“This really makes it possible for me to direct my energies towards community engagement, giving back to the people around me and enjoying my time at U of T”

Angeli knows firsthand how important it is to have access to mental health resources.

As a first-generation immigrant from China, and a queer and transgender person, Victory faced various forms of abuse and discrimination while growing up. Not being able to find the support they needed, it led to them experiencing a long history of mental health struggles.

They are now focused on improving these resources, especially for people belonging to equity-seeking communities.

“I really wanted to be the change that I needed to see in the world and by speaking out I was hoping first to build up my own confidence but also most importantly, help other people in my situation have a better outcome and not need to wait as long to have effective mental health interventions as I did.”

After completing their BA at St. Francis Xavier University and MA in sociology at Dalhousie University, Angeli chose U of T’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) program because of its focus on community engagement, promoting social justice through rigorous research. Their PhD thesis centres on integrated youth services, which leverages scientific evidence to make mental health programs more equitable and accessible for young people of all backgrounds.

Outside of school, Angeli is collaborating with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto and Jack.org, a Canadian charity that provides youth with mental health education.

They are incredibly grateful to the donors for this opportunity that allows them to continue their important work while lessening the financial strain.

Read more about the U of T’s 2025 Naylor Fellows committed to making a difference in youth mental health, paediatric care and the environment