Salal Sexual Assault Support Centre

Arnima Singh (she/her) is running for Board Chair this year; a Master of Science student in the School of Population and Public Health at UBC and a trainee with the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) under the supervision of Dr. Martin Guhn.

Her thesis investigates the barriers BIPOC families face in accessing primary health care in BC, using a longitudinal dataset of over 100,000 records to explore connections between early childhood development, health outcomes, and systemic inequities. Her interest in equity-focused research began with a community project on the Jericho Lands, where she advocated for park access for East Side children and witnessed how segregation in urban design can shape health trajectories.

Arnima’s work has been recognized through the Canada Graduate Scholarship, the BPOC Excellence Award, the Michael Smith Fellowship, and the Syd Vernon Award.

Over the past year, Arnima has had the privilege of working closely with Salal, supporting survivors and advocating for systemic change. After one year on the board, she is excited to apply and, if elected, continue serving as Board Chair for another term with the organization.

Gillian has over seven years of accounting experience, where she has extensive experience in audit, with a particular focus on supporting not-for-profit organizations.

Gillian is dedicated to using her financial expertise to help Salal build long-term sustainability so the organization can thrive while providing essential, survivor-centered services.

She values active listening and collaboration, qualities that shape both her professional practice and her approach to community work.

Outside of work and volunteering, Gillian enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with family and friends

Benedicta is a passionate policy analyst and certified project manager with a deep commitment to supporting survivors of gender-based violence. For over 7 years, she has leveraged her expertise in the non-profit sector to support resilient communities particularly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Benedicta has been involved in research projects, program development and advocacy. Her strong analytical skills and collaborative approach ensure diverse voices are heard when developing programs and advocating for survivors.

Beyond her professional experience, Benedicta is dedicated to knowledge equity, ensuring that information empowers survivors of gender-based violence. She is a strong believer in Salal SVSC’s mission and is committed to using her skills on the board to further the organization’s impact.

When she is not at work or volunteering in community, you can find Benedicta doing one of two things: trying out new recipes, or spending time with loved ones.

Nic Johnson (she/her) is at her core an intersectional feminist, who beliefs ‘the personal is political’. She is a white, queer, cisgender, able-bodied, woman, uninvited settler on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) land. Nic is also a mother, a wife, a mentor, a learner, and a wounded healer.

She is an Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, the coordinator of the Resistance Lab, and a licensed psychologist. Her teaching, research, and clinical work focus on the prevention and intervention of gender-based violence, centering queer and trans communities.

She wanted to join the board of Salal given their commitment to centering all survivors and emphasis on sexual violence as a systemic, cultural concern, rather than solely an individual/interpersonal concern.