Kerry Cavers (she/her/hers) is an anti-racism advocate, facilitator, and founder who led Moms Against Racism (Canada) from a grassroots circle into an award-winning national non-profit. A biracial Black, neurodivergent, cis-gender woman of African, English, Swedish, and Irish descent, Kerry brings both lived experience and professional rigor to her work.

Kerry holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, is an Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0 / EQ 360) Certified Practitioner, and a Trauma-Informed Communities of Care trainer. Over the past six years, she has designed and delivered impactful anti-racism and anti-oppression workshops for audiences across sectors—including the BC Government, non-profits, educators, childcare providers, parents, and children. She is a frequent voice in media and on panels addressing racism in workplaces, schools, and parenting, and she regularly contributes as a consultant, collaborator, and committee member to anti-racism initiatives across Canada.

Under her leadership, MAR launched impactful educational, healing, and community-building programs, released widely used advocacy and learning resources, and grew a 2,300-member community. Signature initiatives include the Diverse Book program, that delivers curated sets of 10 culturally and racially diverse children’s books to families and classrooms across Canada, and the Be A Kid program, which offers monthly affinity-based activities and an annual Family Camp for racialized kids and their families. The MAR blog, which Kerry is a primary contributor to, has also been recognized twice on Feedspot’s Top 20 Racism Blogs list.

With immense gratitude, Kerry, her partner, and their three children live as guests on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people, colonially referred to as Victoria, BC. She is committed to using the power and privilege she holds to support Indigenous sovereignty, guided by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leadership across Turtle Island.

Kerry Cavers (she/her/hers) is an anti-racism advocate, facilitator, and founder who led Moms Against Racism (Canada) from a grassroots circle into an award-winning national non-profit. A biracial Black, neurodivergent, cis-gender woman of African, English, Swedish, and Irish descent, Kerry brings both lived experience and professional rigor to her work.

Kerry holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, is an Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0 / EQ 360) Certified Practitioner, and a Trauma-Informed Communities of Care trainer. Over the past six years, she has designed and delivered impactful anti-racism and anti-oppression workshops for audiences across sectors—including the BC Government, non-profits, educators, childcare providers, parents, and children. She is a frequent voice in media and on panels addressing racism in workplaces, schools, and parenting, and she regularly contributes as a consultant, collaborator, and committee member to anti-racism initiatives across Canada.

Under her leadership, MAR launched impactful educational, healing, and community-building programs, released widely used advocacy and learning resources, and grew a 2,300-member community. Signature initiatives include the Diverse Book program, that delivers curated sets of 10 culturally and racially diverse children’s books to families and classrooms across Canada, and the Be A Kid program, which offers monthly affinity-based activities and an annual Family Camp for racialized kids and their families. The MAR blog, which Kerry is a primary contributor to, has also been recognized twice on Feedspot’s Top 20 Racism Blogs list.

With immense gratitude, Kerry, her partner, and their three children live as guests on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people, colonially referred to as Victoria, BC. She is committed to using the power and privilege she holds to support Indigenous sovereignty, guided by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leadership across Turtle Island.

Kristy Payne (she/her/hers) is a strategist, communicator, and organizational development leader whose work centres human connection, equity, and systems change. With over two decades of experience across public, nonprofit, CPG, and global development sectors, Kristy brings deep experience and professional rigor to her advocacy, leadership, and anti-racism practice. 

A biracial, cis-gender woman with Irish, German, Black, and Cherokee family ancestry, without active affiliation to a Cherokee Nation, Kristy grounds her work in the complexities of identity, belonging, and culture. With communications at the core of her work, Kristy has led initiatives related to community engagement; youth leadership; human rights and gender equity; organizational culture; social impact strategy and more. She is recognized as a connector of people and ideas, a purpose-driven culture builder, and a thoughtful advisor to organizational leaders about navigating internal change. 

Kristy holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, a French language certificate from Laval University, a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University, and a Master’s Certificate in Organization Development from York University.  Her work and love of languages and culture have taken her to more than 50 countries, shaping her global understanding of identity, power, and inequity. 

