Watch our International Women’s Day Discussion Panel

Suzanne Obiorah 

Title: City of Ottawa Director, Gender, Race Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations and Social Development 

Suzanne is the Director of Ottawa’s first Gender and Race Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations and Social Development service. Under Suzanne’s leadership, her team is working on strategic plans to embed the principles of inclusion and accessibility across the work of all city departments. Suzanne has worked in a variety of health and social services settings for nearly 19 years. Throughout her career, she has championed equity work within our community.

Barbara Dumont-Hill

Title: Grandmother Barbara

Barbara Dumont-Hill is Algonquin Anishabeg from the Kitigan Zibi Community in Quebec. She has served for several years as a spirit keeper for Carleton University, Algonquin College, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. She travelled across Canada as an advisor with the Canadian Department of Justice to witness the Missing and Murdered Women and Girls National Inquiry. Barbara’s wok has inspired her path to honour and empower Indigenous women and youth. Barbara Lives in Bay Ward.

Fae Johnstone 

Title: Executive Director, Wisdom2Action

Fae Johnstone (she/they) is a trans-feminist activist and the Executive Director of Wisdom2Action, a social enterprise and consulting firm working with nonprofits and governments across the Canada to advance 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, improve mental health services, and combat gender-based violence. 

Salwen Kayembe 

Title: Intern, Bay Ward City Councilor’s Office

Salwen Kayembe is a student at the University of Ottawa currently working as an intern for Councillor Kavanagh at City Hall. Salwen grew up in Bay Ward, as the second of four children in an Ottawa Community Housing neighbourhood. She aspires to raise awareness of racial injustices, to help eliminate bias, and to empower Black women in reaching their full potential.