Board of DirectorsTAIBU Community Health Centre2026-09-27T13:26:03-04:00

Governance

TAIBU CHC is governed by a community Board of Directors made up of 12 members. The Board of Directors is responsible for:

Governance
Setting policies and standards
Financial oversight
Upholding our mission, values and vision
Setting and Achieve goals
Community relations
Accountability
Professional development

What is Community Governance?

Members of the Board are members of the community
Members of the Board represent and reflect the priority populations of the community
Community is involved in decision-making processes
Board considers the changing needs of the community
The Board is accountable to the government as well as the community

Board of Directors

2026-2027

Belinda Ndaye

Chair

Sylvia Okonofua

Member

Kais Padamshi

Member

Chelsie Johnson

Vice Chair

Marielle Lubula

Member

Elijah Gyansa

Member

Michelle Bailey

Treasurer

Cornel Grey

Member

Sagal Shuriye

Member

Radeka Clarke

Secretary

Fabian D. Fletcher

Member

Belinda Ndaye

Chair

Belinda Ndaye is a human resources professional and a resident of Malvern. Belinda holds a Commerce Degree in Human Resource with a minor in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Saint Mary’s University. While at Saint Mary’s University, Belinda played competitive basketball on an athletic scholarship.

Belinda’s academic and community based work has focused on the intersection of race, gender, and inequality. Her thesis – Equity and Intersectionality: Sociology Effects of Race and Gender Inequality involved a quantitative research approach that measured intersectionality within the community.

Belinda currently serves as a human resource representative for McMaster University, as she continues to develop her business skills as an HR specialist.

Sylvia Okonofua

Member

Sylvia Okonofua is a public health professional, researcher, and community leader committed to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for Black communities. She holds a Master of Public Health in Black Health from the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, with a Collaborative Specialization in Global Health.

Sylvia is the Founder of Black Donors Save Lives, a national non-profit addressing racial inequities in blood, stem cell, organ, tissue, and plasma donation through education, community engagement, research, and advocacy. Her work spans public health research, policy, youth engagement, and community-based initiatives, with a particular focus on translating evidence into meaningful and equitable change.

She has contributed to health equity initiatives in Canada and internationally and has been recognized for her leadership and community impact, including receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Sylvia is passionate about strengthening community-informed approaches to health and building systems in which Black communities can thrive.

Kais Padamshi

Member

Kais Padamshi is a Toronto-based health and community services consultant specializing in applied health research, qualitative engagement, and equity-informed strategy, with additional experience across the arts and culture sector. He partners with healthcare and community-serving organizations to translate research, lived experience, and stakeholder input into strategic plans, equity frameworks, and decision-ready tools, drawing on deep experience leading interviews, focus groups, and thematic analysis across public health and community settings. His fund development background includes securing more than $1M in grants and over $500K in major gifts across the cultural and nonprofit sectors. Kais has co-produced initiatives advancing Black mental health and has served on several arts and community boards. He holds a BFA from OCAD University.

Chelsie Johnson

Vice Chair

Chelsie Johnson is dedicated to community work and service. She has earned her Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, a Master of Public Health from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Disaster and Emergency Management from York University. She also holds a certificate in Infection Prevention and Control, and the Associate Business Continuity Professional designation. Throughout her education and experiences, she advocates for communities to be at the centre of her work. Whether it be developing and hosting a ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ workshop, designing innovative emergency management exercises, serving on the inaugural Youth Council for Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, or redefining health metrics using Afrocentric principles, she grounds her work in community-based approaches.

Chelsie is excited to bring her experiences, ideas, and advocacy to the Board and the broader TAIBU community.

Marielle Lubula

Member

Marielle Lubula grew up in a diverse and vibrant community in Scarborough, Toronto, where her passion for community engagement and youth education first took root. She is a proud graduate of McMaster University, where she studied biology and psychology. It was within the supportive community at McMaster that Marielle embraced the value of Ubuntu—an African philosophy meaning “I am because we are”—which continues to guide her work and approach to community service.

