Executive Director

Melissa has a Master’s Degree in Health Geography as well as a variety of experience within the global health and community health fields.  She has an extensive background in project management and coordination, research, policy and advocacy, administration, project implementation and fundraising. She is currently working as a Project Coordinator associated with the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, at Wilfrid Laurier University. She recently worked as the Fund Development Coordinator for Regional HIV/AIDS Connection. Melissa has extensive international experience, working in the Human Rights, Community Health and Social Health fields in both Canada and East Africa. She worked mainly in Tanzania, as well as Kenya and Rwanda, for over 8 years, as a Program, Policy and Advocacy Officer for the Kivulini Women’s Rights Organization and as the Executive Director for the African Probiotic Yoghurt Network Organization. Melissa formerly worked for The Office of Global Health at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry as an Administrator. Melissa is currently an Active Member of IPPNW Canada.

Sustainability and Financial Operations Lead

Rachel was born in Canada and raised in the Republic of Panama. She studied Tropical Biology at the University of Panama and worked on various projects related to biodiversity. In one of those projects, she got to work with Indigenous communities in Western Panama and witnessed first-hand issues related to inequality within the country. Rachel’s background in the natural sciences, environmental studies, and sustainability along with her collaboration and language (English & Spanish) skills support the organization in various ways: enhancing administration processes, supporting fundraising campaigns, and promoting conversations around peace, health, and sustainability as a mean to envisioning a world more equitous, just, and safe for all!

Program & Administrative Assistant

Navya is a Ph.D. Candidate in Sustainability Management (Water) at the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo and is also pursuing a part-time Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) under a Ph.D. fellowship. She completed her Master’s degree in the same Sustainability Management program, alongside holding a Master of Technology in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering. Navya’s research interests include water quality, wastewater treatment, microbial fuel cells, coastal fisheries, and environment sustainability. Her current research investigates the linkages between blue carbon ecosystems and water quality in coastal wetlands, with a focus on the small-scale fisheries. Through her work, Navya aims to enhance understanding of the ecological and social interdependencies in coastal wetlands, providing insights for conservation and management strategies that can transition small-scale fisheries from vulnerability to viability. She also draws parallels between developed and developing country perspectives, contributing a broader, comparative view to her research.

Research, Project & Partnership Development Officer

Vito Scuderi is an experienced expat, people and strategy leader and international programs/design consultant currently enrolled in the part-time Global Crime and Justice Micro-credential Certificate at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Vito’s coursework and interests surround illegal wildlife crime and human trafficking prevention, environmental crime, cross-border smuggling, terrorism, corruption, peacebuilding and poverty reduction.

Through his work with Pegasus, Vito leverages his contacts and experience living and working in the East African region to establish, co-Chair and develop a new East African Network for the Institute, comprised of international development researchers, practitioners and engaged citizens whose involvement can impact positive change within the region.

Outside of work, Vito enjoys maintaining his physical fitness, sharpening his Kiswahili language skills and exploring toys and games with his children. He is also an accomplished songwriter/producer that has collaborated with artists in Tanzania, Nigeria and South Africa. 

Administrative, Program and Communications Officer

Hamzia holds a Master’s Degree of Global Affairs from the University of Toronto’s Munk School and a Combined Honours Degree in Journalism and Law from Carleton University. Her background and experience spanning international development, communications, and human rights has been predominantly in the non-profit sector. She has volunteered in West and East Africa, partnering with civil society organizations to assess program impacts and develop best practices. In addition to these experiences, she has worked as a Project Coordinator at YWCA Canada contributing to gender equality and capacity building initiatives. She has also worked as a Research Analyst supporting work on global education reform, and also looking into the rising phenomenon of arbitrary detention while at Global Affairs Canada. 

Darren lives in Canada where he obtained degrees in environmental geography, climate risk management and theology. He has worked with different NGOs, especially in the Latin American region. Much of his work was in Colombia among vulnerable communities displaced by the civil war where he witnessed the complex interlinkages of violence, poverty, health, and educational inequity. He brings experience in project management and network engagement to support PEGASUS Institute in its objectives in Global Health, Environmental Sustainability, and Peace.

Administrative, Program and Communications Officer

Passionate about human rights and gender justice, Simidélé has been working in the field of international cooperation for over 10 years. She has collaborated with various NGOs, specializing in project management, volunteer recruitment, training and supervision, risk management and gender equality mainstreaming. She has managed impactful initiatives focused on gender-based violence (GBV), access to justice and the empowerment of women and girls in Ghana. 

Most recently, she acted as the Country Representative for SUCO in Guatemala, collaborating with organisations advocating for the rights of indigenous communities. 

She holds a Master’s degree in International Law and International Organisations from Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne University and a Master’s in International Project Management and Humanitarian Action from Laval University in Quebec. 

IEHP Project Coordinator

Saida Azam, who studied medicine internationally and now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, has worked as a doctor in India and Oman. Over the past five years in Canada, she has been actively involved in projects focusing on Women’s Health and Refugee Health, deepening her understanding of the unique challenges in these crucial areas of public health. She’s currently in her second year of a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Waterloo and is also doing an internship with the Evaluation Unit at CIHR.

As a Project Coordinator with PEGASUS for the Refugee Health Project, Saida is involved in researching, collecting information, and working closely with her team to merge this data into a user-friendly platform. This work supports international health professionals in establishing their careers in Canada.

Outside of work, Azam enjoys gardening, sewing, playing pickleball, and learning the kalimba.

IEHP Mentorship Coordinator

IEHP Project Officer & IT Support

Mohammed is currently pursuing PEBC exams, PMP, and Founder of BAITACH IT LIMITED, provides IT support to the PEGASUS Institute through his company. Additionally, he is personally contracted to write and update the Canadian Pharmacy Licensing Pathway for the IEHP project. Coming from a family of healthcare professionals, with four doctors in his immediate family, Mohammed possesses extensive knowledge in both medical and tech fields. Mohammed and his team at BAITACH developed the IEHP website, combining their expertise in web development and healthcare, making the IEHP project unique as it is created by IEHPs for IEHPs.

IEHP Francophone Translation & Resource Development Consultant

IEHP Nursing Content Specialist and Consultant

Nasrin is a distinguished Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) with a blend of academic excellence and professional expertise. Holding a Ph.D. in Nursing, she serves as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Athabasca University’s School of Nursing. Her work focuses on developing evidence-informed policies that support the integration of IENs into the Canadian nursing workforce and advance the healthcare system. Nasrin brings a rich multicultural perspective to her professional endeavours. With extensive experience, she is deeply invested in fostering a healthcare system that values diversity and inclusion.

Driven by her passion for supporting IENs, Nasrin is committed to addressing the systemic challenges they face when transitioning into new healthcare systems. She advocates for equitable policies and empowers IENs to succeed professionally. Since 2021, she has actively collaborated with PEGASUS Institute as an advisor, contributing to innovative initiatives aimed at helping IENs navigate their professional pathways in Canada. Her unwavering dedication stems from a firm belief in the critical role of diversity in enhancing global healthcare. By championing IENs and their contributions, Nasrin continues to lead efforts to build equitable, inclusive, and effective healthcare systems.