Meet the Founders!
Ainsley Latour (She/Her), Co-Founder, IDEA-STEM
[Image description]: Headshot of Ainsley standing against a brick building. The image is cut at her shoulders. She is a white settler, with a black dress jacket, simple necklace, and a white blouse. She smiles at the camera.
Hey, I’m Ainsley — co-founder of IDEA-STEM and a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math. As someone who is hard of hearing and neurodivergent, this work is both personal and purposeful for me.
I’ve spent years researching and presenting on the experiences of students with disabilities in STEM, with my work featured at conferences like SciAccess, ISLAND, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. I also had the honour of serving on Ontario’s Post-Secondary Education Standards Development Committee under the AODA.
In addition to my advocacy work, I’m a licensed medical laboratory technologist specializing in cytogenetics and molecular genetics. I hold degrees and diplomas across genetics and marine environmental science from Memorial University of Newfoundland — blending academic insight with lived experience to drive change in classrooms, labs, and beyond.
Let’s reimagine what inclusive science can look like — together.
Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai (He/Him), Co-Founder, IDEA-STEM
[Image description]: Mahadeo stands on the centre of the image. The image is cut off at his waist. He is indoors and standing in-front of a colourful backdrop, and his hands rest on a white pedestal. He has dark skin, wears glasses, a grey suit, a green shirt, and a light grey tie. His hair is short and dark brown. He smiles softly.
Hey, I’m Mahadeo — a scientist, educator, and passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in STEM and healthcare.
As the world’s first congenitally blind geneticist, this work is more than professional — it’s profoundly personal. I’ve spent over two decades navigating systems that weren’t built with people like me in mind, and I’ve made it my mission to change that. Through IDEA-STEM, I help create spaces where science, research, education, and work are truly inclusive — not just in theory, but in practice.
I’ve had the privilege of working across the country and beyond — co-creating national accessibility standards, supporting equity-focused research, advising governments, and helping organizations reimagine how they lead, hire, and include. I also serve on several boards and advisory committees that are helping shape the future of accessibility and data equity in Canada.
Whether I’m teaching in the classroom, coaching a team, or consulting on inclusive strategy, I lead with curiosity, care, and a deep belief in the power of systems that work for everyone.
If you're looking to build something more accessible, sustainable, and human-centered — I’m glad you're here. Let’s get to work.
Meet the Team!
April Assenza
[Image description]: April smiles widely at the camera. She has brown hair that falls in cascades past her shoulders. She is wearing a dark grey turtleneck sweater. The background is blurred.
Hey, I’m April — a mental health consultant and passionate advocate committed to building inclusive spaces where mental wellness is prioritized and protected.
This work is deeply personal to me. As someone with lived experience, I understand how isolating it can be to navigate mental health challenges — especially in spaces where stigma still lingers. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help organizations not just talk about mental health, but truly center it in how they work, lead, and support their people.
With over 15 years in the health and non-profit spaces, I’ve influenced and shaped the healthcare landscape, developed and led national programs, reimagined signature events with accessibility at their core, and collaborated with stakeholders across sectors to design strategies that promote well-being, connection, and impact.
My approach blends empathy with execution — ensuring that the people most impacted are always part of the solution.
Whether you’re here as a leader, community builder, or someone looking for inspiration and tools to do better — welcome. Let’s create something meaningful together.
Akriti Pandey
[Image description]: Akriti is a woman of colour with a ponytail wearing a white shirt. There is a lanyard hanging around her neck that reads “Sensity” and a silver necklace with a gem in the middle. She is wearing a pair of earrings and a pair of black eyeglasses. She smiles big at the camera.
Hey, I’m Akriti — a public health researcher and passionate advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and equity in systems that shape our lives.
My journey is rooted in curiosity and care. With a background in Health Sciences from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Public Health from Queen’s University, I’ve spent the past few years leading research that pushes the boundaries of how we think about disability, data, and justice.
From shaping strategic plans to exploring the future of Accessible and Explainable AI, I’ve led projects that bridge research and real-world impact. I bring both research and project management experience to the table — but what drives me most is the belief that evidence-informed decisions can (and should) center lived experience.
I’m here to help create systems that don’t just include people — but value and reflect them. If you care about building a world where equity is more than a buzzword, I’m with you.
Let’s imagine and build better, together.
Nancy Smith
[Image description]: Nancy has white and grey curly hair, and a white complexion. Her eyes look blueish-grey and she is smiling widely off camera. There are pink flowers with green bushes in the background.
Hey, I’m Nancy — a business coach, educator, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about supporting meaningful, intentional change.
For me, coaching is about more than goals — it’s about building trust, creating space for growth, and walking alongside people as they move through challenge toward transformation. I believe change becomes possible when we’re grounded in authentic relationships, honest communication, and a shared commitment to doing the hard work together.
Most of my work has been in the post-secondary world, where I’ve designed engaging and accessible learning experiences to create curricula that sparks leadership and real connection. I have examined and drawn attention to the significance of the interface of technology. All of this is work for which I have been recognized, but what I value most is seeing others step into their strengths.
