Join Us!

Join us in Toronto, Canada as we convene leading global thinkers, researchers, and practitioners from across sectors to share actionable research insights and advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Contact Usreachalliance.comms.munk@utoronto.ca

Nov 20

Nov 21

Nov 22

2024 Reach Conference
See you there!

This event is invite-only. To request an invitation contact: reachalliance.comms.munk@utoronto.ca.

Please take note that November 20 is a day of Pre –Conference meetings reserved for Reach Alliance researchers presenting at the conference, Reach faculty mentors, and advisory council members. A separate invitation will be sent for this date. 

November 21 and 22 are Days 1 and 2 of Reach Researcher Conference which are open to our broader Reach community. The final RSVP deadline is October 16.

Featured Speakers

  • Aparna Uppaluri

    Founder, Antara Advisory; Senior Philanthropy Advisor, EdelGive Foundation

  • Aparna Uppaluri

    Founder, Antara Advisory; Senior Philanthropy Advisor, EdelGive Foundation

    Bio

    Aparna Uppaluri is a global executive and a senior philanthropy advisor. Recently she founded Antara Advisors, a specialised philanthropy and research and strategic advisory. She is Special Advisor to the Grow for Climate Fund and serves on the advisory bodies of Equal Measures 2030, and the Sustainable Futures Collaborative. Until recently she was the Chief Operating Officer, leading philanthropic programs at the Tata Trusts with operational and strategic planning oversight over all thematic areas including livelihoods, health, nutrition, WaSH as well as Arts & Culture. In her previous role, she served as Senior Global Program Officer at the Ford Foundation and acting Program Director of the Foundation’s India, Nepal, Sri Lanka office. Her global work has included nurturing philanthropic collaboratives, intergovernmental partnerships, and strategic field building. She led the Science and Society Program at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), India and founded a performing arts collective which she ran for 10 years. She was educated in Canada at Queen’s University and the University of Toronto.

    Speaking Engagements

    Keynote & Fireside Chat

    Featuring

    Founder, Antara Advisory; Senior Philanthropy Advisor, EdelGive Foundation

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Wolfgang Fengler

    CEO, World Data Lab

  • Wolfgang Fengler

    CEO, World Data Lab

    Bio

    Wolfgang Fengler is the CEO of World Data Lab (WDL) which he founded after spending more than 23 years with the World Bank specializing in the future of the consumer. At TEDx Vienna, Wolfgang launched his first data machine population.io, which was endorsed by Bill Gates. Aftershock (2020) featured him as one of the world’s 100 leading futurists and the German weekly DER SPIEGEL called him a “big data virtuoso”. His work has been covered by the Financial Times, ECONOMIST, BBC, CNN and CNBC. He received his PhD from the University of Hamburg (Germany).

    Speaking Engagements

    Keynote & Fireside Chat

    Featuring

    CEO, World Data Lab

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Aissatou Diajhate

    International Development Executive

  • Aissatou Diajhate

    International Development Executive

    Bio

    Aissatou Diajhaté is an accomplished International Development Executive with extensive experience across Education, Health, Youth Engagement, and Capacity Building. Most recently she served as Chief of Staff and Advisor to the President and CEO at the Mastercard Foundation, Ms. Diajhaté has played a pivotal role in managing multi-stakeholder partnerships with government bodies, academic institutions, funding agencies, and community-based organizations across the United States, Canada, and Africa. As the West Africa Regional Manager at IREX, Ms. Diajhaté oversaw the implementation of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), across 21 countries in West and Central Africa. Her leadership in promoting youth engagement and socio-economic transformation has been instrumental in rebuilding communities and empowering young leaders. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations like the Stephen Lewis Foundation further contributing to public health initiatives and development programs across Africa. A dedicated mentor and advocate for social justice, her life mission is to uplift survivors of social injustice by empowering them to become leaders and agents of change. Born in Senegal, Ms. Diajhaté holds a master’s in development administration from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor’s in English and Spanish from University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal.

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    International Development Executive

    Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Alazne Qaisar

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Alazne Qaisar

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Alazne Qaisar is a fourth-year undergraduate student specializing in South Asian studies; political science; and peace, conflict, and justice studies at the University of Toronto. Her research interests include developmental politics, geostrategic conflicts, violence, and populism in South Asia. She is a Laidlaw scholar, having researched gendered violence in Delhi, India, and also serves as an International Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, where she engages in domestic and foreign policy analysis of the United States. She is a researcher at Stanford’s World Education Reform Database and actively seeks opportunities to make research more accessible and tangible.

