Board of Directors

Iain is an Indigenous lawyer with a J.D. from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law. He is from Wolfville, Nova Scotia and is a proud member of Snuneymuxw First Nation in British Columbia. Prior to law school, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Iain is particularly interested in Indigenous laws and governance and was a member of UVIC’s Indigenous Law Student Association. Outside of law, Iain enjoys various sports and plays on UVIC law’s intramural basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams. Additionally, Iain enjoys backcountry camping and playing the piano.

Raji Mangat is the Executive Director of West Coast LEAF. At the core of Raji’s wide-ranging legal career is a commitment to using the law as a tool for positive transformation. Her recent work has focused on access to justice, the impact of detention on women, administrative, and constitutional law. Raji holds a law degree from the UVic, a master’s degree in international affairs from Carleton University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from the UBC. Raji clerked for Justice Iacobucci at the Supreme Court of Canada and she was called to the Ontario bar in 2004, the New York State bar in 2005, and the BC bar in 2011. Raji also serves on the boards of the Access Pro Bono Society of BC and the Vancouver Public Library. Outside of work, Raji likes to make paper crafts, binge on Netflix, and meander along city streets in search of coffee.

Renae is a dedicated advocate with a mission to reshape how Canada cares for mothers dealing with mental health illnesses. She is a staunch proponent of mother-baby units, recognizing their urgent need to enhance the well-being of mothers and infants across the nation. Renae's fervent commitment to mother-baby units was ignited by her own lived experience within the mental health system, which began shortly after the birth of her son. Her journey through this challenging phase of her life was featured in 'You are Not Alone: an Anthology of Perinatal Mental Health Stories from Conception to Postpartum.'

In her professional life, Renae has served as a public servant for a decade, holding her most recent role as the Director of Indigenous Relations and Strategic Initiatives with the Ministry of Forests, in the Cariboo Region. As a proud Métis individual, her heritage significantly influences her worldview and fuels her dedication to empowering Indigenous communities while bridging crucial gaps.

Drawing from this unique perspective, Renae advocates tirelessly for improved maternal mental health, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that mothers receive the vital support and care they need during this pivotal phase of their lives. Renae is deeply committed to raising awareness and initiating positive change not only in the field of maternal mental health, but mental health practices in general.

Stefanie Ratjen works as a union-side labour lawyer. Her motivation to practice law came after years of working with non-profit and community advocacy organizations on issues related to tenant rights, police accountability, and gender equality. She is especially interested in the intersections of health, human rights, and housing. Stefanie holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor. She enjoys local histories, riding bikes, and gardening.

Sukhdeep (she/hers) was raised on the lands of the Okangan Syilx people to first generation Punjabi parents, and now lives on the lands of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish first nations. She's currently the Lead for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Foundry.  She's had the opportunity to be a founding member of South Asian Mental Health Association (SAMHA), as well as working in research to support stigma reducing interventions for Asian men. Relatively recently her work has focused on the importance of community partnerships and community development to support long-term positive health outcomes.  In her current role, she is supporting systemic, cultural and organizational changes in addressing inequities experienced by staff, and by youth who are accessing care. She strongly believes that we can transform our systems and is thrilled to be on the board of an organization devoted to mental health advocacy. 

Thea McDonagh is the Director of Advocacy for the Together Against Poverty Society, located in Victoria. Thea has worked as a legal advocate since 2009, providing advocacy services to people who have been disenfranchised by our political and economic systems. Thea is passionate about ensuring people have full knowledge of their legal entitlements and access to the financial resources to meet their needs with dignity. Thea holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria and has significant experience working with individuals in the areas of homelessness, substance use, and disability. Thea has gratefully called Victoria home since 2003 and when not working, she enjoys being outside with her family, gardening, and trying to teach her new puppy not to bite!