Juana Berinstein is an enthusiastic nonprofit leader with a wealth of experience in systems change, policy advocacy, strategic planning, and fostering stakeholder engagement. In 2021-22, she was part of a unique cohort that completed the Positive Deviants Fellowship at Wolf Willow Institute. Her role as the Director of Policy and Communications at the Association of Ontario Midwives since 2007 has been instrumental in driving campaigns for reproductive justice, including the renewal of Indigenous midwifery, equitable healthcare access for 2SLGBTQ, immigrant, and racialized communities, the establishment of birth centers, improved abortion care access, intersectional gender-based analysis, and pay equity. Juana holds a master’s degree in Communication and Culture from York University and Toronto Metropolitan University. She is a published author and public speaker, delivering impactful presentations at national and international conferences.
In addition to her professional work, Juana dedicates her time to volunteer initiatives, holding roles as a mentor, trustee, and community advisor. She also maintains an active ceramic studio practice with her work featured in galleries in the US and Canada. Born in Argentina of Jewish ancestry, Juana immigrated to Canada at the age of seven. She resides in Toronto/Tkaronto (Mohawk) and is actively working to engage in actions that gesture towards reconciliation and restitution.