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Singapore Management University

    Keynote & Fireside Chat

    Featuring

    Founder, Antara Advisory; Senior Philanthropy Advisor, EdelGive Foundation

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Carlos Mazariegos

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

  • Carlos Mazariegos

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

    Bio

    As an engineer, Carlos’ passion is leveraging disruptive technologies for the benefit of underserved communities. He has professional experience in data analytics, engineering management and information and communication technologies (ICT), in multilingual and multicultural environments including North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America. At UNDP Accelerator Labs, based in Guatemala, Carlos leads data-driven solutions and strategic data partnerships, including the deployment of computer vision (artificial intelligence) and citizen science innovations for climate action. Before UNDP, Carlos collaborated implementing techno-institutional digital solutions in developing countries, consulted for international organizations and worked in data science and the telecommunications industry. Carlos is currently a fellow at MIT Connection Science, holding a M.S. Data Analytics, Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, a MicroMasters in Data, Economics and Development Policy from MIT, and a B.S. Electronic Engineering from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala.

    Speaking Engagements

    Special Evening Program for Reach Student Researchers

    Featuring

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

    Lighting Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Chenny Xia

    CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

  • Chenny Xia

    CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

    Bio

    Chenny Xia is a serial entrepreneur and advocate for health equity and accessibility. As the CEO of Gotcare, she ensures acute and chronic health needs can be handled right at home, regardless of where you live – including service to over 100 remote communities across Canada. Through her leadership, Gotcare has been nationally recognized through several awards, including Start-up Innovator of the Year by Digital Health Canada in 2024, and a Top Growing Company by The Globe and Mail in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Chenny continues to advance the care economy and women-led entrepreneurship through her past service as a member of Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy, and currently as an advisory board member of Coralus (formerly SheEO).

    Speaking Engagements

    In Conversation

    Featuring

    CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

    Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

    Reach Alliance Program Officer

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

  • Masabata Mokgesi-Selinga

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Masabata Mokgesi-Selinga

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Rushay Naik

    Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

  • Rushay Naik

    Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

    Bio

    Rushay is a global health policy analyst with experience consulting across international organizations, the public sector, and academic institutions. His areas of focus include the nexuses of health with climate change, humanitarian emergencies, and public financing. Most recently at the World Health Organization, Rushay deployed across the Western Pacific Region as part of the Strategic Knowledge Hub function, providing technical support to the Regional Director’s Office in Manila, Philippines, the Asia-Pacific Center for Environment & Health in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and Pacific technical units in Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga. Previously, Rushay consulted for the OECD in Paris, France, developing strategic policy for its novel Climate Change and Health Programme, and contributed to the updated Health System Performance Assessment Framework adopted by OECD Ministers of Health. He is a Reach Alliance alumnus to Team Mongolia 2018-19, evaluating the World Bank rural electrification programme for nomadic herders.

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    International Development Executive

    Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Tully Mahr

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Tully Mahr

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Bio

    Tully Mahr is a proud Aboriginal woman and STEM advocate, currently working on her master’s degree in mechanical engineering, specializing in aerospace at the University of Melbourne. With a BSc from the Australian National University, Tully is passionate about the integration of science and engineering concepts to inform a unique and holistic approach to STEM and sustainability research and development. Similarly, she is interested in using her cultural background to integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge into modern research practises. Tully is an advocate for the representation of marginalized communities within STEM, and aims to encourage and mentor the next generation of leaders, scientists, and engineers.

    Speaking Engagements

    Opening Remarks

    Featuring

    Executive Director, Reach Alliance

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

    Musician, University of Toronto

    Keynote & Fireside Chat

    Featuring

    CEO, World Data Lab

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Gregorio Leal

    Reach Alliance Collaborator; Mentor, Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Social Vinculation

  • Gregorio Leal

    Reach Alliance Collaborator; Mentor, Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Social Vinculation

    Bio

    Gregorio has worked since 2003 with rural and urban organizations on issues related to Social and Solidarity Economy and Food sovereignty in Mexico and Argentina. He has designed methodologies and tools to support organizations on issues related to production, consumption, credit and savings, and the creation of value chains. Gregorio joined ITESO in 2019, and works at the Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Social Vinculation (CIFOVIS) in training processes linked to social relevance and the articulation of Social and Solidarity Economy processes. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from ITESO University, with a specialization in Popular Education, and a Master in Social Economy from the National University of General Sarmiento in Argentina.

    Speaking Engagements

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Collaborator; Mentor, Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Social Vinculation

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Gladys Olisaekee

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

  • Gladys Olisaekee

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

    Bio

    Gladys is a third-year Doctor of Public Health student at the University of Toronto, Canada, courtesy of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. With a decade of experience in maternal and child health, she has worked extensively in reproductive health, quality improvement, and health systems strengthening. Before her doctoral studies, she served as the State Director of the USAID-funded Ebonyi State Integrated Health Program(IHP), where she led efforts to improve primary healthcare access and reduce maternal and child mortality. She also worked as a Primary Health Care Advisor for the Health Policy Plus project, managing the Jhpiego-led Maternal & Child Survival Program in Ebonyi State. Gladys holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. She is passionate about girl-child education, equity, and advancing healthcare coverage for marginalized women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Speaking Engagements

