Preventing the next pandemic

Dr. Peter Daszak is President of EcoHealth Alliance, a US-based organization that conducts research and outreach on global health, conservation and international development. Dr. Daszak’s research is focused on the origins and impact of emerging diseases, and includes identifying the bat origin of SARS, the drivers of Nipah virus emergence, publishing the first global emerging disease ‘hotspots’ map, discovering SADS coronavirus, launching the Global Virome Project, identifying the first case of a disease causing species extinction, and discovering chytridiomycosis as the cause global amphibian declines.

Dr. Weese is a veterinary internist and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. He is a Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Director of the University of Guelph Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, and Chief of Infection Control at the Ontario Veterinary College Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Hajek is an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He has also worked with the World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders, responding to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Dr. Ronald Orenstein is a Canadian zoologist, lawyer, dedicated wildlife conservationist and the author of 11 books on science and nature. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Species Survival Network (SSN), and a member of the Asian Songbird Trade, Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise and Hornbill Specialist Groups of the of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. He has been a registered observer at meetings of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) for over thirty years.

Jann Arden is a multi-platinum, award winning, Canadian music icon and committed animal advocate. Known as a singer, songwriter, best-selling author and star of the CTV sitcom Jann, she was awarded the Order of Canada in 2019, has a star of Canada’s Walk of Fame and recently was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

On top of all of this, Jann uses her significant profile to raise awareness and improve the lives of animals. She has spoken out to end the long distance transport of horses for slaughter and is supporting World Animal Protection’s call to end the cruel wildlife trade.  

Dr. Jane Goodall DBE is an ethologist and environmentalist, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. In July 1960, at the age of 26, she travelled from England to what is now Tanzania and ventured into the little-known world of the wild chimpanzees living in Gombe.

Equipped with a notebook, binoculars and a fascination with wildlife, Dr. Goodall braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives. Through 60 years of ground-breaking work, she has not only shown us the urgent need to protect chimpanzees from extinction; she has also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment. 

Today there are 24 Jane Goodall Institutes working to support JGI’s core programmes including TACARE a community conservation programme, two sanctuaries for orphan chimpanzees and Roots & Shoots, JGI’s environmental and humanitarian programme empowering young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects for their community, animals and the environment in more than 65 countries.

Dr. Goodall has received many awards and honorary degrees, has authored books for adults and children, and featured in numerous documentaries and films.

Buffy Sainte-Marie is a multi-award winning and groundbreaking singer, songwriter, social activist, author, musician and composer. Buffy has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry.

In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums and in 1982, she became the first Indigenous person to win an Oscar. She also spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television.

Most recently, Buffy authored a children’s picture book called Hey Little Rockabye – A Lullaby For Pet Adoption that introduces the concept of pet adoption to young children and their families, and conveys an important message about finding love and acceptance.

The Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer, a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. In a challenging world, Buffy continues to bring light and clarity through her music and advocacy.

Aliya Jasmine is an award-winning television host, producer, she received her Master’s degree in environmental journalism from the university of southern California.  She is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, Director of Nature United, and co-founder of the environmentally focused creative think tank, Lili Media & Design Lab.

Aliya Jasmine has been a celebrity ambassador for World Animal Protection since 2015, supporting their campaigns to eradicate rabies through mass dog vaccinations and to protect sea life by removing lost fishing gear from our oceans. You likely recognize her from years of hosting TV shows for NBC News in Los Angeles, Discovery Channel Canada, and MTV Canada.

Karman Wong

Karman Wong has more than 20 years of experience as a communications professional, with the unique perspective of being on both sides of the camera.

Prior to launching KPW, Karman worked as a reporter and anchor for Toronto's 24-hour news channel - CP24 and filed reports for a number of Bell Media properties, including BNN and CTV News Channel. For a decade she provided live, in-depth coverage on a range of stories - from federal, provincial, and municipal elections to crime, current affairs, entertainment and breaking news.

Previously, Karman spent over ten years as a communication advisor to the Premier of Ontario, several cabinet ministers and candidates for political office.  She served as the Premier’s Director of Issues Management and Legislative Affairs, responsible for managing the government response and guiding the government through contentious matters.  In this role, Karman also oversaw the legislative agenda for government and prepared the Premier and senior government members for Question Period.

For several years prior to this role, Karman handled complex public policy issues as a spokesperson and Press Secretary to the Premier of Ontario.  Karman has been responsible for the media performance of many high profile individuals in her career as a political communications professional and advisor.

With extensive connections across the North American media landscape and a deep understanding of media relations, Karman works with a variety of public and private sector clients on general PR, crisis communications, media training and media strategy.