Human Rights Project

Deborah Buchanan-Walford is a Jamaican-Canadian anti-racist high school educator who has been living in the Peel region for almost 10 years. Deborah is also a community activist and organizer, and has participated in various initiatives focusing on addressing anti-Black racism and intersectional oppression as well as improving public education. This includes working with the Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABSE), the Ontario Education Workers United grassroots organization and the Ontario Parent Action Network. Deborah’s overall focus is on contributing to an equitable, accessible society for everyone and especially Black, Indigenous and otherwise racialized people. Her interest in the Peel ARAC is to continue to do just that to the best of her ability.

A strong advocate of community-based research, Arvind is currently a Doctoral Student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto, Co-Chair of the Anti-Black Racism and Systemic Discrimination Collective of Peel, and sits as a Director for several community agencies in the Peel region. Combined with his research affiliations at the University of Toronto and Institute for Better Health where he explores Canadian politics, multiculturalism, healthcare, and public policy, Arvind’s work is characterized by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. In 2023, Arvind graduated with a Master of Public Administration in Policy Studies from the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University and earned his Bachelor of Music in Political Science and Classical Music from McGill University in 2022.

Alicia Ralph is a lifelong resident of Peel, having resided in Mississauga and the Brampton area for over 30 years. She has an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from York University and is currently completing a Master of Health Management from McMaster University. She also has completed additional training in therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as certificates in Human Rights from Osgoode Law School and Transformative Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Leadership from Humber college. She has worked in healthcare and education as a social worker. She currently works for the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board, as a System Equity Officer, focusing on systemic change to eradicate racism and discrimination for Students and Staff. She also sits on various community committees focusing on addressing anti- racism in education, mental health, and healthcare.

Andria Barrett is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and trainer.

She is a Community Advocate & founder of The Diversity Agency, a Speakers Bureau and Consulting firm in the GTA. Andria is the Chair of the DEI Committee at the Culinary Tourism Alliance. She sits on several boards & committees, including PACE (Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education) & Help A Girl Out (HAGO).

A strong believer in giving back to the community, Andria has been appointed Humber College’s Program Advisory Committee (PAC) member and mentors entrepreneurs.

She is frequently asked to judge entrepreneur competitions and has worked with Canadian SME, SheaMoisture & Canadian Mortgage Awards.

As a consultant, Andria has facilitated numerous workshops and presentations and has supported several of non-profits and businesses in connecting with the community and meaningful outreach. She is an Activator with SheEO/Coralus and a co-founder of the Banker Ladies Council.

Two years in a row, Canadian SME named her one of the Most Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders, and in 2022 she was the winner of the Rotman Family Entrepreneur of the Year.

Madison is currently a Master of Social Work candidate and has lived and worked within the Region of Peel for the majority of her life. She received a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Criminal Justice and Public Policy with a minor in Family and Child Studies from the University of Guelph, and had the opportunity to study Human Rights from a European perspective in Sweden. She also received a Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from George Brown College, and has experience working within community education on substance use, the youth criminal justice system, child welfare services, and programming and recreation. Madison hopes to continue to advocate and support community members facing adversity—specifically relating to mental health and wellness, trauma informed care, and anti-oppressive and culturally relevant practices.

Born and raised in the Peel Region, Brittany has dedicated her career to making a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized, disadvantaged, and underprivileged individuals.

With a Degree in Criminal Justice and a background in Research Analytics, Brittany brings her knowledge and understanding of the changing landscape within society and the criminal justice system to advocate for those often underserved and overlooked. Additionally, Brittany’s forward-thinking mindset seeks to bring together and bridge stakeholder engagement to deploy concrete outcomes that will satisfy and address the evolving needs and rights of all individuals.

M. Christopher Hunter is a long-time resident of Brampton. His experience encompasses Litigation, Personal Injury Law, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Provincial Offences Act, Project Management, Marketing Management, Strategic Planning, Resource Utilization, Revenue Growth, and Cost Reduction. He is a Senior Municipal Paralegal passionate about equality, education, history, and health. A Business Major & Bachelor of Arts graduate in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph Humber. The Founder & Chair of The Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee within the Municipal Government Legislative Legal Services Division. A past board member of The Walnut Foundation and a champion /advocate for the underserved community. As a male Jamaican immigrant that grew up in the school system some 30+ years ago and went on to work in institutions that predominantly lacked people that looked like him. He recognized and lived with institutional biases and inequality firsthand. It has been his mission to improve upon what he grew up within. He believes that it starts with him. He believes he can positively impact lives with his mentorships, tutoring, and giving back to the community by joining an organization such as ARAC.

Sophia Jackson, also known as SoJay, is a Canadian-born woman of Caribbean descent with a diverse range of experiences in various industries. Her journey, like many, has been shaped by all the significant events that have transpired over the last several years. Those circumstances created a perfect storm that prompted Sophia to shift her perspective and pivot in her life. Sophia integrates her distinctive perspective and emphasis on mental health and wellness into her company, Soulful Colour. Through her creations of colouring books, she delivers messages that advocate against oppression and racism, approaching them from a lens of inclusivity and equality. She also utilizes her experience as a Child and Youth care worker and licensed financial professional to support schools, corporations, and nonprofit spaces. Sophia is a multi-talented entrepreneur and connector passionate about positively impacting lives. Whether through her writing, speaking, singing, financial coaching, counselling, or connecting with trusted professionals, she seeks to make a difference and promote representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion, to make a meaningful impact on society.

Nana Prempeh has been a Brampton resident for over ten years and has dedicated his life to giving back to his community and working towards positive change. Nana is a third-year York University student majoring in Political Science and Anthropology. Recipient of the Peel Police Diversity Scholarship, Nana had worked towards inclusivity within his community by advocating for his fellow Black students within the Dufferin Peel Catholic District Board (DPCDSB). During his High School tenure, Nana worked towards the inclusivity of his student body by creating clubs such as Project Unknown with his dearest friend Rajvir Dhadda. A club formed to provide students with a platform to discuss significant societal issues, from Anti-Black racism, The Indian Farmer’s protests to #Stop Asian Hate. Nana has dedicated his time to engaging in interfaith dialogue within his former high school Cardinal Ambrozic and has worked towards shedding light on the ongoing issues of Anti Black Racism, Parent Alienation, and the Sikh Genocide.

Filita Visaya-Tiwari is a long time resident of Mississauga. Through her company, Synergy Media Hub, she has supported many local businesses and women’s organizations such as GMEAN, Global Women’s Peace Conference and A Celebration of Women. She was featured in the Soulful Image magazine and was a guest speaker for women on the Rise.

As a mother of three teenagers, she is always trying to create balance and to make a difference. Filita’s personal mantra is: Change starts with me.

Patricia was born and raised in Peel, and continues to reside here in the community she loves. She is an Advisor in the Health Services department at the Region of Peel. Over the last 7 years, she has worked in a number of roles supporting the Ontario Works program and the children’s services division in Peel. Patricia has extensive community-based experience in Peel having worked as a support worker in a group home for 10 years, as well as volunteering at Trillium Hospital and as a Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Patricia has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from York University, and a strong project management background.