Meet The Team
Brianna Nelson
Founder
I’m Brianna Nelson and I am the Founder and Executive Director of WOCDC. In my personal life, I am a black womxn who enjoys good food, design, music and anime. In my professional life i am a community builder and youth engagement specialist.
In February of 2019, I created the Womxn of Colour Durham Collective (WOCDC) and to learn more about my journey, you can click here.
Operations
Kiana Bonnick
Director of Operations
I’m a quirky tea lover who uses my environmental interests to create sustainable, equitable and liveable communities. I’m currently doing my masters, I’ve worked for the UN and have a goal to visit 30 countries before 30. I’m halfway there!
Justine Wallace
Director of Research & Innovation
I am the Research and Policy Coordinator at WOCDC. I have lived in Durham for many years. Building community is essential to me – there is a unique and special kind of power that is generated when we get together and “connect”.
Riya Razdan
Data Storyteller and Researcher
Hi, I’m Riyal I’m a User Experience Designer and WOCDC’s storyteller & researcher, When I’m not designing for web accessibility, I experiment with VR/AR art, binge-watch videos on zoning lewe, and feed the song sparrows that visit my balcony.
Community Development
Yasmyn Belle
Director of Community Development
I’ve had the pleasure of calling Ajax my home for almost my entire life. No matter how far life takes me, I always find myself gravitating back to this community. I have a passion for inclusion, physical literacy, and learning about the lifelong journey of self-care & healing.
Alejandra Ferguson
Engagement Coordinator
Hello! My name is Alejandra, and Ajax has been my home for over a decade. Books, good food & binge worthy television shows bring me joy. I think it’s important to build up the community you live in & my goal is to help as many people as I can in my lifetime.
Khadijah John
Events and Outreach Coordinator
Hey, I’m Khadijah, and Ajax has been my second home for many years. I spend my time creating costumes and travelling through the GTA as a Doula. In all that I do, my focus is to create welcoming spaces for women to feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
Marketing and Communications
Mujneen Nahar
Graphic Design and Content Coordinator
Hey all, it’s Mujneen. Durham is ‘home’ for me – quiet streets, small town vibes, one road to take you from start to finish. I think building a community is really all about building meaningful connections and ultimately, “togetherness”.
Mikaela Julien
Content Producer
My name is Mikaela. I moved to Ajax from North York in 2018. I am an undergraduate student at Ontario Tech. My major is digital media and communications, and my minor is criminology. I am passionate about representation, becoming a positive influence and learning about creating safe environments.
Sajal Nazir
Director of Marketing and Communications
Hi there, I’m Sajal and I moved to Whitby back in 2010 after immigrating to Canada from Pakistan and I’ve been here ever since. It’s about time that BIWoC in Durham get access to a community that celebrates and acknowledges them. I think it’s about time.