    In Conversation

    Featuring

    CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

    Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

    Reach Alliance Program Officer

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

  • Abhilash Mishra

    Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

  • Abhilash Mishra

    Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

    Bio

    Abhilash Mishra is a scientist, entrepreneur, and educator working on problems at the intersection of emerging technologies and global challenges. Abhilash is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Equitech Futures (www.equitechfutures.com), a global fellowship and innovation lab focussed on technology and societal challenges. He also holds an appointment at the University of Chicago, where he is the founding director of the Xu Initiative on Technology and Public Policy. His current research focuses on developing new applications of AI to solve challenges in climate, learning, and healthcare and understanding associated risks. Abhilash is trained as an astrophysicist and holds a PhD from Caltech and an MPhys from the University of Oxford. He serves as an advisor and board member for multiple startups. He chairs the advisory board for the Rhodes Technology and Society Forum and is a board member of the Merton College Charitable Corporation. He is a recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship, the Clinton Global Initiative University Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Goldman Sachs Global Leader Award.

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Joseph Wong

    Vice President, International, University of Toronto

  • Joseph Wong

    Vice President, International, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Joseph Wong is Vice-President, International, University of Toronto, where he is also a Professor of Political Science. He held the Canada Research Chair in Health, Democracy, and Development for two terms from 2006 to 2016, and the Roz and Ralph Halbert Professor of Innovation at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy from 2013 to 2023. Prior to being appointed Vice-President in 2021, Professor Wong was the U of T’s inaugural Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience, and before that, the Director of the Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He is the author of many academic articles and several books, including the latest From Development to Democracy: The Transformations of Modern Asia in 2022, published by Princeton University Press. His academic articles have been published in The Lancet, Perspectives on Politics, the Annual Review of Political Science, the Bulletin of the WHO, Comparative Political Studies, Governance, among others. Professor Wong has had affiliations with Harvard, Oxford, Fudan University in Shanghai, Seoul National University and the Institute for Policy Research in Taiwan. He has advised governments on matters of public policy in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, as well as the UN and the WHO. Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals, in collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Professor Wong founded the Reach Alliance. The Alliance comprises eight university partners, including Tecnológico de Monterrey, University of Oxford, University College London, University of Melbourne, Ashesi University, the University of Cape Town and Singapore Management University.

    Speaking Engagements

    Remarks

    Featuring

    Vice President, International, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

  • Nice Cailie

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

  • Nice Cailie

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    International Development Executive

    Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Remarks

    Featuring

    Vice President, International, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

  • Natasha Haffajee

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Natasha Haffajee

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    International Development Executive

    Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Marin MacLeod

    Executive Director, Reach Alliance

  • Marin MacLeod

    Executive Director, Reach Alliance

    Bio

    As the Executive Director, Marin leads strategic development and scale up of the Reach Alliance, including managing relationships with Reach’s global partners and broader insights community. Marin was a member of the Reach team that investigated the world’s first iris-scanning cash-assistance program for refugees in Jordan. Prior to joining the Reach Alliance, Marin led Grand Challenges Canada’s approach to impact measurement across their maternal, newborn and child health innovation portfolio. Her focus was on the systems and processes used to capture results, and to share knowledge generated by grantees through the organization’s unique innovation platform. Marin has experience with program design, delivery and evaluation, having worked across a range of public health issues in several countries. Marin holds a BA (Hons) from Queen’s University as a Loran Scholar, and a Master in Public Health degree from the University of Toronto

    Speaking Engagements

    Opening Remarks

    Featuring

    Executive Director, Reach Alliance

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

    Musician, University of Toronto

  • Jordan Sandman

    Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

  • Jordan Sandman

    Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

    Bio

    Jordan leads Co-Develop’s research grantmaking and serves as an investment lead for civil society grantmaking. He is building a movement of policy experts and researchers to support the development and deployment of safe, inclusive digital public infrastructure in countries across the world. He is an investments principal with a background in research and advocacy for technology as a tool for social development. He previously helped establish the Digital Impact and Governance Initiative at New America and served as a team leader in AmeriCorps NCCC. Jordan is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Singapore Management University

  • Zandile Dumas

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Zandile Dumas

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Purva Mehta

    Reach Alliance Program Officer

  • Purva Mehta

    Reach Alliance Program Officer

    Bio

    As the Program Officer, Purva works closely with the Reach Alliance Program and Communications teams to support partnership building and relationship management with the Reach Alliance’s global cross-sector network. Purva is a global health professional with several years of project leadership experience managing the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of complex initiatives focused on public and global health topics. She has previously worked at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research where she spearheaded the coordination and implementation of programs aiming to transform and improve heart health across Canada. Purva also volunteers as a Project Coordinator at Public Health Insight, an organization committed to leading and innovating modern solutions to support evidence-informed public health communication and knowledge translation. Purva completed her Masters in Global Health with a specialization in Globalization and Equity from McMaster University, and her Bachelors in Medical Science from Western University.

