Johanna Niles

Johanna Niles is an African-Caribbean educator, professor, researcher, and Cultural Access Strategist dedicated to advancing culturally responsive developmental services, disability inclusion, and equitable access for Caribbean and African communities. She is the founder of Builducate Inc., a social enterprise that bridges research, education, and community engagement to address cultural barriers within disability services and educational systems. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience as a sibling caregiver, Johanna's work explores the intersections of culture, disability justice, accessibility, and belonging. 

As a professor, researcher, and facilitator, she has designed and delivered conference presentations, professional development, post-secondary instruction, and community training for educators, service providers, families, and community organizations. Through her research, teaching, and public speaking, Johanna challenges systems to move beyond accommodation toward culturally responsive practices that foster meaningful participation and belonging.

• Guest Speaker, SPARKS Incubator, Scarborough Afro-Caribbean Business Network (SAAAC) (2026)
   - Building What's Missing: My Journey as the Founder of Builducate
• Conference Presenter, Black African Feminisms Conference (2026)
   - Sisterbility: Holding What Holds Us
• Conference Presenter, DS Tech Showcase Conference, London, Ontario (2026)
    - Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility (Principal Investigator, AI & Accessibility Research Team)
• Co-Facilitator, Cultural Care Leadership Retreat, City of Toronto, in partnership with SACCAE Studio Inc. (2025)
    - Facilitated a "Leader as Teacher" session exploring neurodivergent learning environments and inclusive leadership.
• Caregiver Presenter, Reading Partnership for Parents (RPP) (2024)
    - Delivered a caregiver education session on understanding developmental needs and supporting children's learning.
• Co-Developer & Facilitator, Culturally Responsive Training Development (Ontario Autism Program), in partnership with SAAAC Autism Centre (2021)
    - Co-developed and facilitated a multi-module professional training program for CARE Coordinators focused on integrating cultural context into autism service delivery.
• Professor, Developmental Services Worker Program, Centennial College (2017–Present)
    - Design and deliver post-secondary instruction in disability services, communication, inclusive practice, and community engagement.