Sexual Violence Prevention Month Community Conference 2025

Moderator: Mirand Jurilj (They/Them) is the Public Education Coordinator at SACHA - Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton and Area) and Hamilton’s Take Back the Night Chair. In this role Mirand works with schools, community organizations, sports teams, faith groups, workplaces and anyone who wants to learn. Their work centers education about sexual violence prevention, the interconnectedness of sexual violence and oppression, consent and healthy relationships, how to support survivors, and community building. They value community care, action, empowerment, and knowledge sharing as tools to fight oppression and ending all forms of violence. Their approach to both providing care and education is survivor-centered, intersectional, and trauma-informed and utilizes activity, discussion, and arts-based learning to make conversations about sexual violence more accessible and approachable. In addition to being a Public Educator, Mirand is a poet, live music lover, detail-oriented planner, cook, pet parent, and auntie who is always excited to meet new people and talk about resistance, solidarity, and community support!

Panelist: Led by Nim Agalawatte (They/Them) Sounds Gay! Is a music focused innovator for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Through open mics and showcase shows they aim to create a safer space for both performers and audiences.

Panelist: Jesse James (He/They) is a Hamilton born musician, researcher, and Human Rights advocate. Through Wilfrid Laurier University, his research has focused on the prevalence of Anti-Black racism in the digital sphere and the benefits of Anti-racism education in Social Work. Working with a team within the University Health Network out of the Toronto General Hospital, his research has focused on oral cavity cancer and access to diabetic retinopathy screening. Jesse works in The Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management at Wilfrid Laurier University. In his role, he supports folx navigating discrimination, harassment, identity-based harm, and sexual misconduct. As a musician, he lends his passion for music to help fundraise for community members and local organizations in the Hamilton area. His music blends the honesty of soul with the intimacy of folk and serves as a way for him to find grounding within his work.

Panelist: Calvin Prowse (they/them) is a peer worker, social worker, futurist, researcher, creative, and lifelong Hamiltonian. For the past 13 years, they have been involved in peer support work within mental health/Mad, disability, neurodiverse, and queer/trans communities, across a variety of grassroots, community, peer-led, and non-profit settings. In addition to their direct support work, Calvin has also managed peer support programs, delivered peer support training, and served on the PeerWorks board of directors. Calvin has previously conducted research on the challenges associated with integrating peer support practice within mainstream healthcare organizations, as well as the possible futures of the peer support sector. Calvin is currently exploring how their background in peer support can inform and enrich their new role as a neurodivergent social worker working with neurodiverse youth.

Moderator: Sandra Penagos Arboleda is The Diverse Communities Outreach (DCOP) Coordinator at SACHA and has over 15 years experience of community development, engagement, organizing, and facilitation. Her passion for community outreach and engagement ensures that DCOP is relevant, accessible and safer for participants. She holds a diploma in Community Service, Bachelor of Science in Community and Public Health, as well as training in Human Trafficking, Positive Space, Trauma & Violence Informed Care.

Panelist: Ana Cruz is a System Coordinator at Refuge Newcomer Health and a member of the Hamilton Coalition for Refugee Claimants. Ana's home country is Honduras. She arrived in Canada in 2017 as a refugee claimant, and since 2018, she has been supporting refugee claimants in Hamilton through various agencies. Ana has organized and delivered information sessions in Spanish and English in collaboration with the Refugee Law Office, trained shelter workers on the refugee claim process, and actively assisting families and individuals in navigating the system.

Panelist: Gabriela Rodulfo “I have a background in naval mechanics, but pastry chef has become my profession in recent years. However, I've spent the last four years in Lima, Peru, where I actively engaged in community initiatives supporting migrants and promoting human rights, gender equality, and sexual education. Driven by my passion for art I won an integration mural contest and designed a mural against gender-based violence, which has allowed me to advocate for the integration of migrants into Peruvian society. Now, residing in Canada I'm committed to continuing my mission of helping those in need, particularly women affected by gender-based violence. This commitment has led me to pursue studies in community services and settlement worker here in Canada, with the goal to further support vulnerable populations. My journey is fueled by a desire to make a difference and create a more inclusive society.”

Panelist: Nancy Bedoya (Colombia). A Community Relations Counselor at the CSCHN and a breast cancer survivor, Nancy has dedicated her life to building networks of support and hope. With a background in business administration and addiction counseling, her true passion lies in listening to each person's stories of resilience and building safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence from a cultural perspective. For Nancy, joy and positivity are revolutionary tools. As a survivor, she transformed her experience with cancer into a bridge to accompany other women on their journey, leading awareness workshops and campaigns that highlight collective struggles. Her volunteer work in support groups-both at her church and in collaboration with Juravinsky Hospital-focuses on fostering sisterhood, respect for cultural identities, and healing through community. Bilingual (Spanish/French), Nancy promotes projects that unite migrant and local voices, defending that "culture is not just heritage, but a territory where pain becomes shared power." Her intersectional approach has led her to collaborate with religious, healthcare, and community organizations, always with one conviction: resistance is born when we speak out together.

