Dr. Keisha Jefferies
Dr. Keisha Jefferies is an African Nova Scotian nurse scientist, an Assistant Professor, and a University Research Chair in the School of Nursing at Dalhousie University. She is the director of her emerging program of research, M-BRACe (Multidisciplinary Black Research and Advocacy Centre), which is a research hub where she will generate high quality evidence, develop evidence-informed initiatives, and support the future generation of critical nurse leaders.
Dr. Jefferies has clinical experience in neonatal intensive care and breastfeeding support. Her doctoral research, funded by several prestigious provincial and federal awards such as Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Killam Trust, and Research Nova Scotia, examined the leadership experiences of African Nova Scotian nurses in healthcare. Dr. Jefferies’ research interests include Black population health, nursing leadership, and inclusivity in nursing education and practice. She has expertise in the areas of health policy, qualitative research, and evidence syntheses. Importantly, Dr. Jefferies uses Black Feminist Theory to critically inform and guide her research and advocacy. Much of her advocacy includes equity and inclusivity in post-secondary institutions and the nursing profession. Notably, in 2017, Dr. Jefferies co-founded the peer-mentorship group, the Community of Black Students in Nursing at Dalhousie University.
Lisa Bland
Lisa Bland is a Registered Nurse from the historic black community of Five Mile Plains, Nova Scotia. Lisa has 13 years of clinical experience in maternal-newborn care, gynecology, trans health, elder care, and as a nurse educator. Currently, Lisa is the Research Coordinator with the uterine fibroids project of M-BRACe. Previously, she was a regional director for the Canadian Association of Perinatal and Women’s Health Nursing and has certifications in breastfeeding/ chestfeeding, crucial conversations, and end of life care. Her focus on diversity, equity, and social justice led to an internship with the Sojourner Truth Leadership Circle (Auburn Seminary).
Bukola Oladimeji
Bukola Oladimeji is a Registered Nurse and an Instructor at the School of Nursing Dalhousie. Currently, Bukola is a Research Associate with the uterine fibroids project of M-BRACe. She has 18 years of experience in maternal care, perinatal care, neonatal care, clinical research, and Public health acquired in Nigeria and Canada. Bukola brings to the team considerable breadth of experience in providing clinical care to black women and exploring the socio-cultural dimensions of reproductive health issues pertaining to women of African Descent.
Crenda Marfo
Crenda Marfo (she/her) holds a Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies from Saint Mary’s University. Her focus on Social Justice, Global Health, and Sexual and Reproductive Health is rooted in both community engagement and research on Gender-Based Violence. Crenda has practical experience in global health, having worked alongside stakeholders in Ghana and local communities to enhance patient care. Guided by feminist concepts and theories, she is dedicated to a collaborative approach in reshaping health, education, research, services, and systems, particularly for women and Black populations.