Kristy currently lives with her husband and two daughters in the qathet region on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, a place she is grateful to call home. She is honoured to join the Board of Mothers Against Racism as Vice Chair and is committed to using her skills, experiences, and influence to help strengthen racial equity in ways guided by Black, Indigenous, and other racialized leaders across Canada

Similola (Simi) Adekolu (she/her) is a governance and strategy leader, economist, and advocate who brings both lived experience and professional depth to her work. As Treasurer and a Board Director with Moms Against Racism (Canada), Simi supports strategic governance, long-term planning, and mission-aligned decision-making that strengthens MAR’s impact across communities.

A Black African, first-generation immigrant, Simi’s leadership is shaped by her identity, cultural grounding, and lived experience navigating Canadian institutions as a Black mother raising Black children. She brings a steady, thoughtful presence to MAR rooted in integrity, compassion, and a commitment to dismantling systems that harm racialized families.

Simi holds a master’s degree in international development and is a Chartered Accountant (CA) with extensive experience in governance, public policy, and financial oversight. She currently works as an Economist at the Department of Finance Canada, where she focuses on financial stability, systemic risk, housing policy, and inclusive economic frameworks. Her work in government gives her a unique understanding of how systems operate and must evolve to serve communities more equitably.

Beyond her policy role, Simi is an experienced Strategy and Governance Consultant, supporting nonprofits and Indigenous organizations in strengthening structures, accountability systems, and long-term strategy. She has guided organizations through moments of transition and growth and is known for her ability to translate complex issues into clear decisions.

Across sectors, Simi’s work is anchored in values of dignity, accountability, humility, and collective care. Her journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, lived experience, and community-rooted purpose, all of which she brings to MAR with a profound sense of responsibility.

Simi shares her life with her partner and their two children, who are central to her commitment to building communities where all children feel safe, affirmed, and seen. She lives in Kanata, Ottawa, as a grateful guest on the unceded and ancestral territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. She is committed to using the power and privilege she holds to support Indigenous sovereignty, guided by the leadership and teachings of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples across Turtle Island.

Erin Bulycz (she/her) is a Canadian-born descendant of immigrants and settlers from Germany and Ukraine who settled on stolen land in Manitoba and Alberta. Born in northern BC, and conscious of her privilege, she is committed to working to unlearn her racial bias for the rest of her life, and to working to pass this responsibility to her two (also white) children. Erin worked in youth addiction services for PLEA and then as a secondary teacher in the Burnaby School District before leaving to focus on her own children and community as an Executive PAC member and on a larger scale with Parents 4 Palestine. She is an avid reader, writer, and advocate for anti-racism and queer rights. As a MAR volunteer since 2021, she has been a member of the Education Advocacy Team, MAR’s Executive Coordinator, and has now held the role of Board Secretary for three years.

Sarah Fardeen (she/her) is a mother, a global mental health professional, and an advocate focused on equity, healing, and justice. Originally from Bangladesh, she’s a settler in Canada and currently lives in Pickering, Ontario on the Mississauga of Scugog Island First Nation and the Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations. She has more than 15 years of experience in mental health, community work, and nonprofit leadership. Sarah uses a trauma-informed, relationship-centered approach in everything she does. As a new Board Director with Moms Against Racism (MAR), she is dedicated to supporting anti-racism education and growing community-based healing programs.

Sarah has undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Religion, a Master’s in Psychosocial Studies, a Project Management Certificate, and a Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health. She is now working toward a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the University of Toronto, focusing on health equity and anti-racist change in organizations. Sarah is a Rotary Peace Fellow in Kampala, Uganda, where she does peace and conflict transformation research, and creates community projects in peacebuilding and development. She is also a certified mediator with Amani Communities of Africa, a Peace Ambassador with the Institute of Economics and Peace, and a Social Justice Fellow through the University of Toronto and United Way Greater Toronto.

Sarah brings extensive experience across both the public and humanitarian sectors. At Metrolinx, she served as an Employee Care Advisor, while her humanitarian work includes roles such as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Advisor with the Red Cross and Migration Consultant with Seefar. Renowned for fostering environments where individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered, Sarah has facilitated workshops on mental health, migration, belonging, and trauma-informed collaboration for youth, newcomer communities, and professionals.

Sarah maintains strong ties to newcomer and diaspora communities, grounding her advocacy in lived experience, compassion, and a commitment to collective care. She is dedicated to supporting families and nurturing a generation rooted in justice, equity, healing, and values that closely align with MAR’s mission.

