Project Leads
Dr. Kwame McKenzie is the Director of Health Equity at CAMH and a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He is a policy advisor, clinician and academic with over two-hundred papers and five books. Dr. McKenzie is an international expert on the social causes of mental illness, suicide and mental health of immigrants, refugees, ethno-cultural and racialized groups. As a physician, psychiatrist, researcher and policy advisor, Dr. McKenzie has worked to identify the causes of mental illness, particularly in cross-cultural health, for over two decades. His work has been recognized by the award of an African Canadian Achievement Award for Science, the Dominican of Distinction Award, The Pioneers for Change Social Impact Award and a Harry Jerome Award. Dr McKenzie is a former Harkness Fellow in Health Policy and a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK).
Aamna Ashraf is Manager of Health Equity at CAMH. She is an experienced professional in the areas of program and policy implementation, stakeholder development and partnerships. Aamna holds a Master’s Degree in Education (Counselling Psychology) and has worked in the not for profit sector for over 20 years. She previously worked as a Senior Program Advisor in refugee resettlement with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. Before this she was the Director of the Peel Newcomer Strategy –the Local Immigration Partnership for Peel region. Aamna has also worked at United Way Peel and York as well as leading service development for diverse populations at Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto.