Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa

An accomplished physician, nationally ranked spoken word poet, and thought leader, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa is a multi-faceted powerhouse whose journey exemplifies authentic leadership and a deep commitment to driving transformative change. As a resident doctor in psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Dr. Oriuwa has become a trailblazer not only in healthcare but also as an advocate for equity, wellness, and human connection. Her career is a testament to her insatiable curiosity about the human experience and the profound connections that define it.

Dr. Oriuwa’s medical journey is marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements. She became the first Black woman to be named sole valedictorian of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine, a monumental moment in the institution's history. Her leadership within healthcare extends beyond academia into activism, as she has become a powerful voice for addressing disparities in Black health and confronting institutional discrimination. She is leading several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare systems, advocating for underrepresented communities, and fostering inclusivity across various sectors.

In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Oriuwa holds a Master’s degree in Health Systems Leadership and Innovation from the University of Toronto, which has enabled her to approach leadership from both a clinical and organizational perspective. Her work on numerous boards has further reinforced her expertise in advancing equity, promoting authentic leadership, and prioritizing wellness at both the individual and organizational levels. These efforts align with her personal mission to challenge norms and create systemic change that empowers people from all backgrounds to thrive.

Dr. Oriuwa is also the author of Unlike the Rest, a memoir chronicling her journey of becoming, belonging, and being seen as a Black woman in the medical field. The book explores the complexities of identity, resilience, and the courage to lead in spaces where one is often marginalized. Her experiences navigating these challenges have fueled her advocacy work and her passion for creating inclusive spaces in both the healthcare system and the workplace.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Oriuwa was named one of TIME magazine's “2021 Next Generational Leaders” and featured on Maclean’s Power 50 list. She has also been recognized as one of Best Health Magazine’s “Women of the Year.” Dr. Oriuwa’s work has been featured across major media platforms, including CBC’s The National, CTV News, CP24, the Toronto Star, and TODAY. In 2021, her role as a frontline healthcare worker was commemorated by Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes campaign, where she was honoured with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her likeness.