Meet the Board

Chair: Dr. Jennifer Njenga

Dr. Jennifer Njenga is a renowned Primary Care and Public Health Physician with over 22 years of clinical and leadership experience across eight countries, including Canada, the U.S., and various African nations. She holds an MD from South Africa, an MPH from New Zealand, and a DrPH from Australia. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Harvard Global Health Care Leaders Program. As the Founder and CEO of Engage Global Health, a public health firm, Dr. Njenga collaborates with partners across multiple continents to promote health equity, particularly for marginalized populations such as refugees, newcomers, women, children, and Indigenous communities.

Key Achievements:

Received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award for outstanding healthcare service in Canada.
Established a mobile health clinic during COVID-19, which provided over 2,500 medical visits across Alberta, serving seniors, newcomers, homeless individuals, and refugees in more than 20 languages.
Served on over 10 boards and committees, including HIV Edmonton (since 2021), the Alberta Coalition for Refugee Health, and Harvard’s Global Healthcare Leaders Foundation
Appointed Co-Chair of the International MAPS Panel by Alberta’s former Minister of Health to advise on primary care reform.
Leads initiatives in electronic health record (EHR) optimization, clinical pathways development, and health systems transformation.

Dr. Njenga has a deep personal and professional connection to the HIV community, shaped by her lived experience and numerous years of frontline care in high-burden countries. She continues to advocate for equitable healthcare access and is dedicated to supporting HIV Edmonton’s mission through her global expertise, leadership, and public health insights.

She founded a mobile health clinic during COVID-19, which delivered over 2,500 medical visits across Alberta, serving seniors, newcomers, the homeless, and refugees in 20+ languages.
She has served on over ten boards and committees, including HIV Edmonton (since 2021), Alberta Coalition for Refugee Health, and Harvard’s Global Healthcare Leaders Foundation.
Appointed Co-Chair of the International MAPS Panel by Alberta’s former Minister of Health to advise on primary care reform. Leads initiatives in EHR optimization, clinical pathways development, and health systems transformation.
Deep personal and professional connection to the HIV community, informed by lived experience and years of frontline care in high-burden countries

Dr. Njenga continues to advocate for equitable healthcare access and is committed to supporting HIV Edmonton’s mission with her global expertise, leadership, and public health insight.

Vice-Chair: Diovanni Pitts

Diovanni brings over 15 years of experience as a cook and pastor, having moved from Jamaica to Canada in 2015. A father of two and grandfather of four, Diovanni is deeply rooted in community service and advocacy. His involvement in the HIV community began in Jamaica, where he supported individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and continues today through his work in Edmonton.

He serves on the ACB Advisory Committee with HIV Edmonton and actively organized Black History Month activities for the ACB community in 2025. Diovanni is committed to promoting unity and inclusion within the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) community and is passionate about addressing stigma, health equity, and justice for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

By joining the Board, Diovanni hopes to help shape strategies and advocate for those facing intersecting challenges such as stigma, healthcare access, LGBTQ+ rights, racial injustice, and poverty. He also sees this as an opportunity to grow his leadership skills and continue learning.

Diovanni enjoys walks, reading, and cooking/baking when he has time.

Secretary: Charlene Hansen

Charlene Hansen is a dedicated single mother of two teenage daughters and guardian to her nephew. She currently serves as a Student Support Advisor at Trade Winds to Success, where she helps students overcome barriers and achieve their goals in the trades sector.

A proud homeowner in Milwoods, Charlene recently graduated from the Indigenous Studies Program at NorQuest College (May 2024). She volunteered with five organizations during her studies, demonstrating her deep-rooted commitment to community service. Charlene brings a diverse professional background, with hands-on experience ranging from Journeyman Baker in the food industry to Nurse’s Aid in healthcare. Her career has always centred around caring for others—whether in the kitchen, at the bedside, or in the classroom.

This will be her first opportunity to serve on the board, and she is eager to bring her community-minded spirit, lived experiences, and passion for helping others to the table. Charlene believes in uplifting those around her and is committed to making a difference wherever possible.

Treasurer : Juan Charles Vardy

Charles brings over 40 years of experience in the banking industry, having held management-level positions since 1976. His extensive financial affairs and people management background have given him valuable insight and strategic leadership skills.

A dedicated supporter of community well-being, Charles has served on HIV Edmonton’s Board of Directors since 2022, contributing his expertise to a cause he deeply values. He is a 3rd Level Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and continues to apply his financial acumen and governance experience to support HIV Edmonton’s mission and vision.

Director : Akinkunmi Ojo

Dr. Akinkunmi Ojo is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 8 years of medical experience, specializing in infectious diseases and health policy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the Lagos State University College of Medicine in 2016. Following that, he trained as a resident doctor in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Throughout his career, Akinkunmi has been instrumental in emergency response efforts during infectious disease outbreaks and has contributed to the development of policies aimed at improving community health. His interests include mental health, health systems management, and disability support, as demonstrated by his Mental Health First Aid Certification and his ongoing work as a Child and Youth Support Worker in Canada.

Since relocating to Alberta in April 2024, Akinkunmi has been actively pursuing pathways into the Canadian healthcare system as a member of the Alberta International Medical Graduate Association. He currently volunteers with HIV Edmonton, the Canadian Red Cross, and St. John Ambulance, and he has previously served on several health-focused boards in Nigeria.

Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Akinkunmi enjoys playing the guitar, football, and swimming.

Director: Jenny Onyema

Dr. Jenny is an internationally trained medical graduate (IMG) with extensive experience in clinical care, advocacy, and governance across Canada and Nigeria. Since joining the HIV Edmonton Board of Directors in 2023, she has played a key role in governance reform and actively serves on the Bylaws and Governance Sub-Committee.

Jenny’s equity-focused approach is deeply rooted in her public health work in Nigeria, including outreach in internally displaced persons’ camps, and her frontline caregiving roles in Edmonton. She is a dedicated mental health advocate, health blogger, and active member of multiple community organizations promoting inclusive care and social justice.

Jenny brings a unique blend of cultural sensitivity, practical medical insight, and a passion for advancing health equity. She is committed to continuing her work with HIV Edmonton to support inclusive programming, responsive governance, and meaningful advocacy for marginalized populations. Through this role, she also hopes to further develop her board leadership skills and build deeper connections within the community.