"Challenging the stigma surrounding mental health by supporting BIPOC & LGBTQ2IA+ voices."
Who We Are
The Voices For Hope Foundation aims to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health through an intersectional framework by spear-heading educational initiatives such as workshops & campaigns, social justice think-pieces, and policy & advocacy work.
We aim to provide those with mental health and substance use struggles, particularly those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and/ or LGBTQ2IA+, a safe-space and platform to share their experiences in an effort to empower and equip communities with the resources and tools for healthy healing.
Together, we can start impactful conversations about mental health that center and uplift diverse voices.
Our Directors
Gunreet Sethi
Director
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Gunreet is currently studying at Simon Fraser University where she is majoring in Sociology. She also assists individuals with diverse abilities through her work as an Outreach Worker. Gunreet is passionate about building inclusive communities through an intersectional approach.
As an avid volunteer and leader, Gunreet has been involved in many initiatives, including her barrier-breaking documentary called "Everything is Beauty" that attempts to challenge the mainstream definition of beauty by highlighting the experiences of 14 individuals who have faced challenges with self-image and mental health.
She has also received a number of awards and recognitions for her altruism, the most recent being the Surrey Board of Trade's 'Top 25 Under 25 Award'.
In the future, she plans to challenge unjust laws that marginalize communities, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ2IA+ folks, through her work as a lawyer. Gunreet loves Harry Potter and Marvel, and likes to watch Netflix in her free time.
Rabiah Dhaliwal
Founder & Director
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Rabiah holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, disability justice, and creating a culture of accessibility that is safe for marginalized groups. She hopes to pursue a career in healthcare and research in the future.
Rabiah is Miss British Columbia 2019, Miss Canada First Runner-Up, and has spoken nationally to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance where she testified to introduce a 'Mental Health Parity Act'.
In the past, she has also served as a Mental Health Ambassador with BC Children's Hospital. Rabiah is a winner of the 2020 'L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award' and was also named one of 'Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women' of 2020. In her spare time she is an avid artist, enjoys exploring outdoors, and running.