DATE: Thursday, October 16, 2025
TIME: 6:30pm – 7pm
LOCATION: 401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor, ON
COST: This event is part of AWE at Night.
Accessibility: Accessibility and accommodation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please contact [email protected] for questions.
Women’s health extends far beyond the exam room. This dynamic discussion brings together leaders from the Windsor Essex Ontario Health Team, Windsor Regional Hospital’s Cancer Program, and experts from the Windsor Essex Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to explore how prevention, early cancer screening, and strong advocacy can shape healthier outcomes for women. Together, these panelists will discuss the barriers women face in accessing care, the innovations transforming primary care, mental health, and the powerful role advocacy plays in building a stronger, healthier future for all women.
Joyce has worked in human services for the past 29 years and has served in senior roles in elected offices and in not-for profit management. She is a dedicated systems thinker and successful advocate for individuals and families accessing health and social services in our community. Under her tenure, FSWE became the largest single provider of mental health counselling services in Essex County, and a key stakeholder for delivering programs that support people experiencing homelessness.
As the WEOHT Executive Director, Joyce works with the WEOHT Steering Committee and health partners to identify future priorities and support the development of the strategic plan. As current co-chair of the WEOHT Mental Health & Addictions Sector Table (MHAST), Joyce brings a wealth of knowledge in governance and in this new role will help guide the WEOHT in its next chapter of growth.
Cristina Taranto serves as the Patient Experience & Patient‑Family Engagement Lead for the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program, representing the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. She is the designated contact for patient experience at the Erie St. Clair program.
In this capacity, she works closely with patients, families, caregivers, and clinical teams to support person‑centred care, improve engagement, and ensure that the patient voice is integrated into cancer services and quality improvement efforts.
Her work contributes to the overall mission of the Windsor Regional Cancer Program, which provides comprehensive cancer care (inpatient, outpatient, radiation, chemotherapy, supportive and palliative care) to residents in Windsor and Essex County under the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program umbrella.
Diane has been active as a community and patient advocate in Windsor, particularly in health care and patient experience efforts. She has served as co‑chair of the Patient & Family Advisory Committee at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Cancer Centre and is a member of the Patient Experience Task Force Committee at Windsor Regional Hospital.
Diane is a breast cancer survivor. She participated in the RENEW exercise program (run through the Windsor‑area Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program), which helps patients recover strength and mobility following cancer treatment.
In 2019, she spoke at a rally in support of the planned location for Windsor’s new acute care hospital, providing perspective from the patient community.
Her advocacy often emphasizes patient experiences, hospital planning, and ensuring community voices are included in health system decisions.
Nicole is a senior healthcare leader with nearly 20 years of experience and proven success guiding diverse interprofessional teams to meet the operational, practice and funding mandates of large community organizations and academic programs. Nicole was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch in March 2024.
In her previous role as Regional Director for Cancer Services at WRH and the Regional Director for the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program, she provided oversight for the regional care of patients throughout the cancer care continuum from cancer prevention and screening, through treatment, palliative care and survivorship. She has been involved in many leadership initiatives locally, regionally, and provincially. She also served as part time faculty, supporting the Healthcare Analytics course for the Data Analytics for Business Program at St. Clair College. Nicole is Vice-President to the Board of Directors for the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County.
