Meet The Team: Deborah

THIS IS OUR MEET THE TEAM SERIES! WE’RE EXCITED FOR YOU TO GET TO KNOW US AND LEARN WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO.

Hello everyone!

My name is Deborah and I am a coordinator here at WHEF.

I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in 2020 with a major in Psychology at the University of Alberta. I acquired a diverse skill set in various fields of psychology, including, but not limited to, social psychology, cultural psychology, and how to navigate relationships effectively. During this degree, I completed a thesis using interviews to understand how Black men were deciding to date within or outside their race. I am finishing up my Master’s of Public Health with a specialization in health policy and management at the University of Alberta. With this degree, I hope to advocate for health policies that reduce inequities and disparities.

My work experience has primarily been as a support worker/recreational aide with various clients who have a range of disabilities and ailments related to old age. I have primarily worked in personal care homes, and I am an advocate for home-like supportive living environments to foster growth and independence in residents. I am passionate about advocating for policies that reduce inequities, support public health, and promote quality of life.

I am a youth engagement advisor with the Non-Profit Youth Leadership Network, a Canadian non-profit organization working to increase youth engagement in non-profits across the country. Through this role, I lead and coordinate the research team. Through conducting focus groups, we are currently working on developing a youth engagement report to aid organizations in increasing their youth engagement.

My role here at WHEF is as the fundraising and volunteer director. Supporting fundraising initiatives and advocating to increase equity, diversity, and representation in healthcare. I look forward to working with this organization and expanding our reach internationally, and locally.