Naïka Thomas is a health equity specialist at Ottawa Public Health. She leads the anti-racism, anti-oppression portfolio, which includes developing policies and procedures that address workplace racism and discrimination, chairing a community of practice, facilitating check-ins for Indigenous, Black and racialized employees, and leading anti-racism education sessions. She also consults with employees and leaders on issues relating to racism/discrimination.
Naïka has worked in public health for more than 15 years. She completed her bachelor of science degree at McMaster University and obtained a masters of public health degree from Simon Fraser University. Born and raised in Canada to Haitian parents, Naïka lives in Ottawa with her husband and two daughters.
Kay Gervais recently graduated from the University of Ottawa collaborative program with Algonquin College. Throughout their schooling, they actively participated with faculty, advocating for the representation of 2SLGBTQIA+ health-care workers and integrating gender-affirming nursing care into curricula. Their passion for advocacy and leadership is demonstrated by their involvement as campus vice president for the University’s Student Association and their active work as a peer tutor and program representative.
They are a recipient of the 2025 Above and Beyond Award at Algonguin Campus.
Kay has remained actively involved with RNAO as a student representative of The Rainbow Nursing Interest Group and by attending Queen’s Park Day 2025 in the Board of Directors Student Placement. As Kay advances within their field, they hope to inspire other gender-diverse individuals to involve themselves in the health-care sector and the advancement of gender-diverse nursing care. Kay’s next step is to complete the NCLEX.
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