    Speaking Engagements

    In Conversation

    Featuring

    CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

    Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

    Reach Alliance Program Officer

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

  • Imara Rolston

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, University of Toronto; Director, Community Climate Resilience Lab

  • Imara Rolston

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, University of Toronto; Director, Community Climate Resilience Lab

    Bio

    Dr. Imara Ajani Rolston is a social psychologist, policy maker, and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Dr. Rolston has contributed to research and publications in the areas of HIV/AIDS, health promotion and community development and has advanced racial justice and urban responses to climate change with the City of Toronto’s Resilient TO Office and the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit. He has over 15 years of experience working across Sub-Saharan Africa with organizations including the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Oxfam Canada, and Greenpeace Africa. Dr. Rolston earned a BA in Political Science and a MA in Adult Education from the University of Toronto. He earned his PhD in Social Psychology from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Dr Rolston has appeared on the CBC’s The National.

    Speaking Engagements

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, University of Toronto; Director, Community Climate Resilience Lab

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

  • Tariro Nyimo

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Tariro Nyimo

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lighting Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Alonso Muñoz Sanchez

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Alonso Muñoz Sanchez

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Alonso Muñoz Sanchez is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, double majoring in International Relations and Public Policy. As a Researcher at the Reach Alliance, he conducted research on social innovation and food systems transformation in Jalisco, Mexico. Alonso now works at the School of Cities, a global research hub based at the University of Toronto, where he is conducting research on urban policy and climate-induced displacement. He previously completed a policy internship placement at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), where he helped develop and advocate for policies to strengthen Ontario’s 400+ municipal governments. Alonso has managed translation projects for asylum-seekers and refugees and participated in a bilateral youth lab with the Canadian and Mexican Embassies.

    Speaking Engagements

    Opening Remarks

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Ajak Diing

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Ajak Diing

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Dexter Tan

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Singapore Management University

  • Dexter Tan

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Singapore Management University

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Singapore Management University

  • Tracy Dusabimana

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Tracy Dusabimana

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Juliette Henry

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

  • Juliette Henry

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • José de Jesús Rivera Martínez

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • José de Jesús Rivera Martínez

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Kailin Tan

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Kailin Tan

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lighting Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Sergio Iglesias

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Sergio Iglesias

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Shreya Agarwal

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Shreya Agarwal

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Collaborator; Mentor, Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Social Vinculation

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Elody Torres

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Elody Torres

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Head of Field Unit in Guadalajara, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

  • Braven Rathesh

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Braven Rathesh

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Johanna Keren De los Reyes Batres

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Johanna Keren De los Reyes Batres

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lighting Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Gina Johar

    Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

  • Gina Johar

    Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

    Bio

    Gina currently works at Quinte Health as the Vice President & Chief Digital Officer. Her healthcare experience began early in her graduate study career where her research focused on clinical variation in cardiac care units as well as clinical trial development and administration. More recent areas of academic and provincial focus include clinical systems implementation, governance, population health management, intellectual property in innovation, data trust constructs in healthcare, privacy, and security in digital health, healthcare administration, and healthcare leadership.

    Gina has a graduate degree from Western University in Information Science and is currently pursing her PhD in Biocomputing at Queen’s. She also holds specialized certifications and education in information science, privacy, health care administration, asset-based community development, and executive leadership. Gina also holds faculty appointments with St. Lawrence College and the University of Toronto.

    As much as she enjoys the technology and business of healthcare, the ability to be part of a system that works towards leaving healthcare in a little bit of a better place through discovery and knowledge is deeply important to her. Bringing humanity and compassion to people, processes and technology brings enjoyment to Gina and is a dedicated board member at Pathways to Independence.

    Speaking Engagements

    In Conversation

    Featuring

    CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

    Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

    Reach Alliance Program Officer

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

  • Minh Nguyen

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Minh Nguyen

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Javier Contreras Arreaga

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Javier Contreras Arreaga

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Bio

    Javier is Professor at the School of Government and Public Transformation at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico´s largest private university, where he has also been the Law program director for Guadalajara Campus since 2022. From 2021 to 2023, he worked as external consultant for the International Organization for Migrations of the United Nations (IOM) in different projects related to the protection of migrant children, local governments policies for the integration of migrants, and the combat to migrant smuggling’s practices. Prior to that, he held senior positions in the Government of Mexico, including being the Executive secretary of the National Department for prevention and eradication of violence against women and the General Director of the Jalisco’s State Office for Migrants. Mr. Contreras is part of the Citizen Council of the National’s Migration. He has also been a consultant for international organizations like UNODC, UNFPA, UN Women and the ILO. He has a Master degree of Public Law at the Panamerican University. Recently he participated as the author of the National Strategy to Prevent and Combat Migrants’ Smuggling for the Department of State in México.

