Dr. Fatimah Jackson-Best completed her PhD in public health science at the University of Toronto and has over 10 years of experience in health research and project development and management. She is presently an assistant professor for the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University. Dr. Jackson-Best has made groundbreaking contributions with her research concerning equity-seeking groups, including her research with Pathways to Care, which aimed at improving mental health and addiction services for Black children, youth and families. Her present research aims to establish venues for community-building and communication to enhance connection, inclusion and belonging, as a form of community-based health research practice.

Dr. Lawrence Mbuagbaw completed his medical degree from the University of Yaoundé in Cameroon, a PhD in health research methodology from McMaster University and a master’s in public health from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Mbuagbaw is currently an associate professor at McMaster University. As an advocate for creating equal opportunity and representation for equity-seeking groups in the field of research, his contributions extend from lectures around considerations of equity in research to his participation in diversity advocacy initiatives and committees, including the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Anti Racism Task Force, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (FHS EDIAC). Alongside these commitments, Dr. Mbuagbaw is also a referee for the Equitable Admissions for Black Applicants in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program and is the co-chair of the FHS community of practice for inclusive teaching.

Zoya Pal is an alumnus of McMaster University, with an HBA in psychology, neuroscience and behaviour. She is presently working as a casual research assistant for the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University.

Dr. Lisa Schwartz completed her PhD in philosophy at the University of Glasgow and is currently a professor for the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University. Alongside this, she is the Arnold L. Johnson Chair in Health Care Ethics and the associate chair of equity, diversity and inclusion – Indigenous reconciliation (EDI-IR) in the HEI department. Dr. Schwartz’s commitment to promoting inclusive excellence is highlighted by her various contributions. She presently leads the HEI justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous reconciliation (JEDI-IR) working group, is a member of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) EDI-IR Advisory Committee, serves as an EDI-IR advisor on hiring processes and sits on Black-excellence hiring panels, events and planning committees. Dr. Schwartz has supervised and mentored students living at intersections of experiences and identified as member of equity-deserving groups.