacy. She is interested in improving health education accessibility and supporting underrepresented communities in medicine. She hopes to combine her interests in science, advocacy, and service to create meaningful change within healthcare and inspire future generations pursuing medicine.

Danielle Foster is a federal employee and aspiring health care professional. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa (2018) and volunteers with Caribbean African Regenerative Medicine, supporting access for African, Caribbean, and Black communities. Her interests include patient-centered care, preventive health, and reducing disparities through advocacy. She aims to integrate academic training with community experience. In her time, she enjoys fitness, singing, travel, and discovering shows and movies.

Sidoné Grange is a Master’s student in Biomedical Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is committed to advancing health equity for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities through research, advocacy, and mentorship. Sidoné aspires to become a physician and healthcare advocate for women, children, and racialized communities by addressing systemic gaps in health education and access. She is especially passionate about fostering inclusive, culturally responsive practices across medicine, research, and education.

Chelsea Martins-Ezeifeaku is a fourth-year student at Wilfrid Laurier University and an aspiring physician. Her research interests lie in the intersections of psychology and neuroscience, including mental health research, community psychology and anti-racism work. Her other passions include advocating for increased Black representation and mentorship in various professions and industries, as well as creative writing. Through CARM, she hopes to support ACB communities in being proactive about their health.

Robin Olaonipekun is a penultimate-year medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She has contributed to research, student advocacy, and initiatives aimed at improving equity and representation within medical education. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to advocating for African, Caribbean, and Black communities in healthcare, with a focus on addressing systemic barriers and promoting culturally responsive care. Robin is committed to ensuring that ACB individuals are empowered to claim space in academic and clinical settings and to pursue prominent roles where their presence and leadership can drive meaningful change.

Rikyra Wilson is an undergraduate Biology student at Wilfrid Laurier University pursuing a minor in Chemistry and Public Health, with aspirations of becoming a physician. She serves as Chair of the Database Committee and Research Team Member at Caribbean and African Regenerative Medicine Initiative, where she contributes to healthcare equity and research accessibility initiatives. Rikyra is also Co-Founder of the Black Medical Network and is passionate about clinical research, regenerative medicine, advocacy, and improving healthcare outcomes within Black and Caribbean communities.

Arjun Law, MD: Clinical Haematologist, Stem Cell Transplant Physician, Assistant Professor of Medicine – Princess Margaret Hospital and University of Toronto

Sonya MacParland, PhD: Scientist and Assistant Professor, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network and University of Toronto

Paula Neves, PhD: Lead, Center for Living Organ Donation – Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network

Nicole Woods, PhD: Associate Professor & Education Scientist, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto; Institute Director, The Institute for Education Research; Senior Director, Education and Research Integration; Associate Director & Education Scientist, The Wilson Centre, University Health Network.