Angela Karangwa (she/her) is a Director at Large on the Moms Against Racism Board. She brings her experience as a Program Advisor, anti-racism practitioner, and community advocate dedicated to creating systems that honor equity, accessibility, and cultural integrity. Angela grounds her work in lived experience, deep empathy, and an unshakeable commitment to dismantling colonial legacies across institutions.

Angela has built a strong career in the BC Public Service, leading initiatives in records governance, digital transformation, and organizational culture change. Her expertise includes retention and compliance, accessibility in documentation and anti-racism action planning. Beyond government work, Angela is a mother and community connector. Angela brings a trauma-informed, intersectional, and systems-aware lens to everything she does. Her work emphasizes relationship-building, psychological safety, and ensuring racialized communities see themselves reflected in processes, policies, and decision-making.

Angela lives on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. She is committed to learning, unlearning, and using her voice and professional skills to help build more just and inclusive futures.

Char Wong-Richardson (she/they) is a self-love coach, culture strategist, leadership consultant, and equity advocate who helps women – particularly women of colour and trauma survivors – reclaim their power, voice, and self-worth. As a Board Member of Moms Against Racism, Char brings her lived experience as a second-generation Chinese-Canadian woman, her professional expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and her deep commitment to intergenerational healing and collective liberation.

Char is the founder of a heart-led coaching and consulting company that bridges soul and strategy, healing and leadership. Through her signature I Love Me Method™, she supports women and organizations in embodying authenticity, equity, and compassion while dismantling systemically oppressive beliefs and practices. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and identity-affirming approaches that honour both individual and collective transformation.

A certified coach and facilitator, Char has partnered with diverse organizations and communities to lead workshops on cultural humility, inclusive leadership, belonging, and visibility as liberation. She is passionate about creating spaces where people can show up as their full selves, heal from internalized oppression, and lead with confidence and care.

Char is also the co-founder of Healing To.Get.Her Sisterhood, a healing collective for women of colour rooted in the values of sovereignty, compassion, and collective liberation. She envisions a world where wealth and resources are redistributed to historically marginalized communities so that all people can thrive authentically outside the confines of capitalism and colonialism. Through their work, Char is committed to funding and supporting programs, education, and businesses that advance collective healing, equity, and liberation – ultimately helping to build a more equitable, safe, and compassionate world.

Her dream includes creating shared community spaces, publishing empowering stories, and expanding their podcast as a free, accessible platform to teach and normalize self-love and healing as vital parts of social change. Making this inner work accessible and relatable is central to Char’s mission – to meet people where they are, while guiding them toward healing in community and the remembrance of their inherent worth and power.

With deep gratitude, Char, her partner, and her two young children live as guests on the unceded and ancestral territories of the q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), Máthxwi (Matsqui), and Semiahmoo First Nations, colonially known as Langley City, BC. They are guided by the belief that visibility is liberation, self-love is activism, and healing ourselves is how we heal the world.

Jen Labelle (she/her) is an educator and mother who is committed to the learning, unlearning, and ongoing healing it takes to do anti-oppression work. Jen is a white settler of German, Austrian, Romanian and Slovenian descent who strives to use her power and privilege to uplift marginalized voices in the spaces she occupies.

Jen co-led the Education Advocacy Team for Moms Against Racism (MAR) Canada from 2020 to 2024, before being elected to the MAR Board of Directors in 2024. 

Her previous experience includes working as a youth worker, coordinating leadership experiences for youth with disabilities, and mentoring youth volunteers to work in recreation settings. 

Jen has spent the last 15 years teaching in the public school system in British Columbia. Many of those years were spent working at inner city schools where she had the privilege of growing relationships with families, Elders and community members from the nearby Indigenous communities, as well as refugee families, new immigrants, and students from all socio-economic backgrounds.  She has a background in trauma-informed practice and culturally based approaches to education. 

Jen continues to push for change in the education system by co-facilitating province-wide professional development workshops for educators.  She has co-developed many workshops alongside BIPOC presenters on topics such as anti-racism, culturally responsive practices, decolonizing teaching, and engaging with Indigenous students and families. She also continues her own professional learning, taking courses at Universities and with BIPOC-led organizations, such as: “Assessment for Equity” (UBC), “Indigenous Worldviews in Education” (UofT), “Safer Spaces Training” (Black Youth Empowerment Victoria), “Building Reciprocal Relationships” (4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning). 

