We introduced our partnership in the CADWO-HIV PENs Project in March, here is Aisha’s experience at Bruce House as a Peer Equity Navigator
During my time at Bruce House, I gained meaningful experience working within the HIV community and deepened my understanding of compassionate, community based care. I was welcomed by Ayan and the Bruce House team in a way that made it easy to get involved and contribute early on. Through my role with the CO-CREATH Lab at the University of Ottawa, I am part of the Peer Equity Navigator (PEN) program, which focuses on addressing health inequities in African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities by improving access to culturally relevant health information and building trust in healthcare systems.
This work highlights how systemic barriers such as racism, lack of representation, and gaps in culturally safe care impact health outcomes, and the importance of community led responses. As a Peer Equity Navigator, I supported outreach by sharing accessible health information, helping individuals navigate services, and engaging in ways grounded in trust and respect.
With guidance from the Bruce House team, I supported clients accessing the food pantry, contributed to social events, and assisted with client intakes, which was especially meaningful as it taught me how to listen with care and build trust. I also attended a Food Security conference with the Ottawa Food Bank, expanding my understanding of food insecurity and its link to broader social determinants of health. Alongside this, I completed HIV and harm reduction training, developed an HIV 101 presentation, and went through the GetaKit self testing process, strengthening my ability to engage with clients in an informed and thoughtful way.
Overall, my time at Bruce House has shaped how I understand care as something rooted in presence, trust, and genuine human connection. I’m grateful to the team for their openness and for the care they show in their work every day.