    Speaking Engagements

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Head of Field Unit in Guadalajara, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

  • Iza Maria Sánchez Siller

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Iza Maria Sánchez Siller

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Bio

    Iza is a Professor at the School of Social Sciences and Government at Tecnológico de Monterrey. She graduated in Law from the Tecnológico de Monterrey and holds a PhD in Social Sciences, with a specialization in migration and public health, having completed research stays at Mississippi State University and University of Trento in Italy. In recent years, she has taught courses on Citizenship and Democracy, Sociology, Gender, Society and Human Rights, Political Participation and Sociology of Identity, and Qualitative Research Methods and has coordinated the semester of “Leadership for Social Development”. Her current work on social development focuses on gender and violence from a sociological and legal perspective, especially with domestic migrants, through projects with indigenous communities within the Monterrey Metropolitan Area. Sánchez Siller is co-founder of the program “Promoting Gender Equity in Adolescents and Young Women in rural areas” in Mitunguu, Kenya; a program that works with local high schools to reinforce the importance of higher education and decision-making.

    Speaking Engagements

    Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Penina Lam

    Senior Director of International Relations (Africa), University of Toronto

  • Penina Lam

    Senior Director of International Relations (Africa), University of Toronto

    Bio

    Dr. Penina Lam is the U of T’s Senior Director of International Relations, where she leads strategic engagement and development of partnerships with Africa. She also leads the implementation the Africa Health Collaborative, designed to facilitate talent development and entrepreneurship among African youth. She oversees the Secretariat team and works in close partnership with colleagues across U of T, with African institutions, and the Mastercard Foundation.  As a scholar-practitioner, she’s passionate about research and programs that foster access to and equity in education, health, and employment opportunities. Prior to joining U of T, she worked as an Organizational Development (OD) consultant at the World Bank, in healthcare and education sectors. She’s experienced at engaging with diverse stakeholders to design, develop, and deliver impactful learning and talent development program. Her academic career has spanned research, faculty, staff, and senior leadership roles working with African, Canadian, and US institutions. Dr. Lam holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & OD, with a focus on Human Resource Development.

    Speaking Engagements

    Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Senior Director of International Relations (Africa), University of Toronto

    Health Collaborative Scholar, University of Toronto

    Reach Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Kennedy Ojowi

    Health Collaborative Scholar, University of Toronto

  • Kennedy Ojowi

    Health Collaborative Scholar, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Kennedy is a digital ecosystem curator pursuing a Master of Health Informatics at the University of Toronto. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Moi University. His experience includes bedside nursing, clinical research, and health information system design, focusing on projects that improve healthcare access for underserved population.

    Speaking Engagements

    Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Senior Director of International Relations (Africa), University of Toronto

    Health Collaborative Scholar, University of Toronto

    Reach Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Jemila Abdulai

    Reach Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Jemila Abdulai

    Reach Researcher, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Jemila has a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Kwame
    Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST),, and is currently
    studying for a Master of Engineering degree (Biomedical Engineering
    specialisation) at the University of Toronto. She is on a mission to make a
    positive impact through research and technology, and this is why her current research at the Reach Alliance focuses on the use of digital platforms to promote PTSD treatment in refugee populations.

    Speaking Engagements

    Panel Discussion

    Featuring

    Senior Director of International Relations (Africa), University of Toronto

    Health Collaborative Scholar, University of Toronto

    Reach Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Nancy Estrada Campa

    Head of Field Unit in Guadalajara, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

  • Nancy Estrada Campa

    Head of Field Unit in Guadalajara, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

    Bio

    Nancy Estrada is an internationalist from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Specialist in International Migration from the Northern Border College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human rights and sustainability at the Jalisco’s College. Among others, she has worked for the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta, USA where he coordinated communication issues between local and national media for the Mexican population in the region of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. She has worked for the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance, the Mexican government office in charge of analyzing and determining the refugee status in Mexico, as an eligibility officer and later as Assistant Manager for the protection unit. She currently works as Head of the Field Unit in Guadalajara of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, where she coordinates local integration and protection programs for refugees and people with international protection needs in the entity.

    Speaking Engagements

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

    Head of Field Unit in Guadalajara, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

  • Laura Tozer

    Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

  • Laura Tozer

    Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Laura Tozer is an Assistant Professor of environmental studies in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto. She researches climate change and urban sustainability governance and policy. Her current research projects focus on how to accelerate equitable transitions to net zero and resilient cities, particularly related to energy transitions and building decarbonization.

    Speaking Engagements

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, University of Toronto; Director, Community Climate Resilience Lab

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

  • Sarah Memme

    Lead, Career Exploration & Workplace Learning, University of Toronto; Creator, WEflow Yoga & Movement

  • Sarah Memme

    Lead, Career Exploration & Workplace Learning, University of Toronto; Creator, WEflow Yoga & Movement

    Bio

    Sarah is an adult educator, wellness advocate, and entrepreneur. She has spent her professional life as a passionate educator within student affairs, the wellness world and through teaching abroad. She brings over 15 years of experience working across the University of Toronto St. George, University of Toronto Mississauga, Seneca College, Nipissing University, TMU (previously Ryerson University) and non-profit community work through residence life, leadership development, community engagement, experiential learning, global learning, orientation, civic engagement, and mentorship programming. Committed to her own active engagement with anti-oppressive practices and ways of being, throughout her career, Sarah has centred equity and inclusion in her leadership, program development, and mentorship. She has woven her love for wellness and education into her business WEflow Yoga & Movement to continue to support folks navigating their own wellbeing.