Jen and her family have the privilege to live and work on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, now commonly known as Victoria BC. She is committed to building relationships with her Indigenous neighbours and taking ongoing steps towards achieving the TRC 94 Calls to Action in all her areas of influence.

Michelle Robindell (she/her) is a leadership development consultant, executive and team coach, and long-time member of Moms Against Racism Canada. She joined the organization in 2020, seeking to deepen her understanding and take meaningful action in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Since then, Michelle has been on a continuous learning journey—exploring the nuances of microaggressions, cultural appropriation, upstander behaviour, and the many ways we unconsciously “other” racialized people. These insights have shaped her parenting, her coaching, and the conversations she fosters in both personal and professional spaces.

As a Director at Large on the MAR board, Michelle contributes to strategic planning, leadership development for advocacy group co-leads, and supports initiatives such as coordinating book basket deliveries across the Lower Mainland. She brings over 15 years of experience designing and facilitating leadership programs, synthesizing developmental feedback, and coaching teams across sectors including tech, non-profit, healthcare, and government. She holds designations as an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and ProSci Change Management Practitioner, and has trained with Dr. Brené Brown (Dare to Lead), Peter Hawkins (Systemic Team Coaching), and Elain Alec (Cultivating Safe Spaces).

Michelle lives with her husband, two teenagers, and their energetic Whoodle on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, colonially known as North Vancouver. She also serves on the board of her daughter’s non-profit dance school and volunteers with North Shore Family Services. Michelle is committed to fostering psychological safety, equity, and emergent learning in all she does—and to walking the path of anti-racism with humility, courage, and care.

Reighan (she/her/hers) is the Program Coordinator at Moms Against Racism (MAR), where she supports the planning and delivery of MAR Be A Kid events and MAR Talks. At MAR, she has contributed to program development for Be A Kid events and has amplified diverse BIPOC voices through the MAR Talks series. Her work is guided and informed by frameworks of anti-racism, intersectionality, feminism, and decolonization.

A Brown biracial neurodivergent woman of Indo-Fijian, Scottish, Irish, and English descent, Reighan is currently a student in the Social Work program at the University of Victoria. She has extensive experience working one-on-one with youth and children in a variety of settings, including summer camps, after-school programs, tutoring, and as a support worker. She recognizes the intersections of her own identity, holding simultaneous positions of privilege and marginalization, and lets this awareness inform her work.

With immense gratitude, Reighan lives on the lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people, colonially referred to as Victoria, BC, during the school year and lives on the lands of the Tsawwassen and Musqueam First Nations during the summer. She is deeply grateful for the ability to live on these lands and acknowledges the many distinct Indigenous peoples, Nations, and communities who have cared for them since time immemorial. As a settler on these lands, she is committed to decolonization and supporting Indigenous sovereignty, guided by the leadership of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across Turtle Island.

Jackie Quijano (she/her) is an Administrative Assistant supporting operations at Moms Against Racism Canada. Based in the Philippines, she brings her organizational expertise and heart for equity to her role, where she coordinates communications, scheduling, grant research, and the many moving pieces that keep MAR running smoothly.

Jackie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Accounting and previously worked as an IT Auditor at an accounting firm before transitioning to freelance work in 2024. She joined MAR in August 2025, drawn to the organization’s mission and the heart behind its work. This is her first experience working with a non-profit organization, and she’s embraced the learning curve with enthusiasm.

Growing up in the Philippines, Jackie personally experienced the impacts of colorism within her own community, where having darker skin is often stigmatized. While awareness and appreciation for diverse skin tones are slowly growing, these lived experiences gave Jackie a deep understanding of how racism and discrimination manifest across cultures and borders, and why organizations like MAR are so vital.

What Jackie loves most about her work with MAR is the opportunity to learn and grow while contributing to meaningful change. Despite cultural and geographical differences, she finds joy in expanding her perspectives, supporting the team’s anti-racism initiatives, and approaching her work with renewed purpose. She brings the same attention to detail and organizational rigor from her auditing background to everything she does. 

Fridah Kirimi (she/her) is a Black woman from Kenya, an advocate for sustainable living and well-being who grounds her work in community-centered practice.