As an advocate for Black health and healthcare, Marielle hopes to pair her passions for biology and neuroscience with her dedication to improving health outcomes for underserved communities. She is deeply involved in STEM outreach at McMaster University, where she has spearheads programs that provide tutoring and mentorship in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics to Black, Indigenous and LatinX youth. She has also played a key role in encouraging at-risk youth to prioritize their education, significantly increasing participation in these programs through her outreach efforts. Her commitment to improving educational outcomes is matched by her dedication to enhancing healthcare services for Black communities in Scarborough.

Elijah Gyansa

Member

Elijah Gyansa is a health equity researcher committed to advancing anti-Black racism work and community-led models of care.
His research spans mental health, disability, and access to care among Black youth, particularly through leadership roles at the Black Health Equity Lab, Women’s College Hospital, and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. He volunteers at Casey House, supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, and has held long-standing roles at TAIBU, from youth leadership to program development.

Elijah also works as a facilitator with the Institute for Change Leaders, where he supports diverse communities in driving social change through organizing and storytelling. His work emphasizes practical tools for empowerment, equity, and impact.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors at For Youth Initiative and has facilitated the Black Youth Leadership Program, helping young people develop advocacy skills rooted in lived experience. Across all his work, Elijah is passionate about making research and healthcare systems more accountable, inclusive, and responsive to the voices of marginalized communities. He is also a very proud uncle to twin nephews and twin nieces.

Michelle Bailey

Treasurer

I am a Funding Operations Manager with over 10 years of experience in reporting, auditing, B2B account management, and collaborating within the financial industry. I am currently working on courses at the University of Toronto to complete my CPA designation.

I grew up in Malvern and have a heart for the community. Being a single mother at a time when community services were not easily obtained, I desire to serve, by giving back to the community that has provided me and my family with a sense of belonging. In my spare time, I enjoy time with friends and family, reading, cooking and eating (but mostly eating lol), and helping those in need.

Cornel Grey

Member

Cornel Grey is a scholar whose work focuses on Black queer health and the intersections of race, sexuality, and wellbeing. He brings expertise in critical health studies and community-engaged research, with a commitment to advancing equity in Black health and 2SLGBTQ+ health. In addition to serving on the board, Cornel contributes to several national and international projects that center marginalized communities and promote more inclusive approaches to health and care.

Sagal Shuriye

Member

Sagal has lived in Malvern her whole life and is deeply committed to the growth and well-being of her community. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration and previously worked with the Province of Ontario as a Capital Planner, focusing on infrastructure development and long-term planning. Sagal brings expertise in community development, strategic thinking, and capital design, and is eager to contribute these skills to TAIBU’s mission of fostering strong, sustainable, and thriving community spaces.

Radeka Clarke

Secretary

Radeka Clarke As a dedicated healthcare professional with over 8 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Radeka has the privilege of supporting communities with the GTA through health prevention and management initiatives. Radeka has a passion for delivering compassionate care. She has worked to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to achieve optimal health outcomes. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative community engagement, Radeka aims to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the communities she serves. Based in Toronto, Radeka is proud to be part of a vibrant community that values health, wellness, and inclusivity

Fabian D. Fletcher

Member

Fabian D. Fletcher is a Black, queer non-profit leader and community health professional whose work focuses on HIV, health equity, and community development. He began his career in HIV prevention and education, working directly with GBMSM populations. Over time, his work has grown from direct community engagement into strategic organizational design and leadership, with a focus on strengthening community-based health and social service organizations. Fabian currently serves as Director of Programs & Services at Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), where he provides strategic leadership to programs serving African, Caribbean, and Black communities and people living with and affected by HIV. His work is informed by culturally responsive approaches to care and a strong understanding of the role community organizations play in addressing barriers to health and service access.

Fabian’s approach to leadership is grounded in health equity, community accountability, and strong governance. He is particularly committed to strengthening community institutions and ensuring that Black and queer communities have a meaningful voice in the systems and decisions that affect their health and well-being.