    Speaking Engagements

    Reflection

    Featuring

    Lead, Career Exploration & Workplace Learning, University of Toronto; Creator, WEflow Yoga & Movement

Featured Performances

The original musical piece Reach, that will be performed live for the first time at the 2024 Reach Conference, captures the dynamic action of “reaching,” symbolizing the constant pursuit of new heights in self-reflection and growth. The quartet unfolds with a sense of upward striving and exploration, creating a musical journey that balances moments of intense energy with reflective pauses.

  • Hsiu-Ping Patrick Wu

    Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

  • Hsiu-Ping Patrick Wu

    Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Hsiu-Ping Patrick Wu is a Taiwanese – Canadian composer, violinist, and multimedia artist whose works reflect his multicultural identity. His compositions blend neo-romanticism with avant-garde techniques, drawing on theatrical elements, improvisation, minimalism, and Taiwanese traditions. Patrick has collaborated with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Hypercube Ensemble, Julius Quartet, and others, with premieres at festivals like Mostly Modern Festival and Atlantic Music Festival. Patrick is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition at the University of Toronto

    Speaking Engagements

    Opening Remarks

    Featuring

    Executive Director, Reach Alliance

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

    Musician, University of Toronto

  • Joelle Anna Crigger

    Musician, University of Toronto

  • Joelle Anna Crigger

    Musician, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Toronto-based violinist Joelle Crigger has served as concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and as guest concertmaster for the North York Concert Orchestra. She has performed as a soloist with the Oakville Chamber Orchestra, the North York Concert Orchestra, the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Burlington Symphony Orchestra. An avid chamber musician, Joelle travelled to France earlier this year, where her quartet debuted Ehwa Hong’s Nuit Polychrome during the New Music Festival at the Conservatoire de Lyon. A highlight of her musical career was playing Andrew Norman’s Gran Turismo with the TSO Chamber Soloists as part of an octet led by virtuoso violinist James Ehnes at Roy Thomson Hall. A versatile musician, Joelle is well-versed in playing a variety of fiddle styles and is a past winner of the Canadian Open Junior Fiddle Championship. She was honoured to receive the 2023 Stingray Rising Stars Award. A recipient of numerous scholarships including the President’s Scholar of Excellence, Joelle recently completed her undergraduate studies in Violin Performance at The University of Toronto, where she studied with Jonathan Crow. She is currently pursuing her graduate studies as a full scholarship student at the Glenn Gould School of Music, where she studies with Paul Kantor and Barry Shiffman.

    Speaking Engagements

    Opening Remarks

    Featuring

    Executive Director, Reach Alliance

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

    Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

    Musician, University of Toronto

Inspired by her transformative Reach experience, Zoha has written a spoken word piece highlighting what individual-level accountability means regarding social impact work.

  • Zoha Sojoudi

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Zoha Sojoudi

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Bio

    Zoha Sojoudi is a 4th year Rotman Commerce student at the University of Toronto, and a Reach Alliance Researcher within the 2023-2024 cohort. She is specifically part of the Just and Accountable Futures project, which culminated in the development of a proposed climate accountability approach for the City of Toronto. Beyond her academic experience, Zoha is also an avid poet, author, and spoken word artist. She has been invited to present her spoken word pieces at several interfaith events, particularly those affiliated with IYAM (Interfaith Youth Alliance Movement) or the Mary Ward Centre. She has also written, illustrated, and self-published a poetic children’s book titled, The Giver of All Gifts. Inspired by her transformative Reach experience, Zoha has written a spoken word piece that highlights what individual-level accountability means when it comes to social impact work.

    Speaking Engagements

    Opening Remarks

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

    Featuring

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, University of Toronto; Director, Community Climate Resilience Lab

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

    Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

The Asian Arts & Culture Trust (AACT) is a Canadian federal not-for-profit organization recognized by the Canadian government as a resource on anti-Asian racism. AACT promotes empathy, understanding, and representation of Asian arts, culture, and heritage in Canada. Through its public programming, AACT shares diverse voices, raises awareness of urgent sociocultural issues, and brings people together with differing worldviews to foster dialogue.

  • Zengcong Lai

    Digital Experience Lead, Asian Arts and Culture Trust

  • Zengcong Lai

    Digital Experience Lead, Asian Arts and Culture Trust

    Bio

    Zoha Sojoudi is a 4th year Rotman Commerce student at the University of Toronto, and a Reach Alliance Researcher within the 2023-2024 cohort. She is specifically part of the Just and Accountable Futures project, which culminated in the development of a proposed climate accountability approach for the City of Toronto. Beyond her academic experience, Zoha is also an avid poet, author, and spoken word artist. She has been invited to present her spoken word pieces at several interfaith events, particularly those affiliated with IYAM (Interfaith Youth Alliance Movement) or the Mary Ward Centre. She has also written, illustrated, and self-published a poetic children’s book titled, The Giver of All Gifts. Inspired by her transformative Reach experience, Zoha has written a spoken word piece that highlights what individual-level accountability means when it comes to social impact work.

