BLACK CANADIAN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION
BCHCPA
Better together
OUR TEAM
Commitment
We are committed to seeing a transformative change to the healthcare system in British Columbia and across provinces. We exist to improve the health and wellbeing of people and communities facing barriers due to systemic healthcare racism, stereotyping, and lack of cultural competency. Our strong and united network is built on a belief that health encompasses being in a state of the best physical, mental and social, and spiritual wellbeing. BCHCPA is focused on health promotion and advocacy, providing education and awareness of limitations in diversity and inclusion within the healthcare system; and creating a network of black healthcare professionals empowered with knowledge to influence change.
Mimi Atlabachew is a Family Nurse Practitioner, passionate about black health. Mimi earned her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree at the University of British Columbia. She is focused in primary care, with the aim of creating a strong, effective, accessible and sustainable healthcare system for British Columbians. She is the founder of Interconnected Medical Clinic is committed to providing accessible healthcare, including examination, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing wellness for you and your family. Her goal is to build an interconnected network of black healthcare professionals that will eliminate racial disparities for black patients and healthcare providers, through advocacy, mentorship, and education.
Barb Sutherland joined Black Canadian Healthcare Professionals Association with the vision and drive to improve upon our Non-Profit Organization, and focused on developing the organization with experience and integrity. Barb brings to her new role over 24 years of experience in Fraser Health. Her recent experience as a Director at Royal Columbian Hospital in Site Operations has led the site in quality improvements and she has completed many projects such as creating FH first stand-alone accredited Vascular Lab and works tirelessly to improve the patient journey. Barb has a can-do attitude and is a proven team player. Her greatest strengths are in building strong relationships, fostering engagement of staff, physicians, volunteers, and the RCH Foundation. Barb graduated from Douglas College in 1995 with her nursing diploma. She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from the University of Victoria in 2005. Seeking out a new challenge and opportunity Barb pursued yet another degree from Colorado State University with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership.
Odepeju Koledade M.B;B.S, EMR
Immigrant physician in the process of licensing, currently working as a Health and Safety Professional. Passionate and dedicated health and wellness professional with over 8 years of success in various healthcare settings with a drive for inclusion and diversity in the healthcare sector
Cindy Onyejekwe is an experienced Business Strategist and Project Management Professional. Her career journey has taken her through exciting areas like environmental, biological, and air quality sciences, wastewater technologies, Innovation, and sustainability. Cindy values honesty, integrity, hard work, fairness, and an environment or economy where everyone has equal opportunity to pave their own path for success. As an immigrant to Canada, Cindy understands the challenges associated with growth and establishment in a foreign environment. It is not an easy path, but it is attainable. She would like to help those who may be struggling; so they can build valuable networks and acquire the skill necessary to succeed. In her spare time, you can find Cindy doing her high-intensity workouts, traveling to tropical destinations, dancing to afrobeat, and eating good flavourful foods.
Kimberly Ferguson is a Registered Nurse currently working in the Maternity Specialty. She also has experience in Acute Medicine and Rehabilitation nursing. Outside of work, she mentors youth at her church and participates in community initiatives. Presently, she manages the social media for BCHCPA.
With us since our founding, Kim brings her years of experience and skills to the forefront in helping our organization grow and succeed.
Sofia Aman joined Black Canadian Healthcare Professionals Association with the vision and drive to improve upon our Non-Profit Organization. A Saskatchewan transplant, she has a strong affinity for community and believes in advocating for marginalized groups. Sofia has experience working and volunteering in a variety of community organizations, giving her insight into a broad range of social justice issues. She aims to focus on developing the organization with her experience, community values and a perspective she feels is uniquely valuable when addressing systemic oppression and challenges faced by the black community. She has a particular interest and passion for promoting access to mental health services.
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Dr. Meriam Said is an international medical graduate pursuing post-graduate medical education. She has successfully obtained the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada and is currently a CPSBC licensed clinical trainee in Vancouver, BC. Meriam is actively involved in numerous community volunteer initiatives. Her interests include utilizing her skills and languages to provide guidance and access to resources to newcomers and refugees in Canada. She is a passionate advocate of black youth empowerment. She joined BCHCPA, intending to participate in mentorship, teaching, and research activities.
Dr. Taylor received his dental degree from the Univ. of Calif., San Francisco and has practiced full-time until 2014. He is the past President of the l10-year-old Vancouver District Dental Society, which focuses on continuing dental education and remains on the current board of directors. Kary is currently in the planning phase of another social enterprise-designed clinic. His health interests are sleep apnea therapy, affordable dental care and access to care issues in our communities. Kary's current vision as it pertains to BCHCPA is to support the interest of African Canadians in careers in dentistry.