Provincial Coordinators
Madison Wilson, University of Manitoba
British Columbia Provincial Coordinator
Madison is the project coordinator for the BC partners of the ICOI project, where she has been involved for two years, supporting both qualitative and quantitative data collection alongside project leads in Victoria and Burnaby. Before joining the ICOI team, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Victoria, focusing on assistive technology and community engagement for older adults. In addition to her research work, Madison is an occupational therapist, having earned her degree from the University of Manitoba in 2018. She began her career in long-term care in Calgary, AB, before relocating to Victoria, BC in 2021. In Victoria, she has gained experience in hospital, community, and mental health settings. Recently, she has split her time between providing care in private long-term care facilities and engaging in community outreach within the public sector. Madison’s work with ICOI and as an occupational therapist aligns with her passion for meeting people where they are and enhancing their environments to best support their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, hiking, and road trips with her husband, along with exploring new creative pursuits.
Marsha (Xueping) Ma
Quebec Provincial Coordinator
Marsha (Xueping) Ma was born in China and immigrated to Canada in 2011. Now residing in Montreal, she has extensive experience advocating for international social work development. Marsha previously held a project coordination and management role, where she developed organizational strategies and worked closely with government agencies and charitable organizations. She oversaw the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs, including medical assistance and foster care initiatives. Marsha also worked as a clinical social worker in both home care and hospital settings in Quebec, Canada. She provided needs assessments and created service plans for older adults and their families, collaborating across the healthcare continuum to offer counseling and therapy. This work aimed to help older adults develop coping skills to resolve personal and social challenges. Marsha also gained significant insight into the formal and informal service delivery systems in Quebec. Passionate about supporting vulnerable populations, Marsha is active in Montreal’s community, providing psychosocial counseling to immigrants and refugees through the Ukraine Aid Initiative.
Prince Ekoh, University of Calgary
Alberta Provincial Coordinator
Prince Chiagozie Ekoh is currently a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. He serves as a teaching fellow at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and holds a sessional position at the University of Calgary. Ekoh has earned Master’s Degrees in Gerontology from the University of Southampton and in Social Work from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His doctoral studies are supported by prestigious awards, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, the Pierre-Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, and the Alberta Association on Gerontology. Under the guidance of Professor Christine Walsh, his research focuses on the social networks and support experiences of older African refugees. Additionally, he has served as the provincial coordinator for the ICOI project since 2022.
Research Assistants
JiaRui Zhu
Research Assistant, Vancouver Team
JiaRui Zhu is a Master of Science candidate in Social Dimensions of Health at the University of Victoria, Canada. Originally from China, JiaRui’s research focuses on the intersection of healthy aging, green spaces, and the well-being of senior immigrants, with a specific emphasis on Chinese older adults in British Columbia. Her work aims to highlight the role of urban design and community spaces in promoting health equity and social inclusion With a background in urban and rural planning, JiaRui is deeply passionate about addressing social justice issues and the social determinants of health through interdisciplinary approaches. She has extensive experience in community engagement and digital storytelling, having worked as an influencer with over 10,000 followers. Her ability to use digital platforms to amplify impactful narratives has been recognized by features in The New York Times and CBC. JiaRui is committed to bridging academic research and real-world practices to create inclusive and resilient communities for all.
Ming Cheng
Research Assistant, London Team
Ming Cheng is a master’s student in Education Studies at Western University, specializing in Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies. Since 2022, Ming has been actively involved in the ICOI project, contributing across all three phases, including community outreach, interviews, quantitative data collection, and data analysis. This work has provided Ming with valuable, hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the systemic and individual challenges faced by vulnerable communities. In addition to the ICOI project, Ming is conducting research on the challenges faced by visiting Chinese doctoral students at Canadian universities. This study focuses on the academic, social, and cultural barriers that these students encounter, aiming to offer insights into improving their university experience and support systems. Ming’s research and professional interests are rooted in addressing inequities and promoting inclusive policies in education. By combining academic research with practical advocacy, Ming is committed to fostering a more equitable academic environment for all students.
Peiwen Lin
Research Assistant, Toronto Team
Peiwen holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Toronto Metropolitan University and is a full-time registered nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital, a Level-One Trauma Centre in the Greater Toronto Area. In her nursing role, she provides compassionate care to acutely ill patients, blending a strong commitment to humanistic care with a dedication to ongoing professional growth. Peiwen is passionate about expanding her clinical expertise while maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality patient care. In addition to her clinical work, Peiwen is an active member of the ICOI project team in Toronto. She collaborates with community partners to ensure the project’s success, contributing to both its outreach and research efforts. Through this involvement, she is further strengthening her research skills across multiple fields, including community health and social work. Peiwen’s work reflects her desire to integrate her nursing practice with research that supports vulnerable communities, enhancing both her professional development and the impact of the ICOI project.
Sam (Ka Wai) Wong
Research Assistant, Calgary Team
Sam (Ka Wai) Wong is a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care across both community and healthcare settings. At Alberta Health Services, he provides clinical support in pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, specializing in crisis intervention, grief counseling, palliative care, and managing chronic health conditions. Sam holds an MSW from the University of Waterloo and a BSW from the University of Calgary, where he received the PURE Award for academic excellence. In addition to his clinical work, Sam is an active volunteer, providing pet therapy through the Community Therapy Dogs Society and serving as a crisis line volunteer. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, he is trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions, including the “It’s Not Right!” older adults abuse prevention program and trauma-focused techniques. Sam is committed to improving mental health and well-being in diverse populations, combining professional expertise with a deep dedication to service and community care.
Sherry Wang
Research Assistant, Vancouver Team
Sherry holds an M.A. in Youth and Family Ministry and works as a Community Research Liaison on projects focused on supporting Chinese immigrants. She is actively involved as a Board Director for Archway Community Services’ Refugees and Immigrants Advisory Table, where she helps address the needs of newcomers. In addition, Sherry provides medical and legal interpretation services through provincial language services, supporting immigrant communities in accessing essential services. Beyond her advocacy and community work, Sherry is an executive producer for Seek and Find Lodge, a children’s media production aimed at educational content. She also serves as a Pastor at the Surrey Chinese Church of the Nazarene, where she supports spiritual and community development. Sherry’s diverse roles reflect her commitment to fostering community engagement, empowering immigrants, and creating meaningful resources for families and children. Her work integrates her background in ministry with a strong focus on social justice, language accessibility, and immigrant integration.