Fridah holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and spent the past 3 years working as an agriculture coordinator, supporting economically marginalized communities to develop sustainable food systems, access resources, and strengthen livelihoods.

Now, she brings that same commitment to equity to MAR as an administrative assistant, using her community awareness, organizational skills, and advocacy to actively support MAR’s mission and the work of building an antiracist world.

Fridah cares deeply about creating spaces where all those who have been marginalized can truly thrive.

Saman Jameel (she/her) is an Administrative Assistant at Moms Against Racism (Canada), where she works behind the scenes to support the organization’s programs and help ensure everything runs smoothly. From managing communications and organization to coordinating program details, she plays an important role in keeping things connected and on track.

With over five years of experience as an administrative assistant, she has developed a deep appreciation for learning new things and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Trained as a civil engineer by profession, she brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to her work and enjoys contributing to projects that create positive community impact.

Outside of work, she loves to draw and cook, and she used to spend a lot of time reading before becoming a mom—something she hopes to return to as life allows. Working with MAR has been a meaningful journey for her, allowing her to blend her professional skills with her passion for care, learning, and community.

Nes Antonio (she/her) is a Video Editor at MAR, where she brings stories to life through thoughtful visuals and creative storytelling. Before joining MAR, she built a strong foundation in quality assurance within the BPO and IT industries, developing a keen eye for detail and process improvement — skills that now enhance her work in video production.

A naturally creative and curious person, Nes enjoys finding fresh ways to communicate ideas and connect with people through her work. She is passionate about continuous learning and loves exploring new tools and techniques that help her grow both personally and professionally.

Based in the Philippines, Nes enjoys spending her free time hanging out with friends and family, going on food trips, and taking care of her dogs. Her guiding philosophy is to keep creating, learning, and sharing stories that inspire others.

Shayla Therrien (she/her/hers) is the Volunteer Coordinator for Moms Against Racism (MAR). She supports volunteer onboarding, coordination, and communication, helping ensure volunteers feel welcomed, informed, and connected to the work of the organization.

Shayla is a biracial, cis-gender woman of Fijian and French-Canadian descent, born and raised on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Her lived experience as a biracial woman shapes her commitment to anti-racism and to nurturing communities where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria, where she focused on Indigenous relations, gender studies, and environmental stewardship. Her early work with the Heiltsuk Nation supported community resiliency, cultural preservation, and youth engagement in traditional ecological knowledge.

Professionally, Shayla works with the Province of British Columbia, supporting engagement and communications for the provincial land use planning program. In this role, she collaborates with First Nations and provincial partners to advance Indigenous-led approaches to natural resource stewardship. She brings strengths in relationship building, coordination, and clear communication, and applies a people-centered approach to both her government work and her role with MAR. She also holds a Project Management 100 certificate through National Project Management Inc.

Within MAR, Shayla is dedicated to helping volunteers feel valued and empowered while continuing her own journey of unlearning, relearning, and contributing to collective anti-racism work. She is driven by a vision of a community and a future where racialized children are fully supported, represented, and able to thrive free from systemic barriers.

Lourdes Louden (she/her) was born in Hong Kong and emigrated to Canada in the early 1980s. She comes from a richly mixed heritage—if you sailed from England and the Netherlands around Africa and then up to Hong Kong, you’d gather the many cultures that shaped her.  This blend of stories has deepened her appreciation for the power of books to connect people across worlds and experiences.

Books have always been a part of Lourdes’ life. Growing up, her aunt’s home library was a favorite place—a treasure trove where every book came with a conversation and a lesson. Lourdes’ mother, an early childhood educator, taught her the joy of reading with children and seeing the world through their eyes. Lourdes believes well-written children’s books open doors to learning, empathy, and imagination.

Being part of the Book Basket program fills her heart, allowing her to share the love of reading and help spark curiosity in children across our communities.

As the Book Basket Coordinator, Lourdes manages the book order database, oversees shipments, labels and organizes each title by grade level, coordinates volunteers and deliveries across British Columbia and beyond, and ensures every basket of books finds its way to eager readers.  Each basket is wrapped in brown paper and tied with ribbon before being delivered—adding a touch of care to every collection we send out.  

