Vania Patrick-Drakes is a seasoned professional with over ten years of experience in mental health, social policy, advocacy, and social justice. Specializing in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and anti-racism, anti-oppression (ARAO) training and policy development, Vania has led impactful ARAO organizational strategies across systems through comprehensive analyses and strategic implementation. With a strong foundation in social science research, she integrates policy, practice, and data-driven insights to drive systemic change and support the development of more equitable and inclusive institutions.
Vania’s expertise spans various domains, including mental health, advocacy, and the promotion of equity and inclusion within organizational and social systems. She has extensive experience facilitating knowledge-building sessions for professionals at all levels—from frontline staff to leadership—on topics such as mental health, EDI, and ARAO. Vania’s approach to learning is thoughtful, engaging, and interactive, incorporating scenarios, reflection questions, videos, and open dialogue to create an impactful learning environment. By fostering critical discussion, she equips participants with practical tools that can be applied in real-world settings.
A recipient of the Other Universals Consortium UWI Scholarship Award for multiple years, Vania has contributed to a supra-national project supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This project connects scholars from universities across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean to address critical social issues.
Vania is deeply committed to the principles of reflexivity, humility, respect, and kindness as tools to drive meaningful change. She believes in continuously examining our paradigms, listening to understand, and leading with empathy to create space for growth and impactful, equitable outcomes. Her work blends critical reflection with tangible action, ensuring that both individuals and systems evolve toward justice, equity, and well-being.
Recent Publications
- King, B., Edwards, T., Laylor, A., Chowdhury, R., Smith, C., Facey, K., & Patrick-Drakes, V. (2025). Mapping Disparities for Black Families Project: Technical Report Describing Background, Purpose, and Methods. One Vision One Voice: Toronto, ON.
- King, B., Edwards, T., Fallon, B., Facey, K., & Patrick-Drakes, V. (2025). School Referrals, Allegations of Physical Abuse, and Substantiation (Mapping Disparities for Black Families Project Information Sheet #2). One Vision One Voice: Toronto, ON.
- King, B., Edwards, T., Laylor, A., Facey, K., Patrick-Drakes, V., & Chowdhury, R. (2025). Study Overview (Mapping Disparities for Black Families Project Information Sheet #4). One Vision One Voice: Toronto, ON.
- King, B., Edwards, T., Laylor, A., Facey, K., & Patrick-Drakes, V. (2025). Overview of Findings Related to the Eligibility Spectrum (Mapping Disparities for Black Families Project Information Sheet #5). One Vision One Voice: Toronto, ON.
- “Black Community Hub in Durham Region – Feasibility Study, Business Case and Recommendations” — A co-authored report as a contracted consultant with R March 2023.
- Bonnie, N., & Facey, K., with support from King, B., Fallon, B., Joh-Carnella, N., Edwards, T., Kagan-Cassidy, M., Black, T., William, K., Patrick-Drakes, V., & Anucha, C. (2022). Understanding the Over-Representation of Black Children in Ontario Child Welfare Services. (Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2018). Toronto, ON: Child Welfare Research Portal.
- “Black Community Hub in Durham Region: Rationale, Environmental Scan, and Community Recommendations” — A co-authored report as a contracted consultant with RFWC Consulting — July 2022.