De-Risking Impact: Lessons from Co-Designing Sustainable Health Innovations

In this session, Shania Bhopa – global health researcher and scientist, non-profit founder and medical student – will share her experiences using community-based participatory research (CBPR) and co-design across diverse health projects. From reducing chronic disease risk in newcomer children (SCORE Project), to developing an emergency room health tool (TechMedic App), to implementing mindfulness programs in youth shelters (Canadian Courage Project), Shania shows how participatory approaches “de-risk” interventions, making them more effective, sustainable, and equitable. She will highlight lessons learned, personal insights, and practical takeaways for creating lasting impact through intersectional, community-centered innovation.