Meet our incredible team!

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, DECOLONIZATION, AND ACCESSIBILITY (EDIDA) ADVISORY COUNCIL

  • Gayathri Shuka, MBA

    Gayathri Shukla holds an electrical engineering degree and an Executive MBA. With over 17 years of engineering and leadership experience in the energy and mining sector, she founded Campfire Kinship in 2020 to build inclusive cultures through story-based solutions. Certified in an innovative method of storytelling called guided autobiography, Gayathri has coached thousands of leaders across various industries and authored the bestselling anthology, Landed, Transformative Stories of Canadian Immigrant Women. Additionally, Gayathri hosts the radio podcast Hearth 2 Heart and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her contributions to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. 

  • Saleha Khan

    Saleha Khan has been at the forefront of creating safe, bold, and inclusive workspaces, specializing in law enforcement, policing and public service, in Ontario since 2002. Her leadership in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIA-B) focuses on building psychologically safe environments where employees and administration feel connected and valued. Through this approach, she enhances long-term employee engagement, leadership sustainability, and organizational progress while ensuring fiscally responsible outcomes.

    With over two decades of expertise, Saleha specializes in equity and inclusion policy development, community relations and stakeholder engagement, crisis communications and leadership, anti-oppression and human rights advocacy, employee resource groups, strategic project design and implementation, cross-cultural relationship building, and investigations and compliance.

    She is fluent in English, Arabic, and Urdu; conversant in Hindi and Punjabi.

    Saleha’s unwavering passion, authenticity, and leadership continue to shape policies, empower leaders, and foster inclusive and thriving workplaces across Ontario.

  • Tedla Desta

  • Mindy Tindall, EMBA Candidate

    FOUNDER & CEO

    Mindy studied both nursing and architecture, with a focus on universal design and the neuroscience of architectural spaces. She has returned to academia to study psychology and cognitive neuroscience with a minor in inclusive education and is currently pursuing an Executive MBA in Innovation Leadership. Mindy has served as Chair of the Edmonton Network of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and has held various leadership roles within the organization. She is a LEED® Green Associate, an Emerging Green Practitioner with the Canada Green Building Council, and integrates environmental, social, and economic sustainability into all aspects of her work. She recently completed a Renewable Energy Technologies Certificate at the University of Alberta. A certified humanitarian designer, Mindy has also contributed to rural and urban planning with the United Nations.

    She currently serves on the Edmonton Design Committee with the City of Edmonton and leads national programming with Shad Canada.

    As a seasoned entrepreneur with lived experience of disability, Mindy understands the deep connection between architectural design and human health. Through Biotecture Inc., she aims to close gaps in social advocacy, enhance inclusive design tools, and make architectural services more accessible to communities in need.

  • Hannah McKail

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

    Hannah has always been drawn to work that creates meaningful impact in the world around her. She began her career in Early Childhood Education, where she advocated for the critical importance of the early years and healthy child development. As her career evolved, Hannah transitioned into administrative leadership, focusing on the development of systems and programs that empower individuals, families and communities to thrive. With a strong belief in collaboration and community partnership, Hannah excels at solving problems and building resilient systems and organizations to support visionary leadership. Beyond her role at Biotecture Inc., she is a dedicated community volunteer, a passionate leader with Scouts, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree, which she is set to complete in 2027.

  • Ihomehe Agbebaku, MBA

    LEAD EDIDA CONSULTANT

    Ihomehe is a creative strategist and communications professional with experience leading editorial, public programming, and community engagement initiatives. She is skilled in storytelling, marketing, and partnership-building across academic, nonprofit, and cultural sectors. Ihomehe is passionate about equity, inclusion, and creating accessible, audience-centered programming.

  • Cherisse Pauze

    INTERN PROJECT LEAD

    Cherisse is a creative and goal-oriented project lead with a strong foundation in interior design and project management. At Biotecture Inc., she mentors student interns through a 7-week design-focused program, helping them navigate challenges, meet deadlines, and grow professionally. With over a decade of experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects, Cherisse brings clarity, compassion, and strategic insight to every initiative.

    She’s known for her ability to foster collaboration, communicate effectively, and inspire others to succeed. Her past work includes residential design that boosted property value, contributions to university showcases, and leadership in international software and repair projects. Cherisse is also an active community volunteer, committed to creating environments—both physical and professional—that support well-being and inclusivity.

