Our Team

Get to know the BRN team!

BRN Director

R. Cassandra Lord

R. Cassandra Lord is an associate professor of sexuality studies in the department of historical studies, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies program at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Lord holds a graduate appointment in the Women and Gender Studies Institute.

Associate Director, Mentorship

Suzi Lima

Suzi Lima is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair (Undergraduate) in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses primarily on the description, documentation, and revitalization of Indigenous languages. Suzi is dedicated to internationalized learning, and to fostering research communities that value both professional development and well-being.

Core Team

Rabia Saleem

Program Lead

Rabia is the Program Lead at the BRN. She is motivated by the opportunity to make a significant difference through the BRN initiative. Rabia has a diverse background in administration, having held various roles at the University of Toronto, as well as experience in the field of education.

Tina Adamopoulos

Matina Adamopoulos

Communications Officer

Tina is the Communications Officer at the BRN. Energized by the opportunity to envision, produce and deliver thoughtfully tailored, people-driven stories and initiatives, Tina has spent majority of her early career telling stories of research and innovation at the University of Toronto.

Alex Pastrik

Program Administrator

Alex is the Program Administrator at the BRN. She brings a background in university administration, with experience supporting faculty, academic programs, events, and collaborative initiatives that build connection and community.

Yasmin Wallace

Summer Research Assistant

Yasmin is a Summer Research Assistant at the BRN. With a diverse background in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work, research, and student advocacy, she is passionate about advancing equity within academic spaces and supporting initiatives that centre Black scholars and communities.

Yusra Ali

Summer Research Assistant

Yusra is a Summer Research Assistant at the BRN. Yusra is a community organizer and PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto’s Women and Gender Studies Institute.

Founding Members

Rhonda McEwen

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria in British Columbia

Alissa Trotz

Professor, Caribbean Studies at New College and Women and Gender Studies, University of Toronto

Lisa Robinson

Dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics

Maydianne Andrade

Maydianne Andrade

Dean, Faculty of Science at York University