About Double X Health
Our Story
Centred around the idea that women's bodies have not been researched seriously, Double X Health aims to inform folks with female reproductive anatomy about their bodies (listen to this song to see what we're talking about!). Inspired by the people around her who were unsure why a period was heavy, irregular, and or really painful , our founder is determined to find out these answers and so much more.
We are just at the beginning of what can be achieved through research and priority funding for female reproductive anatomy so please stay tuned as we work to achieve maximum understanding.
Our Why
50.7% of the population of Canada is made up of women (and some non-binary folks according to Stats Canada). While women are the majority of the population, reproductive research does not reflect this. Women were not the focus of in-depth anatomy research until the 1990s - yes half of the millennial generation is older than the age of in-depth research on women. There is loads of misinformation that exists online and we want to all women to have access to reliable and evidence based information.
Our Founder
Liz Thompson is a public affairs professional with a passion for women's health and aged care. With a background in health care advocacy, Liz has been advocating for universal contraception in the province of Ontario for the past four years.
Liz's goal with the collective is to empower all to have informed discussions with their health care provider so they can receive the best care for their body.
Meet our board
Laurie Brovold – Board Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Laurie Brovold – Board Chair
Laurie Brovold is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 30 years of experience. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she has an extensive background in managing financial operations and driving strategic insights. Her career spans key roles in retail finance with Metro and as the Finance and Administration Manager a
Laurie Brovold is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 30 years of experience. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she has an extensive background in managing financial operations and driving strategic insights. Her career spans key roles in retail finance with Metro and as the Finance and Administration Manager at Santis Health, a boutique health consulting firm, where she contributed to enhancing financial practices and organizational administration. Laurie's expertise encompasses financial analysis, budgeting, and operational efficiencies within dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Tanya Morris –Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Laurie Brovold – Board Chair
My name is Tanya Morris. I am an Organizational Development professional with over 13 years of experience. I have worked in healthcare and municipal government where my work impacts the service provided to our community. I am also a Yoga Instructor and enjoy helping others on their wellness journey.
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas is an experienced communications and investor relations professional with a specialization in developing strategies that drive stakeholder engagement and create shareholder value. Since 2020, she has worked in the natural resources sector, supporting corporate growth through effective communication, social media, and digital
Arianne Bilas is an experienced communications and investor relations professional with a specialization in developing strategies that drive stakeholder engagement and create shareholder value. Since 2020, she has worked in the natural resources sector, supporting corporate growth through effective communication, social media, and digital marketing strategies that align with investor interests. Arianne holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College.
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Dr. Katherine Zagrodney is a health economist who studies paid and unpaid women’s work in the care economy. Her research focuses on providing quantitative evidence to help guide health policy decisions related to health service delivery. Katherine holds multiple research and academic positions, including at the University of Toronto where she teaches a course on case studies in health policy.
Savanna Symons – Treasurer
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Savanna brings over a decade of experience in fundraising in the not-for-profit sector, where she’s mobilized individuals, corporations and organizations to make significant impacts in critical causes. As a feminist, advocate for equity, and mother to a young daughter, Savanna was deeply drawn to DXHC’s mission and joined the Board to hel
Savanna brings over a decade of experience in fundraising in the not-for-profit sector, where she’s mobilized individuals, corporations and organizations to make significant impacts in critical causes. As a feminist, advocate for equity, and mother to a young daughter, Savanna was deeply drawn to DXHC’s mission and joined the Board to help advance it through her expertise in fundraising, strategic vision and collaborative leadership. Savanna is a professional coach who works with professionals globally to help them excel in their roles through tailored confidence and performance coaching. She holds a BA in International Development, a certificate in Fundraising Management, and a certificate in Performance and Leadership Coaching. She resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Victoria Pileggi is an associate lawyer at Paterson MacDougall LLP. Prior to law school, Victoria worked in health and neuroscience research and obtained four degrees leading up to her law degree. During law school, Victoria developed an interest in health law and equality. She continued with her interest in this line of work as Co-Chair
Victoria Pileggi is an associate lawyer at Paterson MacDougall LLP. Prior to law school, Victoria worked in health and neuroscience research and obtained four degrees leading up to her law degree. During law school, Victoria developed an interest in health law and equality. She continued with her interest in this line of work as Co-Chair of the Legal Education Action Fund (LEAF) Reproductive Justice Project Committee.
Dr. Shannon Ruse – Board Member
Dr. Hava Starkman – Board Member
Dr. Hava Starkman – Board Member
Dr. Shannon Ruse is a naturopathic doctor specializing in evidence-based integrative women’s healthcare. She is dedicated to addressing gaps in healthcare on an individual level by making information more accessible and digestible. Shannon’s goals are to empower others in making confident and informed decisions about their well-being.
Dr. Hava Starkman – Board Member
Dr. Hava Starkman – Board Member
Dr. Hava Starkman – Board Member
I am a 4th year resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto. I am one of the co-leads of Cover Contraception, aiming to get universal access to free contraception. In addition to my residency, I am currently doing my Master’s in Quality Health Improvement at Queen’s University. I am passionate about healthcare resea
I am a 4th year resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto. I am one of the co-leads of Cover Contraception, aiming to get universal access to free contraception. In addition to my residency, I am currently doing my Master’s in Quality Health Improvement at Queen’s University. I am passionate about healthcare research, quality improvement, access to women’s healthcare, and contraception.
Humna Wasim – Board Member
Dr. Hava Starkman – Board Member
Humna Wasim – Board Member
Humna Wasim is a first-year environmental associate at Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP where she assists clients with environmental regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters. She graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2023 and was subsequently called to the bar in June 2024. She completed her undergraduate degree from the Univer
Humna Wasim is a first-year environmental associate at Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP where she assists clients with environmental regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters. She graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2023 and was subsequently called to the bar in June 2024. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science, Double Major in Human Biology and Political Science. Humna is passionate about improving women’s health outcomes through accessible, evidence-based information.
We're looking for board members!
Join our board
If you're interested in advancing women's reproductive health research, consider committing a few hours a month to our board.
Duties Include:
- Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
- Fully engage in identifying and securing financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
- Raise or contribute a minimum of $500 annually through personal donations, fundraising events, outreach to friends, family and networks
- Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
- Serve on at least one committee (Governance, Finance, Communications or Research).
- Prepare for, attend and actively participate in board meetings
- Support governance decisions once made
- Abide by the by-laws and other polices that apply to the board
- Participate in the approval of the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the organization in relation to it