By day, Lourdes works as a legal assistant—keeping documents (and lawyers) in order.  By night, she’s a hobby baker creating delicious cakes and desserts.  Always and forever she’s Mama to a strong-willed, loving, and creative child. Lourdes is deeply involved in her community and schools, often lending her skills as secretary or treasurer, and she brings that same dedication and organization everywhere she goes

Lourdes and her family live on the unceded lands of the Tseycum and W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, among the Lək̓ʷəŋən, Malchosen, Semiahmoo, SENĆOŦEN, and T’Sou-ke peoples. She uses her voice and privilege to uplift others—to help make space for all voices, stories, and lived experiences to be heard and valued.

Cecilia Tellis (she/her/elle) is a MAR’s Jr. Reviewer MARbrarian. As a proud woman of colour with biracial heritage (Filipina/Pakistani), she has always been passionate about joining, creating and uplifting inclusive spaces. Her first exposure to MAR was through the incredible art therapy sessions which she found moving and transformative. In her librarian role at the University of Ottawa Library, she oversees the research services division. In her previous positions, she proposed best practices on equity, diversity and inclusion issues as they related to librarianship and the workplace. When she’s not working or volunteering, she’s hanging out with her family which includes an impossibly cool kid. Cecilia has an unhealthy obsession with shoes, loves the colour orange, and really enjoys Dad jokes. She lives in what is now known as Cantley, QC which sits on the unceded traditional territory of Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.

Kate Ortwein (she/her) is a white, cisgender woman and third-generation settler to Canada of Scottish, British, and Dutch descent. Kate has always been passionate about social justice, and since joining MAR in 2020 and becoming a mother, Kate’s commitment to inclusivity deepened as she recognized the importance of intentional parenting and helping children grow into kind, welcoming community members. 

Kate studied Psychology at the University of Victoria, minoring in Professional Writing and Communications. Her passion for inclusive recreation and the outdoors led her to work as Business Manager of a small non-profit outdoor education facility before transitioning into disability research. She now works as a Research Coordinator for a project focused on inclusive recreation for children with disabilities and supports Moms Against Racism (MAR) as a grant writer, securing new funding and partnerships that advance MAR’s mission.

Kate, with her child and partner, is deeply grateful to live on the traditional territories of the Sahtloot, Pentlatch, Sasitla, and Ieeksun peoples, known today as the K’ómoks First Nation and colonially as the Comox Valley. She and her family are committed to listening, learning, and taking intentional action in support of the sovereignty and leadership of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Stephanie Reid (she/her) is a proud native of Tkaronto (Toronto) with deep roots in her Jamaican heritage, now residing on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen and Songhees Nation in Victoria, BC. A devoted mother, loving partner, and active member of the LGBTQ+ community, Stephanie weaves her rich lived experiences into her dynamic role as a Black Queer mom and advocate in Victoria.

As the MAR Co-Lead for Kids Sport, Art, and Recreation Advocacy, and a former National Team Softball player and Sport Scientist, Stephanie brings her boundless passion for sports, collaboration, and honoring inner guidance to her work. Her commitment to empowering communities reflects her belief that dismantling systems of oppression is essential to healing, and that Black liberation is a vital part of this transformative journey.

For Stephanie, being part of MAR means engaging in the ongoing processes of unlearning, learning, and dismantling oppressive systems, all while building meaningful connections within the community.

Satnam Sidhu (she/her) is the Co-Lead of MAR’s Healthcare Advocacy Team. She is a settler of South Asian descent occupying the unceded and traditional lands of the Lkwungen speaking peoples with much gratitude, where she lives with her partner and 11-year-old. Satnam has worked within a range of healthcare settings since 2004 as a Clinical Dietitian. More recently she has moved into a role within patient experience and partnerships within the oncology setting.

Following completion of the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety training, she was deeply motivated to change how she practices within healthcare and has gained a passion for health equity and social justice. She is dedicated to a lifelong journey of unlearning and re-learning within all aspects of her life, including her home and community.

Kate Martinez (she/her) is a cishet able bodied neuro-diverse white woman with European ancestry. At MAR, Kate is a co-lead on the Health Advocacy Team and helps run a monthly support group promoting anti-racism in healthcare. She is a registered psychologist in BC and has 30 years experience working with neurodiverse youth and families. In addition to MAR, Kate volunteers with three other organizations where she is passionate about providing DEI services at the regional, national and international level. Kate has a partner of over 30 years and together they love parenting two teenagers, and four furbabies. Kate is also a book nerd and enjoys being in nature whenever possible.

