About our Participants
Plenary Speaker
Home or Residence: Narratives That Tell The Difference
Dr. Manju Varma
Co-Owner
Engaging Matters Diversity Consultants
Dr. Manju Varma was appointed Commissioner of Systemic Racism in 2021, the first position in Canada to dive into solutions for systemic racism in Canada. In 2022, Dr. Manju Varma was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her dedication to working against racism. Dr. Varma co-owns Engaging Matters Diversity Consultants, a business that teaches other organizations how to be anti-discrimination. Also, Dr. Varma is a Director on the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
Panelists
Health & Public Services Panel
David Coon
MLA
Green Party
David Coon has served as the Leader of the Green Party of NB since 2012, and as an elected MLA since 2014. In the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Coon has championed tenants’ rights, alleviating poverty, improving access to mental and physical health care, and climate action.
Health & Public Services Panel
Dr. Erin Fredericks
Regional Manager
Horizon Health
Dr. Erin Fredericks is the Regional Manager of Community Development with Horizon Health Network and Associate Professor of Sociology at St. Thomas University. Erin is an advocate for health equity in all of her work
Health & Public Services Panel
Dr. Jennifer Russell
Executive Director
Institute of Population Health, UNB
Dr. Jennifer Russell is Executive Director of UNB’s Institute of Population Health and President of the NB College of Family Physicians. Formerly Chief Medical Officer of Health (2018–2024), she guided the province through COVID-19 with compassion and clarity. A physician, leader, and musician, she champions prevention, equity, and systems transformation.
Community Integration & Education Panel
Henrietta Obajemu
Community Advocate
Black Moms NB
Henrietta Obajemu is a dedicated teacher, community advocate and founder of BlackMomsNB, a non-profit supporting racialized and marginalized families in New Brunswick. She is passionate about newcomer integration, equity in education, and empowering diverse communities through learning and service.
Community Integration & Education Panel
Joanna Owuor
Racial Justice Advocate
Uzima Network
Joanne Owuor is a racial justice advocate, social worker, and community leader with over 20 years in equity and systemic change. As co-founder of the Uzima Network, she supports Black and racialised immigrant communities through culturally responsive programs and equity-centered leadership. She is committed to transforming individuals, systems, and organizations toward racial equity, justice, and accountability. Her work spans social work, mental health, and community development. Joanne also serves on the Advisory Board for Transforming Black Lives and on the Circle of Leaders for Black Mental Health Canada.
Community Integration & Education Panel
Shelley Poitras
Instructor Coordinator
United for Literacy
Shelley is an Instructor Coordinator with United for Literacy. She supports adult learners in developing English and literacy skills through inclusive, learner-focused programs. Shelley is committed to building confidence and connection through learning that values each person’s experiences and strengths.
Community Integration & Education Panel
Dorcas Tshimenga
Coordinator
Equity Stream Project, NBMC
Dorcas Tshimenga is Coordinator of the Equity Project & EDI Initiatives Project Lead for MCNB. Dorcas leads bilingual (EN/FR) mapping and asset-gap analyses of grassroots and equity-deserving organizations across Atlantic Canada in partnership with ARAISA, developing online tools and auto-assessment processes, and facilitating anti-racism training and policy development. Previously, as Training Coordinator with the Rural Settlement Network, she delivered bilingual capacity-building workshops across rural New Brunswick. With strong experience in grassroots engagement, inclusive leadership, and bilingual program design, she brings a systems-change perspective to the panel.
Immigration & Racialized Experiences Panel
Mohamed Bagha
Managing Director
Saint John Newcomers Institute
Mohamed Bagha is Managing Director of the Saint John Newcomers Centre, leading initiatives that drive newcomer integration, community belonging, and regional growth. A catalyst for change, he turns bold ideas into impact, builds coalitions, sparks systems innovation, and champions Atlantic Canada as a place where global talent truly thrives.
Immigration & Racialized Experiences Panel
Dr. Leyla Sall
Department of Sociology
Université de Moncton
Leyla Sall est professeur titulaire de sociologie à l’Université de Moncton. Ses recherches portent l’immigration francophone au hors Québec. Son livre intitulé L’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick et « ces » immigrants francophones : entre incomplétude institutionnelle et accueil symbolique, publié en 2021 a remporté le prix d’excellence en sociologie de langue française de la Société canadienne de Sociologie.
Immigration & Racialized Experiences Panel
Estefania Martinez
Research Analyst
Department of PETL, GNB
Estefania Martinez is a Policy Analyst in the Policy, Research, and Labour Market Analysis Branch (PRLMA) of the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour (PETL). In this role, Estefania conducts research and analysis on various policy topics, including labour, immigration and temporary residents, anti-racism initiatives, human rights, and more. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in International Relations, along with a major in Economics, from St. Thomas University in 2024.
Immigration & Racialized Experiences Panel
Phylomène Zangio
Member
NB Judicial Council and Former Chair, NBHRC
Pionnière dans l’âme, Phylomène a fondé ou cofondé plusieurs institutions qui jouent aujourd’hui un rôle essentiel dans le tissu social et politique du Nouveau-Brunswick. Elle est notamment la fondatrice du Conseil provincial des personnes d’ascendance africaine du Nouveau-Brunswick (CPPAANB). Elle a également été la première coprésidente élue du Conseil des femmes du Nouveau-Brunswick, où elle a contribué à intégrer une approche intersectionnelle et inclusive au sein des politiques publiques. En 2003, elle a participé à la création du Centre d’accueil et d’accompagnement francophone des immigrants du Sud-Est du Nouveau-Brunswick (CAFI), un organisme devenu incontournable dans le processus d’intégration des nouveaux arrivants francophones