Vanessa Erhirhie

Vanessa Erhirhie is a student leader dedicated to fostering inclusive and impactful communities. She holds an undergraduate degree in Criminology with a focus on Economics from Toronto Metropolitan University and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Civil Law at McGill University’s Faculty of Law.

Throughout her undergraduate studies, Vanessa championed institutional change, particularly within Ontario’s education system, through her work with the Toronto Youth Cabinet—the City of Toronto’s official youth advisory body. Focused on dismantling barriers faced by minority students, she drove initiatives that combined policy advocacy, information dissemination, and community-driven projects to create meaningful change.

Beyond her work at Toronto City Hall, Vanessa has contributed to research initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Criminology Department, Evergreen Canada, Blackademia Canada, and the University of Alberta’s Political Science Department. Her research explores issues of equity, public policy, and systemic reform, reinforcing her commitment to bridging academia with real-world advocacy.