Christiana Onabola is a health equity and policy professional and a newcomer to Canada. She is currently a Health Sciences doctoral candidate at the University of Northern BC, and an immigrant mother of two. Her journey with the Centre for Family Equity began as a Peer Researcher on the Making Mothers Matter (MMM) project, where she brought both her lived experience and professional expertise to research and advocacy focused on amplifying the voices of marginalized women and families. Motivated by her own experiences navigating childcare challenges, Christiana is dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of families facing systemic barriers.

As a former peer researcher and active SMA/CFE member for many years, Christiana has supported the development of interview toolkits that foster trust and facilitate open dialogue with mothers and families in poverty. Her contributions have enhanced the design of research questionnaires, and she has conducted interviews to ensure participants’ perspectives are authentically represented. In addition to her work with the Centre, Christiana serves on the board of the Canadian Evaluation Society BC Chapter, where she leads regional initiatives that connect evaluators in Northern BC with CESBC's essential resources and professional development opportunities. As a board member, Christiana’s background in research, evaluation, and community engagement supports the Centre’s mission to create equitable opportunities and meaningful improvements for families across British Columbia.