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Meet the P.O.W.E.R. Hub Team
The team behind the P.O.W.E.R. Women’s Health Prevention Hub is a multidisciplinary group of clinicians, researchers, community partners, and innovators dedicated to transforming women’s health.
Their collective efforts aim to create a future where women’s health is addressed holistically, equitably, and with the precision it deserves.
Learn more about the Team and Collaborators!
Judy Luu, MD/PhD
Founder and Chief Director
Dr. Judy Luu is a nationally recognized leader in women’s cardiovascular health, committed to transforming how we prevent, detect, and treat heart disease in women. Her comprehensive research program builds on both her clinical expertise and academic foundation developed over the past 15 years. Her doctoral work during her combined MD/PhD at the University of Calgary focused on the non-invasive use of cardiac MRI in patients with ischemic heart disease. Building on this foundation, she completed a dedicated fellowship in women’s heart health at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles—one of the world’s leading centres of excellence—where she trained under internationally renowned expert Dr. Noel Bairey Merz. She then pursued a Master’s in Health Research Methodology at McMaster University under the mentorship of Dr. Sonia Anand, gaining advanced expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, clinical trials, and women’s health. Supported by a strong research team and collaborative network, she has built a unique platform to address the rising burden of cardio-neurocognitive diseases in women. __ As Founder and Chief Director of P.O.W.E.R., Dr. Luu leads a multidisciplinary team focused on proactive, evidence-based care. Through this integrative approach, she has developed a research and clinical program that bridges science, equity, and innovation. Her work explores the biological and social mechanisms that disproportionately affect women, integrating advanced imaging, AI-enabled diagnostics, and inclusive clinical trials to drive personalized prevention. __ A former Co-Chair of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance, Dr. Luu has been recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Fonds de recherche du Québec Clinician-Scientist Career Award for her research program dedicated solely to uncovering the disease mechanisms that drive cardiovascular conditions in women—laying the groundwork for future targeted treatment strategies. Through P.O.W.E.R., she continues to champion a future where science informs policy, prevention drives practice, and the health of millions of women—and the well-being of their families—is profoundly transformed.
Kate Lindsay
Director of Scientific Communications
Kate Lindsay advances knowledge in women’s heart health through a blend of scientific writing, figure design, presentations, and strategic partnerships. She brings over five years of experience in evidence synthesis, data analysis, and visual storytelling, grounded in the belief that clear communication is a scientist’s most powerful tool. In parallel with her academic work, Kate serves as a scientific consultant, collaborating with internal and external partners on study design, figure development, graphical abstracts, and grant writing. Her consulting spans disciplines and supports high-quality, impactful research. Across all projects, she ensures scientific discoveries are rigorously analyzed and effectively shared with both expert audiences and the broader public. ___ Kate is a third-year PhD candidate at McGill University, specializing in novel cardiac imaging techniques to understand early mechanisms of heart disease. Her PhD research applies advanced non-invasive oxygenation-sensitive cardiac MRI to identify early markers of vascular dysfunction linked to risk factors. She is leading foundational studies to establish the first sex-specific reference ranges for this technique, and uncover how variables such as sex, gender, and body composition influence vascular function. Kate collaborates with experts in the field to produce a growing portfolio of graphical abstracts, figure design, and scientific posters, reflecting her ability to translate complex scientific insights into accessible, visual formats. Recognized as a rising star in heart health research, she has received multiple national and provincial accolades, including the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s Have a Heart Bursary (2024), a Doctoral Scholarship from Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Santé (2025), the Quebec Bio-Imaging Network PhD Scholarship (2023), and Honourable Mention at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (2025).