Stephanie Glegg (she/her) comes from English, Irish & Scottish colonial settler ancestry. She is a mother of two, an avid baker, and a musician. As a registered occupational therapist, she has 18 years of experience working with children and families to work towards goals in daily life that are meaningful to them. 

Stephanie holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences and is an implementation scientist – meaning her research studies the barriers, enablers and most effective strategies to move knowledge into action to improve health care across settings. Her research is partnered with people with lived/living experience, including Indigenous partners whose teachings are helping her to learn ways to decolonize the work. 

She joined MAR’s Health Care Advocacy Team to seek out tangible ways to improve health equity, to guide her anti-racism journey, and to advance social justice. She now contributes as a volunteer with the Evaluation Team to measure MAR’s impact. 

Winnie Tsai (she/her) was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and currently resides on sovereign Haida Territory on the archipelago known as Haida Gwaii. She is a passionate educator who more recently found herself in the world of Early Childhood Education, after spending many years in the K-6 education system. Both her parents were born in Vietnam, to Chinese families fleeing the communist regime, who have close ties to Taiwan through their University years, so her identity although ethnically Chinese, is tied to multiple East Asian cultures. She is the mother of two beautiful children, and she enjoys crafting of all kinds (most recently hide tanning!) She believes in the importance of raising anti-racist and anti-bias children, recognizing that both families and educators play important parts in these roles.

Ashleigh Janis (she/her)  is a white settler with Ukrainian and Polish ancestry. She grew up in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, Manitoba), and currently occupies the traditional, ancestral, and stolen lands of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Peoples (colonially known as University of British Columbia). Ashleigh has a Master’s degree in Human Development, Learning, and Culture, and is now completing her PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy at UBC. Her main focus has been to support anti-racism and decolonized education in early childhood education, and has been humbly and graciously guided in this path by her employment and community within the BRAID Network (Building Relationships for Anti-racist Indigenous Development) at the University of Manitoba. Ashleigh is also an auntie to a beautiful two-year-old niece, who shines light and kindness everywhere she goes, and is a reminder of the responsibility we all share in building safer worlds for our youth. Ashleigh will be volunteering with the Childcare Advocacy Team at MAR and is hoping to help nurture connections, share ideas, listen, learn, and unlearn within a community of like-minded folks who actively resist racism, colonialism, and white supremacy. She is grateful to be a new member of this community and for the meaningful and transformative work that is ongoing.

Amaanat Bhandher (She/her/hers) was born in Vancouver, BC, to a Punjabi family. She enjoys spending her time in nature and, more recently, doing gardening and embroidery. She currently works in recreation as a program leader in after-school care and a sports and gyms leader. She is working towards a degree in sociology and anthropology with the career goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. Her time spent with children, academic background and her ethnic background are what drive her to be on the Moms Against Racism Junior Reviewer team. She couldn’t be more proud to be doing anti-racist work to leave the world better than it once was.

Caroline Brunet (she/her) is a mom of two boys who works in the children’s Educational Publishing world in Vancouver, BC. With a Master’s degree in Women & Gender Studies, she has written about and researched Young Adult Literature, specifically the ways in which YAL and children’s books in general can reinforce and normalize racist, sexist, ableist, and gendered ideas about girls.

Caroline is dedicated to anti-racism and dismantling injustice and oppression in her parenting, personal, and work life, being mindful of how her privilege shows up as a white cisgender woman. In her spare time Caroline is reading, writing poetry, doing yoga, running, hiking, or exploring nature with her family.

Rose Camara (she/her) is a MAR Jr. Reviewer Team Member and a writer for fun. Rose is passionate about representation and the opportunity that books provide to learn about ourselves and others, no matter our age or social location. She is honoured to be helping MAR support this work through books. Rose is a white settler of Portuguese descent, grateful to be living on Lekwungen territory.

Stacey Wilson Burke (she/her) is MAR’s Curriculum Coordinator, leading the development of educational resources for our Diverse Book Baskets and other learning materials across the organization. She brings a trauma-informed approach to every project, ensuring resources are accessible, culturally responsive, and grounded in inclusive instructional strategies. Her work thoughtfully supports English Language Learners, honours diverse racial identities and LGBTQ2S+ experiences, values neurodiversity, and reflects multiple ways of learning and knowing.

