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
Justine Wallace
Research and Policy Coordinator
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".
Graciel Ballesteros
Director of Operations
Hello! I moved from Scarborough to Durham when I was 10 years old. I'm extremely passionate about community building because we're constantly in a space with room for growth, and I want to help cultivate an environment in which we can all flourish.
Community Programs and Services
Kiana Bonnick
Director of Programs and Services
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!
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.
Ellie Knight
Events Coordinator
Creating a safe space for WoC in Durham Region is my goal as it allows us to feel more comfortable navigating our everyday lives. This then provides space for the Womxn in our community to create for themselves so they can feel empowered.
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".
Kira Jissan
Creative Projects Coordinator
My name is Kira Jissan and I'm extremely passionate about building a community for WOC as it brings people together who can support one another, share experiences, and provide a sense of security to those who may not have that in their daily lives.
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.
Ellie Doe-Demosse
Social Media Coordinator
Hey all! My name is Ellie and I've lived in Durham pretty much my whole life - I moved to Ajax from Toronto in 2001 and now reside in Whitby. I believe WOC should always feel like they belong, feel accepted, and be a part of something that celebrates who they are.