  • Emily Gong

    Co-founder, Asian Arts and Culture Trust

  • Emily Gong

    Co-founder, Asian Arts and Culture Trust

  • Yifei Liu

    Team member, Asian Arts and Culture Trust

  • Yifei Liu

    Team member, Asian Arts and Culture Trust

Media Partner


Conference Program

Please note this event is by invitation only.

9:00 – 9:30

Networking

Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:30 – 10:00

Opening Remarks

Featuring

Executive Director, Reach Alliance

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

Musician, University of Toronto

Land Acknowledgement, Host Welcome & Live Musical Performance

Featuring

  • Marin MacLeod

    Executive Director, Reach Alliance

  • Tully Mahr

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • Hsiu-Ping Patrick Wu

    Composer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto

  • Joelle Anna Crigger

    Musician, University of Toronto

10:00 – 10:30

Keynote & Fireside Chat

Featuring

CEO, World Data Lab

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

Featuring

  • Wolfgang Fengler

    CEO, World Data Lab

  • Tully Mahr

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

10:30 – 11:00

Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

Featuring

International Development Executive

Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

Localization: A Critical Factor for Program Implementation, Scale, and Sustainability

Featuring

  • Aissatou Diajhate

    International Development Executive

  • Rushay Naik

    Consultant, World Health Organization; Reach Alliance Alumni

  • Nice Cailie

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

  • Natasha Haffajee

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

11:00 – 11:30

Networking

Break

11:30 – 12:00

Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

Featuring

Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Reach Alliance Researcher, Singapore Management University

Building Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure

Featuring

  • Jordan Sandman

    Principal, Investments, Co-Develop

  • Alazne Qaisar

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Dexter Tan

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Singapore Management University

12:00 – 12:30

Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

Featuring

Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

Addressing Early Childhood Development Needs in Challenging Environments

Featuring

  • Iza Maria Sánchez Siller

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Masabata Mokgesi-Selinga

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Ajak Diing

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

  • José de Jesús Rivera Martínez

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

12:30 – 14:00

Networking

Lunch

14:00 – 14:30

Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

Featuring

Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Community-centered Implementation of Digital Health Tools

Featuring

  • Abhilash Mishra

    Founder & Chief Science Officer, Equitech Futures

  • Juliette Henry

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University College London

  • Tracy Dusabimana

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Minh Nguyen

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

14:30 – 15:00

Networking

Break

15:00 – 15:30

Panel Discussion

Featuring

Senior Director of International Relations (Africa), University of Toronto

Health Collaborative Scholar, University of Toronto

Reach Researcher, University of Toronto

Accountable Futures

Featuring

  • Penina Lam

    Senior Director of International Relations (Africa), University of Toronto

  • Kennedy Ojowi

    Health Collaborative Scholar, University of Toronto

  • Jemila Abdulai

    Reach Researcher, University of Toronto

15:30 – 16:00

Keynote & Fireside Chat

Featuring

Founder, Antara Advisory; Senior Philanthropy Advisor, EdelGive Foundation

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Featuring

  • Aparna Uppaluri

    Founder, Antara Advisory; Senior Philanthropy Advisor, EdelGive Foundation

  • Alazne Qaisar

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

17:00 – 18:30

Special Evening Program for Reach Student Researchers

Featuring

Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

Global Leader Speaker Series 

Featuring

  • Carlos Mazariegos

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

9:00 – 9:30

Networking

Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:30 – 9:45

Opening Remarks

Featuring

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Land Acknowledgement, Welcome Address & Live Spoken Word Performance

Featuring

  • Alonso Muñoz Sanchez

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Zoha Sojoudi

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

9:45 – 10:15

In Conversation

Featuring

CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

Reach Alliance Program Officer

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

Reach Alliance Impact Partnership to Advance Rural Healthcare Access in Ontario, Canada

Featuring

  • Chenny Xia

    CEO & Partnerships, Gotcare

  • Gina Johar

    Vice President & Chief Digital Officer, Quinte Health

  • Purva Mehta

    Reach Alliance Program Officer

  • Gladys Olisaekee

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto; Mastercard Foundation Scholar

10:15 – 10:45

Lighting Talk & Panel Discussion

Featuring

Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

Integrating Community for Climate Resilient Solutions

Featuring

  • Carlos Mazariegos

    Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, United Nations Development Programme

  • Tariro Nyimo

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Johanna Keren De los Reyes Batres

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Kailin Tan

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

10:45 – 11:15

Networking

Break

11:15 – 12:15

Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

Featuring

Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, University of Toronto; Director, Community Climate Resilience Lab

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

Climate Justice and Accountability

Featuring

  • Imara Rolston

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, University of Toronto; Director, Community Climate Resilience Lab