With a BA, BEd, and MEd from Simon Fraser University, Stacey’s professional journey spans nonprofit organizations, public library systems, and classrooms across several BC school districts. Throughout her career, she has been committed to creating environments where every learner feels seen, supported, and empowered.

As a privileged white-settler and single mother, Stacey believes deeply that integrity is shown through action. She is dedicated to contributing to a world where equity is the norm and harm is reduced for those who have been — and continue to be — systemically oppressed, especially children.

Stacey’s life is fueled by motherhood, teaching, and creativity. She finds joy in art, in the beauty of the natural world, and in connection with family, friends, and her community. She generously uses her skills and energy to support movements and initiatives that align with her values — including MAR’s mission to raise a generation who will build a more just future.

Lacey McLaughlin (she/her) was born and raised in Victoria, BC on the unseeded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples and now lives on the beautiful lands of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. She appreciates the amazing land that these Indigenous communities have stewarded and continue to steward and feels deep gratitude, respect, and responsibility to call this place her home.

Lacey is a part of the Education Advocacy Team and has helped create programs, professional development for educators, and supported families with educational advocacy for their kiddos.

She has an 8 year old daughter, a 14 year old step daughter, a 14 year old niece, and a 13 year old nephew.  They inspire her daily to continuously work on herself, learn, and help teach and show others how to be kind, caring, and anti-racist humans. Her step daughter, niece, and nephew are all biracial and this is a driving motivation that guides her to work towards challenging harmful systems and working to dismantle them to move towards a better and safer world for the 4 most important kiddos in her life and for all the other kiddos who deserve a safe and loving world.

She has worked in the schools for the past 15 years, starting as an Education Assistant and then going back to school to get her teaching degree and then again to get her Inclusive Education Certificate to work as a learning support teacher which is the role she is currently in working at Craigflower Elementary School. She is energized to bring all of her learning around white privilege and social justice to help create a meaningful lens to inform her own personal learning and inform how she will guide students’ learning and support her colleagues to do the same.

She doesn’t have any major accomplishments to display or share, but her accomplishments have been quiet, but important. She has always worked to question, challenge, and ignite change against the ‘status quo’ and her quiet perseverance, yet loud when needed, is an accomplishment that is important too.

Outside of her work and home life one of her favorite activities is Dance.  She has been dancing since she was little and has always loved the freedom of movement and freedom of expression that it can bring. Continuing the activities that bring you joy during challenging times is an important act of resistance too!

Lacey became a member of MAR because she wants to make a difference in this world. She wants to use her white privilege to fight for change so that her white privilege is no longer a thing.  She wants to teach her daughter that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and compassion no matter what. Everyone deserves to feel safe, feel loved, and to know that they are valued.

Yvanna Kent (she/her) is a Healthcare Advocacy Team member. She holds a bachelor in human nutrition sciences, and has been a registered dietitian specializing in clinical care since 2009. She believes in healthcare access and equity for all.  

Yvanna is the proud mom of boys. She lives on Lekwengun territory with her family and dog. She carries her lived experience as a Black woman and mom of biracial children into her work. Yvanna believes human rights for all. She has worked in healthcare for the last 16 years.

Patricia Baxter (she/her) is of German and English Heritage. She is an uninvited guest living in Esquimalt, BC on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and the WSANEC Peoples.

Pat is a medical physicist, working in Diagnostic Imaging technologies. She is a passionate advocate for lifetime learning, and tries to practice that. She enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with friends and family. 

She is volunteering with MAR as a team member of the Healthcare Advocacy Team and brings several decades of experience working in Island Health in Medical Imaging to the table. She is passionate about access to care, and ensuring that individuals have agency within the healthcare system. Since MAR, Pat has stepped up to be co-chair of her professional organization’s DEI committee, and has advocated for adoption of actions for the TRC calls to action within the strategic plan.

Pat is a part of MAR because she needs to unlearn and relearn how to be better, how to lift, how to amplify voices and provide space for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. She wants to become a better parent, to ensure her children have diverse experiences, and allow for them to become actively anti-racist. Being a part of MAR energizes her to know better, do better, and be better.