Our Speakers - Thursday, June 17, 2021

Jessica Wilson
Topic: Family Poverty

Jessica is a Bachelor of Social Work student currently working alongside Canada Without Poverty in their mission to eradicate poverty in Canada through education.

Alongside lived experience below the poverty line, Jessica’s work has taken her to vulnerable communities all across Canada, which inspires her passion for social justice and advocacy.

An educator at heart, Jessica spent years in Northern Canada teaching math and science to secondary students; structural barriers inspired her shift back to her own academic career to focus on addressing inequality at a greater systemic level.

In the fall, Jessica will be continuing her education by pursuing her Masters of Social Work at Carleton University, and looks to continue empowering individuals and communities in the fight for social justice and systemic change.

Margaret Nwosu
Topic: Gun Violence

My name is Margaret Nwosu. I am a registered Social Worker, have been working in the community for about 15 years and counting.

Fully active and involved in the Nigeria community, the Rexdale community and Toronto in general.

Recently lost my first son to Gun violence in 2018 and since then have been an advocate against gun violence and ban on assault weapons and firearms.

Presently supervises the employment and Violence Prevention program in one of the community agencies where I have my full time employment.

I have led different leadership positions in this community (women's leader of my church, general secretary of my community association and vice chairwoman of another community association).

Sarah Rocha
Topic: Human Trafficking

Sarah Rocha is the Mobilization Director for Fight4Freedom, whose vision is to fight sex trafficking in our city, nation, and world.

Her position involves various roles in working with survivor care, awareness raising with the education department, training and overseeing volunteers, engaging in outreach, and visioning for the American chapter.

Sarah is passionate about seeing people experience freedom, healing, and a chance to thrive in a loving community.

She recognizes the amazing honor and privilege it is to witness resiliency and bravery in the individuals she can support and will continue to learn from survivors of exploitation and cheer them on.

She currently resides in Toronto in her apartment garden filled with 43 plants.