Safeyyah Raji is a lecturer at London’s Western University, where she teaches in the undergraduate nursing program across theory, clinical, lab and simulation courses. She is an RN certified in psychiatric and mental health nursing, with her clinical, educational, scholarship and leadership work grounded in mental health advocacy, anti-Black racism and advancing health equity. Safeyyah is the Ontario regional lead for the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance, supporting work that strengthens Black nursing leadership, mentorship and advocacy, while amplifying the lived experiences of Black nurses and nursing students to inform systemic change in health care. She is also a member of the Decolonization, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression committee at Western Nursing, contributing to efforts that foster more inclusive, equity-oriented learning environments. Safeyyah says this award represents the importance of advancing health equity and addressing anti-Black racism. This recognition reinforces her commitment to advancing more inclusive and accountable nursing practice.
This award is given to an RNAO member (RN/NP) who identifies themselves from one of three groups/communities: Indigenous, Black or 2SLGBTQI+ and who advocates for one of these groups/communities. Three (3) awards, one for each of the three (3) groups/communities: Indigenous, Black and 2SLGBTQI+. This individual:
- acts as a change agent, mentors and supports members of their community to achieve their goals and mission
- upholds and champions social justice, equitable treatment and fairness for equity seeking groups
- engages in policy advocacy to address inequity, discrimination and racism against Black, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQI+ persons or communities
- actively collaborates with decision makers, MPPs/MPs, and other members of the health team and the public to address prejudices, stereotypes, racism, inequity and discrimination
- promotes and advocates for inclusion, diversity, decolonization and respect of all individuals from equity seeking groups
