Primary Researcher

Dr. Lisa Ndejuru is a Psychotherapist and Rwandan researcher focusing on individual and collective meaning-making, care, and powerment in communities impacted by the violence of anti-blackness.

Their work also explores inter-generational trauma transmission within Black communities and Afrotopias (future imaginaries).

Primary Researcher

MJ Rwigema (Ph.D) is an Assistant Professor in Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University.

Their academic work draws from 20 years of community work experience that includes counselling, community development, research, and group facilitation working primarily with Black, racialized, immigrant and LGBTQ youth and adults who are survivors of and resistors to oppression.

Project Manager

Kristen Young is an information management professional whose work in Black community archives sparked a need to better understand the ways mental health impacts Black community spaces.

As the Black Community Engagement Coordinator in Concordia University’s Office of Community Engagement, she supports the project team in their community-university partnerships.

Community & Event Coordinator

Sam Nyinawumuntu describes themselves as a Black queer being who hails from the mountains of Rwanda.

They are an artist and cultural organizer whose mission is to facilitate and co-create intentional spaces that center a healing justice framework for people who are and have been historically marginalized.

Administration & Communication Coordinator

Zalikha Konate is a multidisciplinary creative dedicated to carving pathways and creating space for Black and marginalized communities in unconventional arenas.

With a background in PR and Marketing and a degree in Community, Public Affairs, and Policy Studies, she is passionate about amplifying the voices and initiatives within Black community spaces.

Conference Coordinator

Aliane is pursuing her Psychology degree at Concordia University, with hopes of supporting Queer BIPOC communities on their healing and wellness journey. She is passionate about the power of poetry and self-expression as forms of community care. Aspiring to deepen her understanding of trauma, she turns to somatic exploration as a guide. She aims to expand her stance in works that engage the immigrant perspective and re-rooting the diaspora.

Team Support

Katya Stella Assoé is a dedicated Immigration Lawyer based in Montreal, passionate about advocacy and driving positive change.

Honoured as a 2023 CBC Black Changemaker, Katya’s work reflects her commitment to empowering diverse Black communities and creating lasting impact both within and beyond the legal field.