Giovanna Boniface is the 2024–25 UBC Alumni Builder Award – UBC Faculty of Medicine recipient.
Since graduating in 1997, Giovanna (she/her) has been a devoted contributor to the UBC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and has become a leader in provincial, national, and international communities. In the 2000s, she and her partner pioneered private practice fieldwork placements for UBC students, inspiring others to do the same. As a guest instructor, preceptor, and capstone research partner, she bridged academic theory with practical experience — she thereby enriched the curriculum and prepared students for real-world challenges. Her contributions to UBC and her field have helped to empower the next generation of professionals in their careers.
What drew you to the Occupational Therapy program at UBC?
I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare. After volunteering in several departments at UBC Hospital during my first undergraduate degree, I knew occupational therapy (OT) was the right choice for me. I was drawn to UBC’s Occupational Therapy program because of its strong reputation for excellence and its focus on hands-on, client-centered care. The idea of helping people regain independence and improve their quality of life was incredibly inspiring to me. UBC offered the perfect blend of academic rigor, clinical experience, and innovative thinking, all in a collaborative learning environment.
What is your favorite memory from your time at UBC?
Some of my best memories at UBC are tied to the friendships I built with classmates. The long study sessions, group projects, and late-night brainstorming sessions created strong bonds that continue to this day. I also cherish the moments spent learning from incredible faculty members who challenged and encouraged us to think critically and compassionately. It was one of those faculty members who invited me to join the provincial OT association (BC Society of Occupational Therapists)—that moment had a significant impact on my journey.
What inspired you to continue your education at UBC through the Master of Rehabilitation Science program?
Lifelong learning has always been important to me, and I saw the Master of Rehabilitation Science program as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge and expand my impact in the field. I wanted to explore new ways to improve rehabilitation services and contribute to advancing occupational therapy practice. The flexibility of the program also allowed me to balance my studies with work and family life, making it a perfect fit.
Giovanna at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, Wild Bird Trust of BC – Maplewood Flats in North Vancouver. Photo courtesy of Jeff Boniface.
What has been your journey since graduation at UBC?
My career has taken me on an incredible journey across clinical practice, leadership, advocacy, and professional development. After graduating, I started a private occupational therapy practice, which allowed me to work closely with clients and gain firsthand experience in the business side of healthcare. From there, I took on the role of a provincial occupational therapy advisor for WorkSafeBC, where I had the opportunity to influence rehabilitation services at a broader level.
One of the highlights of my career was supporting the development of the first provincial chapter of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, CAOT-BC. It was a privilege to build a strong network of occupational therapists and advocate for the profession’s growth in British Columbia. Later, I transitioned into a leadership role outside of healthcare, joining the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, where I now serve as the Chief Commercial Officer. This shift has allowed me to apply my strategic and organizational leadership skills in a new industry while staying committed to advancing professional communities.
Each step in my career has been guided by a passion for making a meaningful impact—whether by supporting clients, mentoring professionals, or driving system-level change. And no matter where I am, my work is intrinsically OT. I’m excited to see where the next chapter leads!
Tell us about your connection with the occupational therapy community.
The occupational therapy community has been an integral part of my professional journey, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a dynamic and supportive network. From my early days as a clinician to leadership roles in advocacy and policy work, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate and dedicated colleagues at the local, provincial, national, and international levels.
Supporting the inception of a new association for BC occupational therapists (CAOT-BC) was a particularly meaningful experience, as it allowed me to help build a strong community of occupational therapists in British Columbia and collaborate with professionals across Canada. Through my involvement in professional associations, mentorship initiatives, and global conversations about the future of occupational therapy, I’ve built lifelong friendships and connections with colleagues who share a commitment to advancing our profession.
In 2023, I co-founded the OT Climate Action Network (OT-CAN) with my life partner (also an OT). OT-CAN is a global initiative that brings occupational therapy professionals together to address the urgent challenge of climate change. This work is grounded in the belief that occupational therapists have a unique and essential role in promoting climate justice, sustainable health, and resilient communities. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, OT-CAN seeks to integrate environmental sustainability into occupational therapy practice and policy while empowering therapists to be active in their communities.
These connections—whether in clinical practice, professional advocacy, or climate action—have reinforced for me the power of collective effort in driving meaningful change. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated professionals and look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to this incredible community.
Why are you inspired to give back to your community?
My desire to give back started early in life. In the 1980s, I was already advocating for the protection of the ozone layer, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to care for the planet and those around me. That early awareness of social and environmental issues shaped my values and set me on a path of service—whether through my profession, advocacy, or mentorship.
I believe we each have a duty to do the best we can while we’re here on this earth. For me, this responsibility is deeply tied to my family and my two children. Knowing that future generations, including my own children, will inherit the world we shape today reinforces my commitment to climate action and sustainability. I want to ensure they grow up in a world that is not only healthy and just but also resilient in the face of environmental challenges. For me, that means using my skills and experiences to support individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to meaningful change. Whether it’s through my work in occupational therapy, advancing professional organizations, or climate action with the OT Climate Action Network, I feel a responsibility to help create a better, more sustainable, and more inclusive world.
What advice would you give to alumni who want to get more involved with UBC?
Start small and follow your interests! Whether it’s attending alumni events, mentoring students, or joining a committee, there are so many ways to stay connected. UBC has a vibrant community, and getting involved not only benefits the university but also provides opportunities to learn, network, and grow.
How has your identity affected your perspective in your practice, community involvement, and/or your future pursuits?
My identity has been deeply shaped by my family’s journey. As the daughter of immigrants from Sicily who had little formal education, I grew up with a profound appreciation for resilience, hard work, education and the power of opportunity. Being the first in my family to graduate from university was a milestone that carried deep meaning—not just for me, but for my parents, who sacrificed and worked tirelessly to provide a better life for their children.
This experience has influenced every aspect of my career and community involvement. It has given me a deep understanding of the barriers people face—whether financial, systemic, or societal—and a commitment to advocating for inclusion and accessibility in healthcare, education, and beyond.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years?
In the next decade, I am deeply committed to addressing the existential threat of climate change. Building upon my work with the OT Climate Action Network, my goal is to integrate climate action into the core of occupational therapy practice. This means equipping occupational therapists with the knowledge and tools to incorporate sustainability into their work, advocating for policies that support environmentally responsible healthcare, and fostering resilience in communities facing climate-related challenges.
Through education, research, collaboration, and advocacy, I hope to help build a global movement where occupational therapists are recognized as key contributors to climate justice and health equity. By collaborating with global partners and continuing to drive awareness within the profession, I hope to contribute to meaningful systemic change that benefits both people and the planet. I also aim to continue forging partnerships with organizations that share this mission, ensuring that sustainability becomes a standard part of how we approach health and wellbeing. By making these systemic changes, I believe we can create a future where both people and the planet thrive in an equilibrium. Building upon my work with the OT Climate Action Network, my goal is to integrate climate action into the core of occupational therapy. This means promoting sustainable healthcare practices, fostering resilience in communities impacted by climate change, and ensuring that occupational therapists are equipped to support individuals adapting to new environmental realities.
Learn more about all 2024–25 UBC Alumni Builder Award recipients here.
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