OUR TEAM
Co-Executive Director, Medicine
Pauline de Jesus
Hello, I’m Pauline and I’m proud to say I’ve been part of the Innovation4Health family since 2018! I’ve moved through several roles over the years and for the 2025 program, I’m one of the Co-EDs. I graduated from my MSc in Neuroscience and am now a second-year medical student at UCalgary. I’ve continued to be involved with I4H because I love the ever-growing community that the program has built. The vibrant energy that comes from excited, creative minds eager to tackle relevant health-related issues is inspiring. This year, I’m so thrilled to merge the innovation space with Women & Gender Diverse Health, as this aligns with my personal career and research goals.
Co-Executive Director, Medicine
Emily Cox
Hi! I am one of the co-executive directors of I4H 2025. This is my first year on the organizing committee, but I participated in the 2019 NeuroNexus challenge as an innovator! I am really passionate about women and gender diverse health, and am excited to help this year’s event be a success! I completed my BSc. (Hons) in Neuroscience here at U of C, and I am currently a second-year medical student here. Outside of school and I4H, you can find me knitting, running, and creating pottery!
Co-Executive Director, Biomedical Engineering
Onara Hettiarachchige
Hello! I am the Co-Executive Director for I4H 2025. I am currently a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary, specializing in wearable technology. My previous roles include Data Scientist at Orpyx, Research Assistant at Gannon University (GU), Senior Representative of the Student Government Association at GU, and Service Chair for the Global Student Organization at GU.
I completed my BSc in Biomedical Engineering at Gannon University, USA, in 2023.
I am passionate about solving real-world healthcare challenges through innovation and excited to drive innovation at this year’s event.
"Innovation drives progress and transforms lives."
Co-Senior Director, Programming
Zahra Bozorgmehr
Hi! I'm the Senior Director of Programming for the 2025 Innovation 4 Health (i4H). I am currently in my final year of a Master's program in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary. Over the past five years, I've gained extensive experience as a Junior Biomedical Engineer, specializing in tissue engineering, biomaterials, drug delivery, stem cell therapy, bioprinting, and hydrogels. Beyond academia, I have worked as a Biomedical Design Engineer at the Pasteur Institute, where I led cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge biomedical solutions. I am also skilled in installing and adjusting medical equipment in healthcare facilities. As a passionate advocate for innovation, I am dedicated to driving impactful projects that bridge the gap between engineering and healthcare.
Senior Director, Brand Development
Chinaza Enyinnaya-Okidi
Hello! I am the senior director of the Brand development portfolio for the 2025 edition of Innovation 4 Health. I am a third year Biomedical Engineering student, minoring in Digital Engineering, and am serving on the BMESS executive portfolio as the VP External. I will be working with the brand development portfolio to create an engaging and inspiring brand for this year’s event. I am very excited to be a part of all the innovation and great ideas that would accompany I4h, and am excited to contribute my technical and creative knowledge to making this event a success!
Senior Director, Engagement
Jorja Zebak
Hey! I am the Senior Director of Engagement for I4H 2025. I am currently in my third year of Biomedical Engineering with a Minor in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development at the University of Calgary. I have worked with the Brain Computer Interface Lab and the Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments Lab out of the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and I am currently the Co-Vice President of Academics for the Biomedical Engineering Students’ Society (BMESS) at University of Calgary. I am passionate about innovations to improve the community, and cannot wait for this years’ event!
Senior Director, Finance
Caitlin Bittman
Hello, I’m Caity and I’m thrilled to be a part of the I4H team! I am a second year medical student at the UofC, but prior to that I enjoyed an 8-year career as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. Some of those years were spent successfully managing my solo private practice, and I am happy to bring that experience into my role as Director of Finance. I wanted to contribute to the I4H community because I have a strong interest in the development of healthcare policies, practices, and innovations that reduce barriers to healthcare and/or improve patient safety. I can’t wait to see all the thoughtful and creative solutions developed at this year’s event!
Co-Senior Director, Programming
Valentina Diaz
Hey everyone! I’ll be working as the Co-Senior Director of Programming for I4H in the 2024-2025 year. I am currently in my third year of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary. I’m very passionate about advancing technology for health, which is what drew me to Innovation for Health! I’ll be overseeing the program’s structure, content, and internal operations, collaborating with our Education, Operations, and Mentorship teams to create an engaging and impactful experience.
Senior Director, Impact
Amber Quo
Hi everyone :) I am Amber, the Senior Director of Impact for I4H 2025! I am in my third year of Biomedical Engineering with a Digital Engineering minor. I am very interested in the intersection of technology and biomedical innovations, which is what led me to get involved with I4H. I am excited to bring my leadership experience from the Biomedical Engineering Students’ Society to ensure the competition’s success. I can’t wait to see what our team can do to improve the competition, and I am excited to see what innovations result from I4H! Outside of BME-related ventures, you can probably find me on the rugby pitch!
Director, Challenge Recruitment
Shaggy Asomugha
Hey friends! I will be working within I4H as the director of challenge recruitment for the 2024-2025 year. I’m currently a third year Biomedical Engineering student pursuing a minor in Digital Engineering at the University of Calgary. I hope to bring my experience from the Biomedical Engineering Student’ Society to help organize this amazing and insightful event for students, the public and industry professionals alike. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with others so passionate about healthcare innovation and I know it’ll be a blast!
Director, Awards & Post-Competition Grants & Programs
Director, Transition
Robert Mayall
Hi! I’m Robert, and I’m excited to be joining the I4H team this year as the Director of Transition & Post-Competition Programs. I have 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur in biotech, with a focus on tech and IP management. My most recent role was as the CTO & co-founder of a Calgary-based startup where I led a team of scientists and engineers in bringing our products from ideas to market. I’m excited to bring this experience to support the I4H teams, especially as they look at what their innovations could do to better the world after the competition.
