Congratulations Dr. Roopan Gill and Développement International Desjardins, 2024 Winners of the Innovation and Impact Awards

At WUSC, we are committed to supporting innovative and impactful work that contributes to meaningful change. In collaboration with Cooperation Canada and the trustees of the Lewis Perinbam Award, we are pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Innovation and Impact Awards in Honour of Lewis Perinbam. 

Innovation is at the heart of our work, driving us to build a more relevant, responsive, and effective global development sector. The Innovation and Impact Award celebrates and recognizes Canadian individuals and civil society organizations (CSOs) that are making a lasting impact through innovative and meaningful work. The individual award honours a Canadian (or individual residing in Canada) who has demonstrated creativity and impact in international development, while the organization award is given to a CSO that has shown exceptional innovation and results in their work. This year, Dr. Roopan Gill was awarded the individual award for her transformative work in sexual and reproductive health. The organizational award went to Développement International Desjardins, for their leadership in launching the Aequitas fund.

The awards were presented during a virtual ceremony held on February 6, 2025, in the presence of 53 attendees, including the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development.

Individual Award Winner: Dr. Roopan Gill

Dr. Roopan Gill is a globally recognized expert in sexual and reproductive health. As co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vitala Global, Dr. Gill has transformed access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, especially for women and girls in underserved areas. Through Vitala Global, she led the development of a groundbreaking digital health platform that bridges gaps in care by providing accurate, culturally sensitive, and user-centered information, becoming a lifeline for many, and enabling individuals to take control of their health even in the most challenging circumstances. Dr Gill’s work extends beyond healthcare. She has also worked with the World Health Organization and other global initiatives where she has championed gender equity in public health strategies worldwide.  

“I am grateful to be recognized for this prestigious award. Now more than ever, I am further emboldened to continue the work of advancing reproductive rights globally, representing our country as a proud Canadian, carrying the torch of Lewis Perinbam,” shared Dr. Roopan Gill, CEO of Vitala Global.

“Dr. Gill’s leadership is a powerful reminder of Lewis Perinbam’s vision, embracing collaboration and innovation to drive global change,” shared Steve Mason, CEO of WUSC.

Organizational Award Winner: Développement International Desjardins 

Développement International Desjardins (DID) launched the Aequitas fund in 2021 to support inclusive finance institutions that promote sustainable development, gender equality, and climate action. Aequitas enables underserved communities including women, smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, by creating jobs, and improving access to healthcare and education. The impact investment fund has grown to 87.9 million CAD and touched over 40,000 people worldwide. 

Both Dr. Gill and DID’s work exemplify the spirit of innovation and impact that the Lewis Perinbam Awards have been celebrating for nearly four decades. Learn more about Lewis Perinbam and his legacy.