Kristina Cunanan
Director of Creative Strategies
Kristina Cunanan leads the development and execution of the P.O.W.E.R. Women’s Health Prevention Hub’s visual identity, narrative strategy, and communications. Her role brings P.O.W.E.R.’s mission to life across every platform—ensuring that research, community impact, and prevention-first care are communicated in ways that are accessible, resonant, and empowering. From brand storytelling to public education campaigns, Kristina ensures that every visual and message reflects the Centre’s values of equity, precision, and purpose. — Kristina is a multidisciplinary clinical and translational researcher and designer with a background in life sciences and a passion for equity-driven health and science communication. In addition to her creative leadership at P.O.W.E.R., she is conducting research on the impact of psychological distress on heart health, with a focus on integrating advanced cardiac MRI and a Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) approach to explore how gendered experiences shape cardiovascular outcomes. Kristina’s work bridges science, storytelling, and design to engage diverse communities and amplify the lived realities behind the data. She is the recipient of the CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s (CGS-M), the RI-MUHC EDI Award for Academic Excellence, and McGill University’s Award for Equity & Community Building—recognitions that celebrate both her academic achievements and her contributions to advancing inclusive health narratives.
Jessica Patone
Director of Integrated Operations
Jessica Patone leads the day-to-day coordination of research, community programming, and strategic initiatives that advance women’s preventive health. She ensures the seamless delivery of multidisciplinary projects across P.O.W.E.R.’s five pillars, working to embed equity, precision, and innovation into every level of care. Her role involves managing partnerships, streamlining operations, and aligning programs with the Hub’s broader vision to make prevention accessible, actionable, and personalized for all women. __ Jessica is a clinical and translational researcher specializing in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) in women. Her work integrates advanced cardiac MRI with a Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) approach to investigate how traditional, female-specific, and psychosocial risk factors contribute to cardiac dysfunction. She is the recipient of the RI-MUHC MISI Award for Inclusive Science and Leadership and McGill University’s Award for Equity & Community Building, recognizing her contributions to equity-focused research and system change. Jessica is committed to transforming how we study, prevent, and manage cardiovascular disease in women—by leading with data, purpose, and compassion.
Sarah Khalifa
Director of Community Connections and Sponsorships
Sarah directs the development and growth of the P.O.W.E.R. Women’s Health Prevention Hub’s community connections and sponsorship strategy. Her role fosters meaningful partnerships with brands, organizations, and local leaders, building networks that amplify P.O.W.E.R.’s mission and expand its reach within the community. By bridging stakeholders across sectors, Sarah ensures that prevention, equity, and innovation in women’s heart health are supported through sustainable collaboration and shared investment. From cultivating sponsorship opportunities to designing community-driven engagement initiatives, Sarah’s leadership strengthens the Hub’s ability to connect people, resources, and purpose. Her work reflects P.O.W.E.R.’s commitment to collaboration, accessibility, and collective impact. __ Sarah is a community builder and partnership strategist with a background in nonprofit engagement and brand relations. She is passionate about leveraging cross-sector collaboration to drive health equity and expand access to prevention-focused care. In addition to her leadership at P.O.W.E.R., Sarah has guided organizations in developing sponsorship models and community engagement programs that bring together diverse partners in support of shared missions. Her work bridges sponsorship, relationship-building, and community advocacy, ensuring that impact is not only measurable but deeply rooted in connection. She has been recognized for her leadership in forging authentic partnerships that uplift communities and for her ability to align organizational values with meaningful, long-term collaboration.
Matthias G. Friedrich
Scientific Advisor of CMR Research and Innovation
Dr. Matthias G. Friedrich is a Full Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology and Chief of Cardiovascular Imaging at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and and Scientific Director of the Courtois Cardiovascular Signature Program. He earned his MD from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen/Nuernberg in Germany and completed his internal medicine and cardiology training at the Charité University Medicine Center, Humboldt University in Berlin. As a staff cardiologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Dr. Friedrich is an active researcher with a strong focus on innovative imaging techniques. His research team is dedicated to developing new methods for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Imaging, with a special interest in innovative diagnostic approaches to visualizing heart disease. His team is leading a worldwide effort in establishing Oxygenation-Sensitive Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance as an ultra-efficient, safe, and highly relevant diagnostic tool for assessing vascular function in the heart and the brain. He is also the Scientific Director of the Courtois Cardiovascular Signature Program, a 4,000-participant cohort that develops innovative strategies for personalized cardiovascular prevention and care, based on deep phenotyping and artificial intelligence. Dr. Friedrich has authored or co-authored close to 300 peer-reviewed publications, garnering more than 33,000 citations (current h-index: 73). He was the Founding President of the Canadian Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and has also served as the President of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). Additionally, he co-founded three start-up companies related to CMR image analysis and personalized cardiovascular health management, with products that are used internationally with significant improvements of cardiovascular prevention and care.