Director, External Communications
Lauren King
Hey! I'm Lauren, and this is my first year with the I4H team, where I'm excited to contribute to the brand development team. This year’s theme, Women and Gender Diverse Health, is something I am very passionate about as someone who has been an advocate for women in sports. I'm eager to broaden my understanding and make an impact in this important area. I am originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, I'm currently in my third year of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary. Alongside my studies, I also handle external communications for BMESS, so I must love sending emails! My interests outside of school include spending as much time being active outdoors as I can. I love skiing, hiking, running, and riding my horses.
Directory, Design
Shefali Rai
Hello! As Director of Design for this year's I4H competition, I bring a unique blend of neuroscience expertise and creative leadership to our brand development. Currently I am in the senior year of my PhD in Neuroscience and I've previously served as Director of Communications for the ACHRI Trainee Association and Co-Director of Community Engagement with NeuroNexus. I'm excited to revitalize our brand this year with designs that highlight our focus on women and gender-diverse health.
Director, Mentorship
Director, Judging
Joice El Mehallawy
I am the Director of Judging, Awards & Mentorship for Innovation4Health. I’m currently pursuing my Juris Doctor and hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Technology. In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the I4H hackathon, where my team and I won the overall award. That experience was a catalyst, driving my passion for innovation and collaboration at the intersection of health and technology.
Now, as a Director within I4H, I’m thrilled to contribute in a new capacity, leveraging my unique perspective as both a past participant and someone deeply invested in fostering innovation. I work to ensure the judging process is fair and impactful, celebrate groundbreaking ideas through awards, and support participants through mentorship to help them turn their visions into reality. My goal is to empower teams to create meaningful solutions and amplify the role of I4H in shaping the future of our healthtech ecosystem.
Director, Web Content Management
Alan Coreas
Hey everyone! I've been around I4H for a while now as a previous competitor, Director of Education, and now Directory of Web Content Management. This year, I'm eager to keep our website up-to-date with everything you need to excel as innovators, volunteers, mentors, and/or directors. If you go ‘Wow, what a great website’, I’ll know I’ve made a difference.
For a bit more info about myself, I graduated in Electrical Engineering with a Biomedical Specialization, and have had diverse experience in stroke centre analysis, wireless product design, and instrumentation & controls. Currently, I work in a lab exploring Focused Ultrasound applications (super cool stuff, check it out!). Interests include hockey (Go Flames Go!), bouldering, and of course bringing brilliant minds together to help shape the future of healthcare.
Co-Director, Community Engagement
Mariane Dela Cruz
Hi, I'm currently pursuing Business Administration with a major in Marketing at SAIT. I bring years of professional experience in marketing, specializing in promotions, branding, digital marketing, and events. I look forward to collaborate with industry leaders and the dynamic I4H community to see what passion, creativity and innovation can produce this year!
Director, Operations
Angela Pochakom
Hello! I’m Angela, and I’m thrilled to be joining the I4H team this year, especially as a long-time advocate for women’s and gender-diverse health. I’m currently a second-year medical student at the University of Calgary and hold a BSc in Neuroscience and an MSc in Medical Science. Prior to this, I worked in project management and health education within the non-profit sector, and I’m excited to bring those experiences to help run an incredible I4H program in 2025. I can’t wait to see the inspiring ideas and innovations that will come to life!
Director, Education
Joanna Keough
Hello! I am the Director of Education for the 2025 i4H. I am currently a second year medical student at the University of Calgary and am a Leaders in Medicine student. Throughout my undergrad and MSc I enjoyed being involved with many student associations and I completed my MSc research in the BCI4Kids lab. I am really excited to be a part of the i4H team this year. I will be working with the organizing team, striving to set up excellent educational programming to provide competitors with the best knowledge to drive their innovative and impactful projects forward.
Co-Director, Community Engagement
Yingying Zhao
Hello! I am a second-year medical student at the UofC and the co-director for community engagement this year! Health tech emerged as an interest of mine after earning my BKin in Interdisciplinary Studies from UBC and Master of Management from the Sauder School of Business. I’m excited to bring collaborative and engagement skills from my TELUS Health MyCare career before medical school to advance Women & Gender Diverse Health with the brilliant I4H community!
Director, Industry Engagement
Director, SAIT Strategy
Princess Jasmine Jewere Neri
Hey there! I’m Princess Jasmine but call me PJ. I am currently studying Business Administration with a major in Marketing at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). I’m a multipassionate creative with a decade of experience in aviation and 5 years in marketing. From my work as a a flight attendant, photographer, to building dynamic marketing campaigns, I’ve always been passionate about connecting people and bridging ideas.
Now, as Director of Industry Engagement and SAIT Strategy for Innovate4Health 2025, I’m thrilled to bring together my love for innovation, creativity, and helping people. I’m excited to use my diverse experiences to collaborate with industry leaders and push the boundaries of healthcare technology. Being part of Innovate4Health 2025 is such an exciting opportunity to create meaningful impact, and I’m eager to contribute to its success!
Director, Innovator Recruitment
Lisa Unruh
Hi! I am the Director of Innovator Recruitment for I4H 2025. I am currently in my third year of Biomedical Engineering with a Minor in Digital Engineering at the University of Calgary. I am currently an Academic Commissioner for the Biomedical Engineering Students’ Society (BMESS), where I advocate for the academic needs of my peers and organize various events. I am dedicated to fostering innovative solutions that benefit our community and look forward to the impact we’ll make at this year’s event!