Young Black Women's Health and Well-being Paint N' Chat

What: The Young Black Women’s Health and Well-being Paint N' Chat

Where: Central Library, 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener, Room E

Who: This event is open to ACB (African, Caribbean and Black) women between the ages of 16-30 located in the Cambridge, Kitchener and/or Waterloo Area.

Overview: This event will empower young black women to advocate for their sexual, mental and emotional health and well-being in the Waterloo Region while exploring their creative and artistic side! The following incredible ACB women will be contributing to this event:

1. Priscilla Muzira (African & Caribbean Community Development Coordinator at The AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area)I am the African and Caribbean Community Development Coordinator at the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA) and HIV/AIDS Resources and Community Health (ARCH) in Guelph. I focus on enhancing the capacity of the community to address issues related to HIV/AIDS in Waterloo and Wellington region. I have a BA Sociology from University of Guelph and Addictions and Community Services Diploma from Everest College. I play a significant role in promoting the wellbeing of service users and develop networking opportunities for primary healthcare facilities, communities, faith-based leaders and medical professionals who work with African Caribbean and Black (ACB) populations to engage them in HIV/AIDS work. I also hosts community educational forums with local businesses, associations and events that market to the ACB communities. I work from the African and Caribbean Council in Ontario (ACCHO) strategy"
2. Adria Joel (Groups and Workshop Coordinator, Counsellor/Advocate at The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region): "My name is Adria and as the Group and Workshop Coordinator and a Counsellor/Advocate at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region, I have the immense privilege of being an empathetic witness to the journeys of survivors of sexual violence. I identify as a queer, mixed race black woman and aim to use an intersectional feminist and anti-oppressive approach to my work. I have a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and am a registered social worker with over 10 years experience doing equity work. For this event, I will be facilitating a discussion around navigating healthy relationships as young black women."
3. Nicole Brown-Faulknor (Registered Psychotherapist at Wounds to Wings Psychotherapy Services and Trauma Centre): "I am both Founder & CEO of Wounds 2 Wings Trauma + Psychotherapy Services and TEAO Canada (Trauma and Embodiment Association of Ontario) , a Yoga Instructor, Registered Psychotherapist, Child and Youth Counsellor, Trauma Consultant, Author and Trauma Survivor. I am also a member of both the Colleges of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario and the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy. I have spent a few solid years researching embodied interactions in communities and corporate knowledge, after spending over 18 years of professional experience working with historically ignored, vulnerable and oppressed communities. These communities suffer from mental health, addictions, systemic poverty and profiling and my intention is to therapeutically improve relationships with programs and services, integrating trust and support within the cracks of our mental health care system. I will be discussing the underpinnings of why emotional health is our mental health, resilience, grief, learning to hide and shame at our upcoming event." You can find Nicole on Instagram @wounds2wings & @teao_canada .
4. Kiana Ugwuegbula (Outreach Worker at The Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region): "My name is Kiana Ugwuegbula and I am an Outreach Support Worker, presenting on behalf of Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. For this event, I am hoping to discuss the topics of self-advocacy and setting boundaries. I have a background in Child and Youth, and have been doing EDI work for years – with the hope of advocating for, and empowering, marginalized women and children in our community. As an Outreach Worker, I help women and families in our community navigate through trauma and abuse. We can provide support with housing, legal aid, counselling and more."
5. Renee Hanson (Artist): "I am a Jamaican-Canadian Multi-Disciplinary artist and Designer based in Kitchener-Waterloo, specializing in Acrylic and Digital art. With a fusion of bold colours and organic shapes, I often represent the world around us in abstract ways. My passion for creating and storytelling started at a young age, and since then, exploring abstract ideas with references to nature, amplifying black representation and personal growth through my art has been some of my main objectives. Through my own personal journey, I have found creating art to be a healing experience and hopes to share that passion with others."