Suad Badri

Community Consultant (Hamilton)

Suad came to Canada in 2014 as a government protected refugee from Sudan. She holds a PhD in Geography of Energy, an MSc in Environmental Studies and a BSc in Electrical Engineering. As a newcomer to Canada, Suad is passionate about community development, and she strives to empower immigrant and refugee women across the Hamilton community. In the past, she has helped to establish the Victoria Park Women’s group and facilitated the Sewing Circle at SACHA Sexual Assault Centre. She is also the founder of e_ESL Culturally Based Project, an app-based project currently in development.

Wilamina McGrimmond

Community Consultant (Hamilton)

As a member of the Tla’azt’en Nation, Wilamina has resided in Hamilton for over three decades. She is a long-time teacher and community activist for Indigenous rights, including advocating for the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Wilamina is the organizer and drum teacher for Spirit Bear Drummers, an Indigenous women’s drumming and singing group that performs in and around the Hamilton area. She has been teaching sewing to women’s groups for years, and is currently a sewing teacher at the De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre in Hamilton. Wilamina has also been leading an Indigenous drum-making workshop at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology for the past twelve years.

Kathy Smith

Community Consultant (London) / Artist-Facilitator / Professional Development Resource Developer

Kathy is an artist-educator whose mission is to help older adults avoid social isolation, resulting in healthier neighbourhoods and communities. She works with municipalities, organizations and individuals to secure funding and other resources for creative programs, activities and events. Kathy is the founder of the London and Area Creative Age Network, which has been developing informative and entertaining outreach programs and events to educate, entertain, empower and inspire adults 50+ over the past ten years.