Dr. Karine Rashkovy
senior research associate
filmmaker, author, and photographer
spoken word poet and filmmaker
A Filmmaker, Author and Photographer, Donovan is a mental health advocate and poet, who shares stories of humanity and works to create a better world where conversations around mental health are not only permitted but welcomed
Dr. Karine Rashkovsky holds a PhD in Education Policy and a Masters in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (OISE), and is currently a senior research associate with York University's Faculty of Education. In addition to her academic research and policy efforts on SSHRC's (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada) Insight Grant (2019 winner, collaborator team: UBC, YorkU, WesternU, UofT, WindsorU; "International students in Ontario secondary schools: Policies, protocols, and practices"), she is also the director of Brain Power Enrichment Programs - Canada's award-winning enrichment learning center for bright and talented youth. Additionally, Karine is a judge for both NASA's UofT Space Hackathon and Canada's #1 Inspirational Public Speaking competitions (Speaker Slam), and she is both an Ontario VBEC mentor and professional speaker and educator (OISE - Master Classes). Her most recent accolades include: CSPN Entrepreneur of the Year - Canada (2019), Toronto City Mogul (2019), Top Business and Entrepreneur City of Vaughan (2019, 2018), York Region's Passion into Practice Award (2018), and others. Karine is committed to impact, advocacy, and social change and leads the way forward through her pursuits.
Dwayne Morgan began his career in the spoken word in 1993. Affectionally called the Godfather of Canadian spoken word by his peers, Morgan is the author of 13 published and 9 audio collections of his work. Morgan is a 2021 finalist for the Toronto Arts Foundation Margo Bindhardt and Rita Davies Award, a 2016 finalist for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and a 2013 inductee into the Scarborough Walk of Fame. To date, Morgan has shared his work in 18 countries internationally.
Hannah Flores is an award-winning 18-year-old spoken word poet and filmmaker from Toronto, Ontario Canada, and is currently in her first year at the University of Toronto. Hannah has made appearances to perform her poetry, showcase her films, and discuss the importance of youth arts programs on CBC Radio and Television. She has also worked for various organizations, such as Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), the Toronto Raptors, OVO, and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles.