Esther-Joelle Asare is a Research Assistant with the “FLOURISH: Community-Engaged Arts for Social Wellness” Collective at the University of Toronto Scarborough, working under the guidance of Principal Investigator, Dr. Andrea Charise. With an undergraduate background in Biology for Health Sciences, Biomedical Communications, and Education Studies from the University of Toronto Mississauga, Esther-Joelle aims to use the health humanities to reframe traditional health narratives in innovative ways. Now, as a first-year Master’s student in the Social Dimensions of Health Program at the University of Victoria, she is drawn to understanding how health and well-being unfold across the life course and how social, cultural, and structural factors shape these experiences.

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Andrea Charise, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Health & Society and Acting Associate Vice-Principal Research and Innovation (AVPRI) – Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), Canada. Visit www.andreacharise.ca for more information.

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Shanice Chin is a Doctor of Public Health student at the University of Toronto. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in Public Health from Western University. Her research interests include artificial intelligence, data governance, mental health, and health humanities. Shanice has worked closely with community partners to examine the impact of anti-Black racism on the mental health and well-being of Black Canadians. Her contributions have supported the development of an annual mental health conference that brings together researchers, policymakers, and community members from across the country. This conference serves as a platform to synthesize knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and produce actionable knowledge mobilization tools, all with the aim of reducing barriers to mental health services and advancing equity in policy. Shanice is deeply committed to helping communities thrive, and contributing to work that empowers individuals to lead healthier and happier lives. She has been awarded for her work in improving health access for underserved populations and advancing equity within large-scale health initiatives.

COI Disclosure: I do not have an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with any for-profit or not-for-profit organizations