Natalie Dayan
Lead of Peripartum Women's Health Program
Dr. Natalie Dayan, MD, MSc, FRCPC, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at McGill University and Director of the Obstetric Medicine clinical service and training program at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). She is also a clinician–scientist with the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program at the Research Institute of the MUHC, working within the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. Her research focuses on the intersection between reproductive health and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in women, with particular interest in the effects of infertility treatments, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and the potential cardioprotective benefits of breastfeeding. She has published extensively on maternal morbidity, postpartum health interventions, and women’s heart health, integrating epidemiology with clinical care to inform prevention and treatment strategies. Dr. Dayan has been recognized for her contributions with numerous awards and leadership roles, including the New Investigator Award from the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine and the Early Career Professorship in Women’s Heart and Brain Health from McGill University and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Quebec Chapter. Her work is supported by major funding agencies such as the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQ-S), the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). In addition to her research and clinical work, she is deeply committed to mentorship, having designed and led a formal mentorship program within McGill’s Department of Medicine to support the career development of early-stage academics.
Thi Be Nguyen
Co-chair of the Philanthropic Advisory Board
As Co-Chair of the Advisory Board, Thi Be is honored to support women’s health prevention because she believes that empowered, healthy women strengthen families and communities. Her commitment aligns with The P.O.W.E.R. Women Health Prevention Hub’s mission to promote prevention, accessible, culturally sensitive care. Drawing from her journey as a former refugee in 1980 and her 25-year career in the corporate world, Thi Be Nguyen brings a powerful blend of lived experience and professional insight to her work as a social entrepreneur, community advocate, and cultural diplomacy leader. She strongly supports advancing research in areas such as heart disease, Meniere’s, mental health and perimenopause. Through her leadership, lived experience, and extensive network, she is proud to support the Hub in raising awareness, building inclusive partnerships, and amplifying the voices of women from all backgrounds in Canada and internationally. — Thi Be Nguyen, recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024), is a Canadian social entrepreneur and documentary executive producer recognized for her leadership in cultural diplomacy and creating meaningful social impact. Having arrived in Canada as a refugee in 1980 and a proud Canadian, she draws on her life experience to advocate for social inclusion and cross-cultural understanding through positive initiatives and meaningful dialogue. She holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Concordia University, a Certificate in Global Diplomacy from the University of London, and a Certificate of Completion in Sustainable Development Strategy from Stanford University. She spent over a decade in senior leadership at the National Bank of Canada, where she led the Office of the President and oversaw the philanthropy department, managing a $25 million fund portfolio and driving strategic community investment initiatives. She also held the role of Executive Director (Canada) of the Canada–ASEAN Business Council, where she opened the Council’s Canada office and leveraged her diplomacy and business experience to expand Canada-ASEAN relations. By combining inclusive economic strategies with cultural engagement, she contributed to fostering strong bilateral ties, advancing trade opportunities, and positioning Canada as a collaborative and trusted partner in the region. Her social entrepreneurial journey started in 2014 as she founded UniAction, a charitable organization advancing global solidarity through social inclusion, humanitarian engagement, and cultural diplomacy. She also established UniAction Films, producing impactful documentaries which use storytelling as a soft power tool to bridge cultures and facilitate dialogue.
Michael Goodman
Co-chair of the Philanthropic Advisory Board
The Co-Chair of the Advisory Board serves as a strategic leader and ambassador for the P.O.W.E.R. Women’s Health Prevention Hub. In this role, Michael guides philanthropic efforts from individual donors, family foundations, and corporate partners, while championing the recruitment and engagement of high-profile advocates and ambassadors who elevate P.O.W.E.R.’s visibility, mission, and national impact. Working in close collaboration with the Founder and Directors, Michael provides strategic vision, influence, and high-level connectivity to expand and diversify funding for prevention-focused women’s health initiatives. The role is critical to building a sustainable foundation for innovation, equity, and long-term change in women’s health across Canada. __ Michael Goodman brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement to this role. He is a recipient of The King Charles III Coronation Medal, awarded for his significant contributions to community and country. As former Board Director of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation, Michael played a key role in the Foundation’s governance, endowment oversight, and fundraising efforts—raising vital support for research and innovation during his five-year tenure. His board leadership includes service as Chair and Director of People Before Patients and Director of Autism Speaks Canada, along with executive roles on several national boards. In 2014, he received the National Bank of Canada Community Engagement Award for his outstanding civic leadership. Through his role at P.O.W.E.R., Michael continues to champion equity, innovation, and lasting impact in women’s health.
