Fireside at FemSTEM: Joella Almeida
Fireside at FemSTEM:
In Conversation with Joella Almeida
Join H2i on March 4th, as a part of University of Toronto Entrepreneurship Week, as we sit down with special guest, Joella Almeida!
What is Fireside at FemSTEM?
FemSTEM 2025 continues with an inspiring lineup of distinguished leaders in health innovation!
Fireside at FemSTEM is an interactive conversation series held each winter as part of H2i’s broader FemSTEM programming. During each Fireside, we sit down and chat with one incredible speaker. Speakers are distinguished women within the health entrepreneurship space and are joined by members of the H2i and UTE community as moderators.
Meet the Speaker:
From empowering small businesses to revolutionizing healthcare delivery, Joella Almeida’s career is a dynamic tapestry of innovation, strategic leadership, and community impact.
As the CEO of MedEssist, Joella is transforming healthcare delivery through a cutting-edge platform that bridges pharmacies, digital health, and pharmaceutical companies. Her journey is a testament to the power of cross-functional expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
Before leading MedEssist, Joella crafted a remarkable professional path that spans multiple industries. She honed her operational skills at U.S. BANK, managing operations for one of North America’s largest payment processors. As a Shopify Partner, she empowered entrepreneurs, helping small businesses launch, market, and thrive in the digital marketplace.
Her commitment to community and strategic vision led her to a pivotal role as Director of Strategic Partnerships with the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, where she continues to drive meaningful connections and opportunities for women in business.
A proud alumnus of Woodsworth College and the University of Toronto, Joella embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and entrepreneurial excellence. Her journey reflects a powerful narrative of innovation, resilience, and transformative leadership.
Meet the Moderator:
Kimberly Crasta, MHSc
Program Coordinator, MSc HENT-TRP, University of Toronto
Sessional Instructor, MSc HENT-TRP, University of Toronto
Researcher, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital
Kimberly completed her MHSc in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology with the Translational Research Program, where she explored the role of clinic workflow management on efficiency and wait times. Additionally, she completed a collaborative specialization in Public Health Policy at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, focusing on equitable access to healthcare. Over the past ten years, she has gained experience in research and healthcare training across Canada from various perspectives, including medicine, academia, industry, and government.
Her award-winning master’s work has influenced the assessment and enhancement of operational efficiency in outpatient clinics. Her work has been featured at conferences in Canada and the US. Kimberly has a background in teaching, course development, and mentorship. She co-created and continues facilitating a course series based on an adapted translational research framework for the African Impact Challenge since 2023. In June 2023, she became the first student-mentor awardee through the LMP Mentoring Program. Since 2023, She is a co-principal investigator at the University of Toronto and a researcher at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. In 2024, She became an instructor, mentor and program coordinator for the MSc in Health Entrepreneurship at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in Ghana.
FemSTEM 2025 Programming:
FemSTEM Kickoff & Panel Event | Jan 15th, 2025 | 3:30 – 5 PM (virtual) (REGISTER)
Pitch applications open | Jan 16th, 2025
Fireside at FemSTEM: Sandra Beach Lin | Feb 5th, 2025 | 4 – 5 PM (virtual) (REGISTER)
Fireside at FemSTEM: Dr. Karina Gasbarrino | Feb 19th, 2025 | 4 – 5 PM (virtual) (REGISTER)
Fireside at FemSTEM: Joella Almeida | Mar 4th, 2025 | 4 – 5 PM (in-person) (REGISTER)
FemSTEM Pitch Competition | Mar 26th, 2025 | 3 – 5 PM (in-person)