Akela Peoples, MEd

Chief Executive Officer

Akela Peoples is pleased and honoured to be leading Mental Health Research Canada. She holds a master’s degree in Education and Executive Leadership Certificates from Harvard University, Western University’s Ivey School of Business and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. A values-driven, impact-focused leader, Akela has twice been awarded the WXN Top 100: Canada’s Most Powerful Women award, as well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the YWCA Award of Distinction and the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International.

Akela has a distinguished track record of strategically leading and successfully growing other national charities. She is committed to building bridges and relationships to unify and strengthen communities and indeed Canada at large. She views collaboration and partnerships as important pillars supporting growth and impact in the charitable sector. In addition to impact, strategy and innovation are two key areas of focus in Akela’s leadership because she believes innovation and a “forward looking stance” are critical for continued organizational growth.

Akela is community-minded and served on the Humber College Board of Governors for more than 6 years including serving as Chair, Vice Chair and Chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. She is a world traveller who has ventured to all seven continents and more than 45 countries. Akela also combined travel with her passion for community - she has volunteered in Chile and El Salvador with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for those who are less fortunate

She feels fortunate to always have had work that she loves and is proud to live a life of contribution through her leadership roles and volunteer activities.