As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, I know how hard it can be to face change — or even know where to begin. That’s why I bring a strengths-based lens to everything I do. Coaching has helped me navigate my own journey, and I’m honoured to support others on theirs.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, starting something new, or seeking clarity — welcome. Let’s explore what’s possible, together.
Claudia Sendanyoye
[Image description]: A black woman with brown curled hair, some of which goes past her shoulders and half pulled up into a ponytail with curtain bangs smiles softly at the camera. She is wearing a dark grey shirt. There is a wooden panel behind her.
Hey, I’m Claudia (she/her) — an accessibility researcher, advocate, and passionate believer in co-creating anti-ableist and anti-sanist systems of care.
Grounded in disability justice and anti-oppressive practice, my work lives at the intersections of research, policy, education, and community. At IDEA-STEM, I help advance inclusive science initiatives that center the creativity, knowledge, and priorities of MMIND communities (Mad, perceived as/labeled as mentally ill, Neurodivergent, Disabled).
Before this, I worked for over three years as an analyst and advisor at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), where I had the opportunity to co-develop the organization’s first-ever anti-ableism action plan — work that deepened my commitment to systems change.
Beyond research, I serve as an advisor on the Provincial Table for Psychosis and Schizophrenia at Ontario Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence and collaborate with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) on projects making early psychosis care and educational programming more accessible.
Community care is at the heart of what I do: I also facilitate peer support groups through the Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa and the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network, nurturing interdependence and collective resilience.
I hold a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Carleton University, with a concentration in chronic illness and disability, and stay connected to national and global conversations on accessibility and systems change as part of the National Black Disability Coalition, the CERC in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing’s IDEA Global Research Innovation Advisory Group, and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.
At my core, I believe meaningful change is collective — and that real inclusion centers the voices of those most impacted.
Nusrat Mir
[Image description]: A Muslim Bangladeshi-Canadian woman of colour grins at the camera. She is wearing a blue hijab and a floral dress with a black cardigan. She is standing outside with a background of blurred green trees and a black fence.
Hi there, I’m Nusrat — a digital accessibility consultant, digital designer, artist, educator, community organizer, and an accessibility advocate. I bring my living experience, my enthusiasm, and my love for health, learning and creativity wherever I go.
Previously, I have been privileged to be a part of the Marketing team in various roles at Race and Disability Canada. Prior to that, I was the Accessibility Program Coordinator for the Equity and Inclusion Office at McMaster University, where I also served as a Peer Educator a few years ago. I’ve also really enjoyed my time supporting the Student Accessibility Services as the Disability Awareness Coordinator building campaigns and uplifting the stories of staff and students who identify with a disability across McMaster campus. Supporting persons and organizations in co-creating accessible content and systems, whether digital or physical, or attitudinal, is my passion.
Looking forward to being a part of the journey in supporting you and figuring it out together, however that looks as we all keep moving forward!
Meet the Partners!
Access Advance Consulting
AccessAdvance is a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations advance their accessibility goals. We provide strategic advice, accessibility reviews, policy and program evaluations, research and training.
We look at how different parts of an organization, its spaces, policies, services, and culture, work together to support or create barriers to accessibility. Our assessments identify gaps and opportunities across these areas, helping organizations make meaningful, lasting improvements.
We also research emerging trends and offer practical guidance to support legislative compliance and forward-thinking planning. In addition, we’re regularly invited to speak to diverse audiences about accessibility issues and solutions.
Our goal is to help organizations embed accessibility into everyday operations, creating environments where people with disabilities can fully participate. With thoughtful, inclusive practices that consider the bigger picture, organizations benefit from increased innovation, stronger compliance, and deeper community engagement.
We are proud to collaborate with a trusted network of accessibility professionals and organizations who bring deep knowledge and lived experience to every project. Our partners offer specialized expertise in physical and digital accessibility, STEM education, accessibility standards, and inclusive design across sectors. Together, we co-create innovative, community-informed solutions that strengthen equity in education, healthcare, workplaces, and beyond. Through these partnerships, we are building a future where accessibility is embedded from the start.
Dexterity Consulting
Dexterity Consulting was established in 2017. The company collaborates with individuals, businesses, organizations, and governments to achieve their accessibility goals. Accessibility involves allowing a person to enhance their experience or citizenship when participating in an activity, while accommodation is allowing someone to reach their full potential in whatever environment they choose by providing supports to enable that individual to excel and participate.
Dexterity provides strategic guidance, accessibility reviews and audits, policy and program development and evaluation, research and training.
Dexterity works with individuals and families to help improve the accessibility of their environments. This includes assisting people with disabilities and older adults who may need advice on what changes can make their homes more accessible. Dexterity also works with businesses, governments, organizations, employers, and educational institutions to help them accommodate people with disabilities by making their spaces more accessible and welcoming to all.