Understanding the intersections of gender-based violence and health is crucial. Our team investigates how these factors impact the well-being of women and children.
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Dr. Onyango
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Meet Our Team
Our team of researchers and practitioners consists of seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for empowering businesses. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and creativity to every research project, ensuring innovative solutions and exceptional service
Keji Mori, Researcher
Keji Mori is a Registered Dietitian and an alumnus of the University of Alberta, where she completed her BSc in Nutrition and Food Science with a Nutrition Major, and MPH Health Promotion in the School of Public Health. She also has a Certification in Public Health (CPH) from the NBPHE. Keji is currently engaged in community research focused on cultural food security among immigrant and racialized populations. Keji is an avid runner and can often be found running at the lake, exploring new restaurants, or travelling the world.
Binita Jirel, Researcher
Binita completed her MA in Community Engagement from the University of Alberta. She is a dedicated professional with strong leadership in building inclusive and sustainable community engagement, with a focus on social justice. She has extensive experience in community engagement and project management working in diverse sectors and with diverse youth groups. She deeply values diverse perspectives and cultural exchange and is committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels empowered to participate and thrive. Her current research is focused on food insecurity, mental health and community gardening among immigrant groups.
Destiny Otoadese, Research Associate
Destiny Otoadese holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from the University of Benin, Nigeria, and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Community Engagement at the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. His research interests lie at the intersection of food sovereignty, community gardening, and community wellbeing. His current work focuses on the role of collective community gardening supporting cultural food security and facilitating smooth integration of Black African immigrants in Canada. In partnership with a local community-based organization, Destiny’s current work studies the food security status of the Black African immigrant population. This sheds light on unique barriers and facilitators to engagement among this population.
Joyce Kiplagat, Master student
Joyce Kiplagat holds a BSc. Environmental Studies and Community Development from Kenyatta University in Kenya and is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental Health Sciences at the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. She has extensive experience in community engagement and policy work from her previous role working for an international conservation organization – World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-K). Joyce’s research interests are in public and environmental health, food security, food systems and sustainability. Her current study focusses on the nexus between policy, gender, and urban food systems. She is currently undertaking a study that aims to explore the role of women-led informal food businesses in urban food security, specifically in secondary cities of the Global South, and how these businesses were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic policies. Joyce is passionate about food security and environmental sustainability.
Silvia Achieng Odhiambo, Master student
Silvia Achieng Odhiambo is an accomplished public health professional and researcher with over six years of experience in community development, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Epidemiology at the University of Alberta, Silvia’s work focuses on advancing health equity and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents and youths. Silvia’s professional journey includes leading the implementation of DREAMS and OVC programs at Pamoja Community-Based Organization in Kenya, where she significantly
enhanced operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. Her research endeavours include collaborating on studies exploring maternal and child health, HIV prevention strategies, and the impact of food insecurity on mental health and well-being. Her strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills have enabled her to build productive partnerships across diverse sectors and contribute to impactful initiatives.
Dayirai Kapfunde, PhD Fellow
Dayirai Kapfunde is a passionate and dedicated mental health advocate, educator, author, and leader with over 17 years of experience in psychotherapy and community service. As the founder of Journeys of Life Counselling Services Inc., she has built a virtual practice that provides culturally affirming and trauma-informed mental health support across multiple provinces in Canada. Her work emphasizes decolonizing and destigmatizing mental health care, particularly among the racialized and those pushed to the margins.​
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Dayirai’s commitment to education and mentorship is evident through her academic and professional contributions. She is pursuing a PhD in Public Health Promotion at the University of Alberta, where her research focuses on amplifying the voices of Black-identifying women healthcare professionals in Alberta, addressing workplace health inequities, and fostering inclusive communities. She is co-supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Onyango and Dr. Sophie Yohani and is a recipient of the WCHRI graduate student award.
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Our Publications
Our research staff have a range of publications that you can access.