May 14, 2024

What to Expect at A Mental Health Morning:  
Samra Zafar shares her thoughts on Mental Health through the Lens of Intersectionality

After escaping a decade of abuse living as a child bride in Canada, best-selling author, DEI expert and physician-in-training, Samra Zafar, has become a beacon of hope for those facing exclusion and interpersonal violence.  

Today, she’s recognized among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, Top 25 Most Inspirational Women in Canada, and Top 25 Canadian Immigrants. She serves as a Governor at the University of Toronto, a Celebrated Ambassador for Plan International, and a board member for Women’s College Hospital Foundation 

And on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Samra will speak on Mental Health Through the Lens of Intersectionality at A Mental Health Morning, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation’s annual breakfast aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental illness while raising funds for mental health and addictions care at the Hospital.  

Through a mix of personal experience and powerful storytelling, Samra will touch upon the themes of healing with trauma; the importance of self-compassion; the power of authenticity, acceptance and belonging; and the collective effort it requires to build and support resilience.  

Having completed some of her medical school rotations right here in Forensic Psychiatry at the West 5^th Campus of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Samra is delighted to return to Hamilton as the keynote speaker of the 2024 edition of A Mental Health Morning. 

Her book, A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose, sheds light on gender-based oppression and has become a national bestseller. It was one of CBC’s Best Books in 2019 and is currently being adapted to a premium TV series.  Following her talk, Samra is hosting a book sale and signing at A Mental Health Morning.  

A Mental Health Morning is brought to the community by presenting sponsor ArcelorMittal Dofasco. Tickets for the event can be purchased here. 

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We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 St. Joseph’s Spirit of Hope Awards which will be presented at the Mental Health Morning breakfast, recognizing youth, individuals and groups/organizations in the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, and Brant regions who have overcome mental health or addiction challenges, or made impactful contributions to these fields.

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For additional mental health information and resources, visit the Hospital’s website.