Presenters: Michaela Davies, Muluba Habanyama, Enrico Mandarino

Presentation topic: Shared Wisdom, Shared Action: The Power of Community in Knowledge Translation

Date: Thurs, Dec. 11, 2025

Register here: https://bit.ly/3Xli0b7

Learning objectives – by the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 

1. Understand how early and meaningful engagement with community results in better knowledge mobilization,
2. Understand how a KM Hub can be structured to support a larger network of researchers,
3. Understand the do’s and don’ts of creating Community Advisory Committees,
4. Understand about appropriate community compensation for KT work.

Bios

Michaela Davies is what happens when you take a theater kid and give them access to some of the best research stories in the world. As a trained writer and communications professional, it horrifies Michaela that her professional titles cannot be read out loud without taking a very deep breath first. She is the Interim Chief Operations Officer (COO) as well as the Chief Impact and Communications Officer (CICO) for the leading health outcomes research centre in B.C, the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes (Advancing Health), as well as the Knowledge Mobilization Lead for the Canada-wide clinical trials leader, CIHR Pan-Canadian Network for HIV and STBBI Clinical Trials Research (CTN+). Within these organizations, Michaela is responsible for the development of strategies encompassing knowledge translation and mobilization across the research lifecycle, external and internal communications, public affairs including public and media relations, strategic communications, crisis and change management, and brand reputation management. Michaela leads a highly skilled team working to support over 180 clinicians and scientists in evolving healthcare policy and practice in Canada and globally. Recognizing the role knowledge translation plays in bridging the research-practice gap, she trains scientists, clinicians, and research support staff in communications and knowledge translation best practices and provides mentorship and coaching to early career researchers and established researchers. Michaela has been working in communications and knowledge translation field for more than 15 years and within the health sector for over 10 years, crafting and sharing stories of exceptional research, care and innovation.

Muluba Habanyama currently serves as the Director of Communications and Programs at the Ontario AIDS Network and holds multiple national leadership roles, including Co-Lead of the Knowledge Mobilization Hub and Co-Lead of the Community Leadership Team at the CIHR Pan-Canadian Network for HIV/AIDS and STBBI Clinical Trials Research. Additionally, Muluba is the National Spokesperson for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR), where she amplifies the voices of communities affected by HIV across Canada.
With a professional foundation in journalism and community-based research, Muluba brings a unique lens to the intersection of public health, communications, and lived experience. Her research and advocacy work are grounded in equity, lived experience, and community-driven impact. Her areas of focus include HIV stigma reduction, the unique health needs of perinatally infected young adults, women’s health and equitable access to care, and systemic change within health systems. She is committed to bridging the gap between research and community through meaningful engagement and knowledge mobilization.
Muluba is an accomplished communicator and published author, with work featured in academic journals such as the Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC), as well as individual writing in mainstream outlets including Flare Magazine, Huffington Post, and MTV. She has received several accolades for her contributions to public health and advocacy, including the 2021 Premier’s Award and the 2025 King Charles ||| Coronation Medal.
Recognized nationally as a community leader and collaborator, known for her ability to work across sectors and disciplines to mobilize knowledge and foster meaningful community-research partnerships. She brings extensive experience working alongside researchers, clinicians, and frontline service providers to ensure research initiatives reflect and respond to the realities of those most affected.

Enrico Mandarino has over 25 years of experience as a healthcare professional within the hospital, educational and pharmaceutical industries. His breadth of experience in healthcare includes progressive positions in diagnostic and clinical research, health policy and quality assurance. Enrico holds an associates degree in Medical Laboratory Science and a postgraduate certificate as a Clinical Research Associate from the Michener Institute of Applied Health Sciences. As a Regulated Health Professional, he maintains an active practicing registration with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario. Enrico has contributed to numerous public policy and clinical research initiativesand co-authored several published clinical and public policy papers.