York University’s Black Health Connect

Panelists include:  

Tara Pouyat, York University Counsellor 

Tara is a trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting clients through a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, burnout, grief and loss, low self-esteem, relationship and family concerns, racial trauma, sexual abuse/violence, and trauma/PTSD stemming from both childhood and adulthood experiences. Whether someone is healing from the past or navigating present-day stressors, Tara’s work focuses on helping clients move forward with greater calm, clarity, and confidence. Tara holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. Her professional experience includes roles in Community Health Centres in Toronto and Ottawa, and for the past 12 years she has served as a Counsellor at Student Counselling, Health & Well-Being at York University. She is also the founder of Mango Therapy + Wellness, a private practice specializing in EMDR, trauma therapy, and supporting Black people and People of Colour (POC). In addition, she has provided extensive clinical training and supervision to psychotherapy students throughout her career.   

Patricia Dada, (BA ’18), Program Manager in Reproductive Healthcare

Patricia Dada is a Program Manager in reproductive healthcare and led the team that built the first Health Canada-approved Donor Egg Bank in Canada. She is also the Founder of the Black Fertility Agency (BFA), an organization dedicated to helping Black individuals and couples connect with fertility providers who deliver culturally competent care. Patricia was recognized as one of York University’s Top 30 Under 30 Alumni in 2025 and named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024 by CIBWE for her leadership and impact. Patricia is focused on driving the next wave of innovation in fertility care, with a particular interest in integrating Al into the reproductive healthcare ecosystem to enhance support for both patients and clinicians. 

Shelly Philip LaForest, Registered Nurse

Shelly has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. Originally a diploma-trained nurse, Shelly returned to school to complete a Bachelor of Nursing Degree, a Master of Nursing Degree and she is currently enrolled in an Interdisciplinary Social Research PhD program. In the clinical practice arena, Shelly has worked in various in-patient areas. She has held formal education roles – as a clinical instructor, faculty advisor and professor – with several post-secondary institutions.  Shelly is a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and certified in Vascular Access from the Canadian Vascular Access Association.   Shelly is involved with not-for-profit initiatives that have been instrumental with strengthening the voice of Black Nurses and nursing students in various healthcare forums. Shelly founded and is the Executive Director of the Ontario Black Nurses’ Network [OBNN] and Program Administrator of the Black Nurses Leadership Program [BNLP].    

James Ehiagwina, 4th Year student, Nursing

James Ehiagwina is a fourth-year Nursing student at York University committed to creating inclusive and supportive spaces within healthcare. He currently serves as a Student Success Mentor Lead with the Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) program, where he supports Black students in navigating their academic journeys and fostering both personal and professional growth. James has taken on several impactful leadership roles at York. He served two terms as President of the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA) York University chapter, leading initiatives that promoted diversity and amplified the voices of Black nursing students. He also represented his peers as a cohort representative with the Nursing Student Association at York (NSAY) for two years and as a student senator for the Faculty of Health, where he advocated for student welfare and contributed to meaningful health policy discussions. Beyond the university, James is a passionate mental health advocate. As a member of the National Youth Council for Kids Help Phone, he plays an active role in national conversations on youth mental health and works to improve access to essential support services. His dedication to advocacy and leadership has earned him national recognition as a 3M National Student Fellow.

Moderator: 

Ayan Wehliye, Public Health Nurse

Ayan Wehliye is a Public Health Nurse at York University with over six years of experience in public health across municipal and federal settings. She has worked with diverse communities across the lifespan and is committed to advocating for the unique health needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. In her role at York University, Ayan leads health promotion and health education initiatives that support a healthy campus community, strengthen student well-being, and improve access to health services. Ayan will be moderating the evening and looks forward to facilitating meaningful dialogue on Black health and wellness.