Researcher. Strategist. Community Builder.
Irene Duah-Kessie is a community builder, researcher, and evaluator with experience in public health and community development.
Through her work with youth and equity-seeking communities, she has led initiatives focused on strengthening educational, employment, technical skills, and health outcomes.
She combines strategic planning, program evaluation, data analytics, and community-based research to help organizations better understand challenges, strengthen initiatives, and create meaningful results.
Focus Areas
Research & Evaluation
Evidence-based approaches that help organizations understand impact, strengthen outcomes, and make informed decisions.
Community-Based Research
Research approaches that centre lived experiences, collaboration, and community perspectives.
Public Health & Social Impact
Exploring the factors that influence wellbeing, equity, and access to opportunities.
Strategy & Innovation
Transforming research findings into strategies that strengthen programs, services, and initiatives.
Featured Awards
May 2024
BlackNorth Initiative:
Youth Leadership
Recipient of the ‘Youth Leadership’ award, sponsored by Hydro One at BlackNorth’s Initiative Excellence Gala.
November 2023Irene was the recipient of the ‘Best Individual Contribution to Advancing Youth in the Workplace’ award. She was also interviewed for the Charity Connects podcast.
June 2022Irene was the recipient of the ‘Building Community Through Research, Science & Technology’ award at the TYC’s Black Youth Gala.
October 2024
CIBWE: Top 100 Black Women to Watch
Selected as one of Canada’s “Top 100 Black Women to Watch” by the Canada International Black Women Excellence.
June 2022
Recipient of the ‘Building Community Through Research, Science & Technology’ award at the TYC’s Black Youth Gala.
Featured Awards
November 2023
May 2024
BlackNorth Initiative:
Youth Leadership
Recipient of the ‘Youth Leadership’ award, sponsored by Hydro One at BlackNorth’s Initiative Excellence Gala.
October 2024
CIBWE: Top 100 Black Women to Watch
Selected as one of Canada’s “Top 100 Black Women to Watch” by the Canada International Black Women Excellence.
June 2022
Recipient of the ‘Building Community Through Research, Science & Technology’ award at the TYC’s Black Youth Gala.
Recipient of the ‘Best Individual Contribution to Advancing Youth in the Workplace’ award. She was also interviewed for the Charity Connects podcast.
Interviews
August 2021Black Voice is an initiative that highlights stories, programs, and businesses among Black communities in Canada. Irene shared her journey navigating academia and how she hopes Rise In STEM will help future generations.
April 2022Irene shared her insights around policy supporting youth-led grassroots organizations, and specifically how Bill S-216 impacts Rise In STEM.
August 2024Irene shared her journey at the University of Toronto, starting her grassroots initiative, Rise In STEM, and the importance of STEM education in her communities.