INTERNATIONAL
Women’s Day
In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD), meet some of the outstanding women in the UBC Faculty of Medicine — learners, faculty and staff members — who are transforming health for everyone.
This year, as part of the worldwide celebrations of women’s achievements, the IWD organization asked women to share their perspective on the 2025 theme #AccelerateAction. The IWD campaign emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
Read on to be inspired by some of our outstanding learners, staff and faculty members throughout our province and the many ways they are accelerating action for women around the globe.
“As we mark International Women’s Day, please join me in celebrating the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of women within our Faculty of Medicine and beyond. This is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to inclusive excellence, and to reflect on the ways each of us can continue to strengthen our communities by embracing the fundamental values of equity, diversity and inclusion as we teach, research, learn and serve together.”
Dr. Dermot Kelleher, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health, UBC
Danielle Lévesque-Jensen
1st Year Student, Master of Occupational Therapy,
Prince George (Lheidli T’enneh)
I will help forge women’s equality by amplifying women’s voices, especially Indigenous women like me, and advocating for their rights.
Dr. Matayebi Okeaya-Inneh
Family Medicine Resident,
Kelowna
I will challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias.
Cathy Burrage
Health Professional Programs Manager, UBC Distributed Programs – Vancouver Island,
Victoria
I will help forge women’s equality by encouraging my sons and the other men in my life to challenge gender stereotypes and to be allies in promoting gender equality.
Dr. Gillian Hanley
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and WHRI member
For me, accelerating action means looking through an intersectional lens to create space where all women, particularly the most marginalized, feel valued and heard.
Simrat Dial
4th Year Student, Midwifery,
Surrey
For me, accelerating action means offering interpretation services to ensure our patients understand the care they are receiving!
Dr. Sharon Vipler
Clinical Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Director, Addiction Medicine, Fraser Health,
Surrey
I will challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias.
Anjana Rajendran
PhD Student, Neuroscience
I will help forge women’s equality by celebrating women in health research, and helping build research communities that value diverse perspectives.
Viktoriia Cherkasova
Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
For me, Accelerating Action means investing in women’s education and leadership to build a future where gender equality is the norm, not the exception.
Jharmela Tejano
Office Coordinator, Dean’s Office
I will celebrate women’s achievements.
Annika Ackermann
4th Year MD student, Southern Medical Program,
Kelowna
I will help forge a gender equal world.
Monita Khaira Sandhu
UBC Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
For me, accelerating action means supporting systems and organizations that promote inclusivity, listening to individual’s stories, and providing mentorship to future leaders who will continue to make a difference year after year.
Connie Wu
Communications Specialist, UBC School of Population and Public Health
For me, accelerating action means helping women feel seen, heard, and valued.
Dr. Neha Manjari Akella
Research Network Manager, BC MS Cell Therapies Translational Research Network, Faculty of Medicine
For me, accelerating action means championing efforts that involve, promote, celebrate and empower women.
Chrissy Ingram
Curriculum & Assessment Manager, Years 1 & 2, Northern Medical Program,
Prince George
I will maintain an inclusive mindset.
Alice Hong
5th year Biomedical Engineering Student and Research Assistant, School of Biomedical Engineering
For me, accelerating action means championing inclusive research that embraces diverse voices, ensuring scientific progress benefits everyone — especially women and historically underrepresented communities.
Laura Yvonne Bulk
Assistant Professor of Teaching, Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy,
Surrey
I will help forge women’s equality by engaging in transformational relationships as a mentee and mentor, a teacher and learner.
Jesse Yeo
Project Coordinator, Office of the Vice Dean, Education
I will celebrate women’s achievements.
Tanya Momtazian
Adjunct Professor, UBC Midwifery,
Nelson
For me, accelerating action means mentoring and coaching young professionals in leadership roles to recognize and address discriminatory policies and systems.
Maddie Naswell
1st Year MSc Student, School of Audiology & Speech Sciences,
Victoria
For me, accelerating action means looking through an intersectional lens to create space where all women, particularly the most marginalized, feel valued and heard.
René Mrzljak
Director of Administration, Department of Medical Genetics
I will celebrate women’s achievements.
Q&A with Chiara Singh
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Chiara shares what she loves about training the next generation of physiotherapists in Fraser Health, and how International Women’s Day inspires her to take action.
March 5, 2025