  • Arslan Azeem

    SOCIAL INNOVATION INTERN

    Arslan is a social entrepreneur with a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and has helped the University of Regina establish a startup ecosystem, student innovation fund, and entrepreneurial collision space as President of Enactus Regina. Arslan briefly worked at Economic Development Regina and developed an entrepreneurship ecosystem strategy for the city.

    Arslan’s primary research interests are at the intersection between social entrepreneurship, agricultural innovation, circular economy, sustainable development, healthy urban design, brand narratives, marketing ethics, and futurology.

  • Dr. Al Abaie

    BOARD MEMBER

    Dr. Al Abaie is a self-made entrepreneur, executive of record, and active advocate for justice and health. He first got his Doctor of Medicine degree, but clinical practice could never satisfy his endless passion for challenges to change the world into a better place. After graduation from medical school, he has only practiced medicine as a part-time service and for non-profit cause. He has been in health care industry (mainly pharmaceuticals) starting as a sales representative with giant multinationals and growing up fast to managerial positions followed by being CEO and Board Member in private companies in the last 18 years. Al is a political and social activist in addition to being a man in with deep passion for the nature, and climate.

    He has founded more than 10 different corporations globally with focus on health or infrastructural projects. Most of them are now fully independent from his direct involvement and are proceeding fast to achieve further brilliance. He is also a member of the legal ecosystem through having been a graduate student in Law at the University of Toronto. His wide span of education in medicine, business, and law, has made him a man with an amazing width of look to everything in the world. He serves as CEO and Board Member in a couple of Canadian corporations and nonprofits with his main goal being bringing excellence to every amazing team that he is working with.

  • Dr. Mahsa Ershadi

    BOARD MEMBER

    Dr. Ershadi is a behavioral researcher, data analyst, and educator with 10+ years of experience in project and people management currently serving Microsoft AI.

    She has led and conducted 60+ research studies with 50,000+ participants spanning a wide range of subject areas from user experiences with technology, cognitive neuroscience, social and developmental psychology, education, and molecular biology. Her research has resulted in 10 publications in peer-reviewed journals, white papers and via popular media outlets, and 14 academic and industry conference presentations.

  • Robin Broderick, MBA

    BOARD MEMBER

    Robin Broderick brings over 25 years of leadership experience, drawing from a rich background across multiple business sectors. Her early career as a partner in a small advertising firm laid the foundation for her versatile skill set, which has been fundamental to her evolution as a compassionate and reliable contributor. Her journey, spanning roles in leadership, academia, and volunteer work, demonstrates a steadfast commitment to strategic improvement and personal growth.

    Robin's approach, grounded in critical thinking and innovative problem-solving, empowers organizations to excel in both familiar and unpredictable landscapes. Her transparent and insightful communication is key to her success in stakeholder relations, ensuring inclusive strategy development that meticulously addresses both macro and micro aspects. This attention to detail, combined with her confident, empathetic, and inclusive leadership, fosters stakeholder-centric, agile, and resilient environments.

    Beyond professional pursuits, Robin's passion for creativity and education shines through her advocacy for continuous learning and adaptability, dedicating spare time to creative writing and photography.

  • Hardeep Atwal

    BOARD MEMBER

    Hardeep is a highly experienced leader within clinical trials and medical devices, amassing over 13 years of experience in his field. He has collaborated with biotechs, pharmaceutical companies, NGO's and cutting-edge startups. His journey has included leading numerous multi-million dollar projects within neuroscience and medical devices and is currently heading up a decentralised clinical research team, aiming to move research traditionally conducted in hospitals to the home.

    Using a holistic approach, Hardeep has been able to work within the intersection of new technologies, scientific rigour and a deep social commitment to the betterment of anyone participating in research. He is currently developing novel methodologies for data collection, advocating regulation change for new technologies such as AI and implementing changes to the recruitment process to ensure a fair representation of all ethnicities and abilities.

  • Chris Joyce, MBA

    BOARD MEMBER

    Chris is a forward-thinking leader with over two decades of remarkable achievements driving strategic direction, and innovation across various industries including Space, Healthcare, Defence, Information Technology, Telecommunications and Consulting. With a robust background in market development, strategic planning, research and development, technology adoption, consulting, and design thinking, he brings a proven track record in guiding teams through uncharted waters, driving strategy and technology development, growing profitable businesses, and fostering cultures of excellence.

    His extensive experience working with industry leading companies in Asia, North America, and Europe underscores his ability to contribute a unique international perspective to his work. Chris’ commitment to groundbreaking initiatives to improve healthcare, connectivity, and climate change, exemplifies his passion for pushing the boundaries of human-centric technological innovation.