Moderator: Rachel Dass (She/Her) is the Crisis Support Line Coordinator at SACHA – Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton and Area) and has been part of the SACHA community for many years, first starting as a volunteer on the line herself. In her current role, Rachel has the privilege of training and mentoring the beautiful spirits who volunteer on SACHA’s Crisis Support line. Rachel brings deep care and integrity to supporting survivors and volunteers alike. Her approach is rooted in reflection, compassion and a deep respect for the strength and wisdom within survivors and the community. Guided by a belief – echoing the teachings of Bell Hooks- that self-care is not a luxury but a necessary act of resistance and restoration, Rachel holds space in ways that honour both connection and care for one’s own limits. She is also a cat mom of three, a dreamer and a tea sipper. Rachel is moderating this panel with curiosity, compassion and a strong belief in the power of shared stories and community wisdom.

Panelist: Ruth Rodney RN, PhD is a mother, registered nurse, and AssociateProfessor at York University’s School of Nursing. She is also the Associate Director of the Harriet Tubman Institute at York University. Understanding her legacy as a descendent of past generations whose resistance and resolve ensured her existence, Ruth seeks out likeminded individuals, spaces, and opportunities that recognize the interconnectedness of each other’s stories and work towards disrupting/dismantling and then reimagining systems that are more equitable. Her research focuses on co-creating and documenting knowledge with communities on healthy relationship development, violence prevention, and health promotion, primarily using critical qualitative and decolonizing methodologies. Ruth believes in the knowledge, skill, and ability of communities to develop and create their own paths. She is the Chair of the grant review committee for the Youth Opportunity Fund that supports Black and Indigenous led community projects addressing systemic barriers in Ontario. Ruth is also an academic fellow at the Centre for Critical Qualitative Health Research at the University of Toronto and currently serves her community in Hamilton, Ontario as a board member for the Afro Canadian Caribbean Association and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Panelist: Clairandean is a Queer Artist and Pilates/Yoga instructor and Tarot Reader based in Hamilton, ON. Their education in trauma informed practices, gender inclusive language and anti-oppressive frameworks include training from GOODBODYFEEL movement studio, New Leaf Foundation and Dianne Bondy’s The Path to Yoga Justice and Equity. In, 2024 their dance film SPILL THE T was featured in Hamilton’s BIPOC HART DANCE SERIES. An intimate portrait that explores heartache Trans Identity, displacement and gender expression through dance improv, archival footage and personal style. As a Pilates/Yoga Instructor they provide a judgement free space while exploring mindful awareness and self compassion. Regularly engaging with folks who manage chronic pain/ illness, low energy, depression and neurodiversity. Clairandean’s personal practices include painting, photography, dance, songwriting, poetry to explore grief, identity and Black Beauty.

Panelist: Luckystickz is a speaker, artist, and community leader dedicated to empowering youth through creativity, culture, and purpose. As the founder and Executive Director of the Tune In Foundation, he leads programs that use music, leadership development, and mentorship to support young people—especially Black and racialized youth—in finding their voice and building a sense of belonging. Based in Hamilton, he has created platforms like The Blueprint Artist Development Series and The Future Kings Summit to foster growth, connection, and representation for the next generation. In addition to his nonprofit work, he also serves as a Graduation Coach for Black Students, helping youth navigate systemic barriers and access opportunities for success.

Moderator: Jessica Bonilla-Damptey is a Latinx Indigenous woman from El Salvador, living and raised in Hamilton. She is the Mother of 2, Madrina of 3 and Tia of 5. She enjoys being involved in community based projects and believes that it is important to include children in those projects. Trips to the gage park green house, dance parties, bubble tea with popping boba, being in water and hammocks are some of her favourite things. A graduate of the School of Social Work, Indigenous studies and Health studies programs from McMaster University, she is committed to and works to creating a world without violence and oppression. Jessica is a member of Sisters in Spirit in Hamilton, the co-chair of the Woman Abuse Working Group in Hamilton, the co-chair of the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres and the Director of the Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton and Area) SACHA.

Panelist: NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun, also known as Lyndon George, is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nations. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun's father is from Aazhoodena (the Stony Point First Nation) and his mother is from Aamjiwnaang (the Chippewas of Sarnia First Nation). NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is Anishnaabe Ojokwe – Ojokwe being one of many terms for members of the Anishnaabe Two Spirit / Indigenous Queer community. He is a first-generation residential school survivor; his mother Sylvia was the survivor. He is a survivor of the Federal Indian Day School system. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is a family member to the late Dudley George of the Ipperwash Crisis. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is an aunty/uncle to 87 nieces and nephews. He has worked with Indigenous people all his life both on and off the reserve. He grew up in his reserve community. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun has made presentations on Indigenous matters at local, provincial, national and international conferences. He is currently the Indigenous Justice Coordinator at the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic.

Panelist: Ashley Neganiwina.

Panelist: Danielle Ridge is a member of the Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter of Native Women and is the current Executive Director of the Hamilton Native Women's Centre. She started her journey in Social Services field in 1997 but has focused the majority of her career for the last 23 years within the Intimate Partner Violence / Gender Based Violence, Mental Health, Addictions and Homelessness sector. Danielle has extensive knowledge and training in Family and Criminal Law, Mediation and Crisis and Trauma Response. Danielle sits on various community co-ordinating committees to work towards transformative change to create a space for Indigenous women and children free from violence, harassment and discrimination.