Sarah Xiao

RN, BNSc, MSc(N), PhD

Community

“If not me, who? And if not now, when?”

Giving back to the community has been an integral part of my life and professional career. As a volunteer, working with diverse populations in the community has allowed me to appreciate and acknowledge diversity among individuals and their unique contributions, and honed my ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy as both a leader and a team member. From youth mentorship to senior care, I am currently involved with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Nike & Canadian Running’s Lane 6 Program, and the Mon Sheong Foundation.

Institute for Healthcare Improvement

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts focused on improving health and safety for patients globally.

As part of the Recover Hope Campaign‘s Leadership Team, I am developing strategies to mobilize collective action aimed at raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). Our most recent achievement was the Change the Narrative Challenge, in which 10,000 individuals pledged/committed to using person-first, recovery-focused language to address stigma and discrimination associated with SUDs. Sign the Pledge

Nike Canada & Canadian Running

Running is the most accessible sport in the world. Lane 6, founded by Canadian Running in partnership with Nike Canada and Toronto Community Housing, is an eight-week one-on-one mentorship program for at-risk youth (aged 7-18) aimed at developing and inspiring the next generation of Canadian track athletes and runners.

As a mentor, I provide individual attention and support in the development of training plans, and facilitate an empowering, supportive, and inclusive environment for mentees using the Up2Us Sports framework. Last season, I authored a personal reflection in Canadian Running on the impact of program on mentees and mentors, and continue to be profoundly inspired by the children and humbled by this mentorship experience.

Mon Sheong Foundation

The Mon Sheong Foundation is Canada’s first registered charity dedicated to the promotion of Chinese culture, heritage, language, and philosophy by caring for the elderly, encouraging the young, and providing programs and services to meet the needs of their communities.

For the past decade, I have led in-house program planning for the residents, such as arts and crafts classes, games and activities, talent shows, and field trips, and planned and organized youth development opportunities (e.g., volunteering with residents, networking with peers and industry/community leaders, leadership and cultural program). My contributions to Mon Sheong has been recognized by the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, who nominated and sponsored me to attend a leadership conference in Beijing as a Canadian delegate/ambassador.

Other Community Involvement

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School
U of T Graduate Nurses' Student Society (GNSS)
Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) Student Working Group
Martha's Table
Queen's University Campus Observation Room (COR)