  • Zoha Sojoudi

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

  • Laura Tozer

    Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

11:15 – 12:15

Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

Featuring

Reach Alliance Collaborator; Mentor, Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Social Vinculation

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

Transforming Food Systems

Featuring

  • Gregorio Leal

    Reach Alliance Collaborator; Mentor, Interdisciplinary Center for Education and Social Vinculation

  • Shreya Agarwal

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Toronto

11:15 – 12:15

Reaching for Solutions with Community Collaborators

Featuring

Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

Head of Field Unit in Guadalajara, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

Housing Without Borders

Featuring

  • Javier Contreras Arreaga

    Reach Alliance Faculty Mentor, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Elody Torres

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Nancy Estrada Campa

    Head of Field Unit in Guadalajara, United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees

12:15 – 13:15

Networking

Lunch

13:15 – 13:45

Lightning Talk & Panel Discussion

Featuring

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

Global Indigenous Perspective: Learning from Indigenous Communities Worldwide

Featuring

  • Zandile Dumas

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Cape Town

  • Sergio Iglesias

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Braven Rathesh

    Reach Alliance Researcher, University of Melbourne

13:45 – 14:00

Reflection

Featuring

Lead, Career Exploration & Workplace Learning, University of Toronto; Creator, WEflow Yoga & Movement

Mindfulness Activity

Featuring

  • Sarah Memme

    Lead, Career Exploration & Workplace Learning, University of Toronto; Creator, WEflow Yoga & Movement

14:00 – 14:15

Special Announcement

Special Announcement

14:15 – 14:30

Remarks

Featuring

Vice President, International, University of Toronto

Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

Closing Keynote & Vote of Thanks

Featuring

  • Joseph Wong

    Vice President, International, University of Toronto

  • Nice Cailie

    Reach Alliance Researcher, Ashesi University

15:00 – 17:30

Special Afternoon Program for Reach Leadership and Faculty Mentors

Reach Future Planning & Strategy Session 

Community Insights Corner

“Whether it’s peace and security, climate change, or our attempts to improve human rights in our separate societies we have a lot of work to do. You need to do better than we have on these issues, that’s my challenge to Reach researchers. By connecting, working together, thinking together, and exchanging I’m feeling more hopeful about the state of our climate.”

Graeme C. Clark
Ambassador of Canada to Mexico

“What would the world look like if we started from the premise of acknowledging the dignity that we all yearn for and built systems to allow people to contribute to, I think that’s what Reach is about and I think that’s what we all have to be about.”

Jacqueline Novogratz
Founder and CEO, Acumen

“Reach’s work is centered around how to get important stuff to everyone everywhere. Reach is interested in the network effect in convening stakeholders from across sectors and seeks to drive collaboration between the academy, civil society, the private sector, and government.” 

Walt Macnee
Retired Vice Chairman, Mastercard Worldwide; Advisory Council, Reach Alliance

“Engaging students in research of the lived experiences of marginalized groups is likely to amplify students’ ethical, entrepreneurial, and critical thinking; their concern for others and the courage to act for change.”

Angela Owusu-Ansah
Provost, Ashesi University

“The Reach Alliance is about strengthening networks, but it’s also about something I consider to be the most exciting part of working at a university: the free-flowing exchange of knowledge.” 

Melanie Woodin
Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto

“Our commitment to research and social impact is a testament to our belief that knowledge when harnessed and applied wisely has the power to bridge gaps, and barriers and create opportunities for all.”

Juan Pablo Murra
Rector for Higher Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey; Advisory Council, Reach Alliance

“Solving big problems requires collaboration and co-creation [across sectors and disciplines]. And leadership that is human! Reach prepares the next generation of global leaders by turbo-charging the development of human skills like adaptability, collaboration, creativity and  empathy.”

Zabeen Hirji. Retired Chief HR Officer, Royal Bank of Canada; Executive Advisor, Future of Work, Deloitte; Advisory Council, Reach Alliance

“It has been an amazing experience to share, learn, and grow among a global cohort of such passionate and critical thinkers. I am very appreciative of programs like the Reach Alliance for fostering the growth and development of individuals like myself and better equipping me as a global thinker.”

Jina Yazdanpanah
Reach Alumnus, University of Toronto

“It’s a life-changing experience to share spaces, even if digital, with a community of people driven together by the desire to create a positive and lasting global impact. Reach is an example of what can happen when the right people get together and create opportunities for young people to get involved and to use their knowledge to build something bigger than ourselves.”

Giovanna Villalobos
Reach Alumnus, Tecnológico de Monterrey

“Attending the 2023 Mexico Reach Conference helped me reflect on the importance of having a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to addressing global issues and creating innovative solutions. This has reignited my interest in using our research in an applied manner to make substantial and sustainable change. It was also incredibly motivating to hear about all the visionary research being conducted worldwide by our generation.”

Francesca Lanzarotti
Reach Alumnus, University College London

Launching New Reach Research