Maria Abou Taka – Inspiring Advocacy for Mental Health & Equity
In collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Western University’s Active Minds chapter, Maria Abou Taka co-designed and led a campus-wide mental health survey to assess student access to services. Over 600 students responded, offering deep insights into gaps and barriers across cultural and systemic levels.
🧠 Contribution
- Developed the survey instrument and supervised data collection across diverse student populations.
- Conducted data analysis, identifying key trends, limitations, and areas for improvement in service delivery on campus.
📄 Policy Report & Implementation
- Co-authored a policy recommendations report, submitted to Western University’s administration.
- Collaborated with university leadership to implement several policy changes, including improvements to service availability and culturally responsive supports.
🌱 Impact
- Advanced student access to mental health services for hundreds of students.
- Helped shape university-level reforms grounded in data and lived experience.
- Contributed to creating a more inclusive and equitable mental health framework on campus.