Our Partners and Collaborators
Vanessa Tardio
Co-Director, Metabolic and Weight Optimization Clinic and the Metabolic Centre of Excellence
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Nutrition from McGill University, Dr Tardio earned a medical degree from Laval University in Québec City. She then completed residency training in internal medicine at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, followed by a fellowship in adult endocrinology at the McGill University Health Center. She pursued additional clinical and research training in Québec City on the metabolic effects of obesity and bariatric surgery on bone health. __ As an Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at McGill University, her special interests lie in obesity, weight management, bariatric surgery as well as medical education. She is currently the Co-Director of the MUHC Metabolic Centre of excellence, as well as the Program Director of the McGill University Endocrinology and Metabolism Residency Training Program.
Michael Tsoukas
Co-Director, Metabolic and Weight Optimization Clinic and the Metabolic Centre of Excellence
Dr. Michael Tsoukas is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology of the McGill University Health Centre and Research Investigator of the Research Institute of McGill and Hygea Medical Clinic. He completed his residency in medicine at Tuft’s University in Boston and subsequently trained in Endocrinology at McGill University. Upon completion, he pursued a post-graduate research fellowship in diabetes and obesity at Harvard University (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center). __ His special interests include obesity, cardiometabolic disease, and diabetes, with a focus on GLP-1 receptor pharmacotherapy, brain signaling, and enterohormone treatments. Further training involved pathophysiological regulation of novel molecules such as SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists important in energy homeostasis, diabetes, and obesity. Dr Tsoukas is the Co-Director of the Metabolic and Weight Optimization Clinic and the Metabolic Centre of Excellence of the McGill University Health Centre. As well, he is the site director of Endocrinology at the Montreal General Hospital, and Competency Committee Chair of the Endocrinology Residency Program. He continues to conduct clinical interventional studies and has authored over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals, chapters, and abstracts.
Iulia Iatan
Assistant Professor, Clinician-Scientist
Dr. Iulia Iatan is a clinician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in lipidology and cardiovascular prevention. She completed a clinical fellowship in lipid disorders at the University of British Columbia and is an attending physician at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal. She also leads the Canadian FH Registry, a national initiative to improve the detection and management of familial hypercholesterolemia. Her research focuses on lipoprotein metabolism, sex and gender differences in lipid disorders, and precision approaches to cardiometabolic risk reduction.
Franco Carli
Professor, Clinician-Scientist
Dr. Franco Carli is a Professor of Anesthesia at McGill University and a world-renowned leader in perioperative medicine. He is the founder of the McGill Perioperative Program (POP) and a pioneer in the field of prehabilitation—an approach that optimizes patients' physical and psychological health before surgery to improve recovery and outcomes. Dr. Carli’s research has transformed surgical care pathways globally, particularly for vulnerable and frail populations. His work integrates nutrition, physical conditioning, and mental wellness into standard preoperative care, establishing new benchmarks in enhanced recovery after surgery.
Loydie Jerome-Majewska
Professor, Scientist
Dr. Loydie Jerome-Majewska is a Full Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, and associated member of the Departments of Human Genetics and Anatomy and Cell biology at McGill University. She completed her PhD work with honors in the laboratory of Dr. Papaioannou at Columbia University, NYC, USA and a post-doctoral fellowship with Dr. E. Lacy, at Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre. Dr. Jerome-Majewska’s group uses multiple omics approaches to understand the genetic and cellular basis of diseases. Her work is funded by Genome Canada, the Canadian Institute of Health, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. In addition, she is Editor-in-Chief for Differentiation and co-Founder of the Canadian Black Scientist Network which has over 900 members. Dr. Jerome-Majewska is a Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy and has received numerous awards for her research and equity work.
