Sylvia Okonofua

Sylvia Okonofua is a Master of Public Health (MPH) student specializing in Black Health at the University of Toronto, where she is also completing a Collaborative Specialization in Global Health. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Black Donors Save Lives, a national public health initiative focused on improving representation and culturally safe engagement across Canada’s donation systems. Sylvia’s work lies at the intersection of health equity, systems change, and policy advocacy. Through her academic and community leadership, she champions SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices, addressing structural barriers in healthcare, and building trust between institutions and historically underserved communities. Sylvia is committed to creating equitable health systems that reflect the diversity and dignity of the populations they serve both in Canada and globally.