About Us

Our History

In 2011, our Executive Director, Bernadette connected with Brenda Wairimu, another passionate advocate working to support girls with among other things, access to feminine products. What began as a shared concern soon sparked something deeper, a shared sense of urgency to respond to a need that was too great to ignore. Together, they recognized that behind every statistics was a girl forced to miss school, fall behind and question her worth – simple because she lacked access to basic menstrual care.

In 2016, as the vison began to take shape, led by the proverb that states ” If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”; Bernadette shared this concern with first, Tatiana Nyamusa, and they both invited Dr Krishanthy Shu, Elra Robinson and Dr. Janet Collins into a mission grounded in dignity, education and opportunities for girls. United by compassion and a shared commitment to change, we became a collective force determined to break barriers, restore dignity and build sustainable pathways for girls to stay in school and step confidently into their futures.

In 2017 Tabitha’s Daughters International was incorporated, Corporate number 1018624-4 and

In 2018 the organization was given charitable designation, Business number 72012 4692 RR0001

Why Tabitha

Tabitha also known as Dorcas, is a biblical character, mentioned in Acts: 9: 36-42.

 She is known for her acts of charity and good works, particularly in helping the poor and widows. She was a charitable woman who made a great impact on the lives of those who were poor. Her story resonated with us and the name “Tabitha’s Daughters International” was selected.

Board Members

Janet Collins:  President

Janet V. Collins is a retired lawyer, family mediator), and a former Associate Professor of Biology at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is a graduate of Case Western University (Ph.D.), Western University, (LLB), and University College, London, UK (B.Sc.), (University College of the West Indies). She has been a member of the Board of Governors of Western University, and a member of many governing boards of community organizations, including London Symphonia, a professional orchestra in London, Ontario, African Canadian Women and Friends, Inc a non- profit corporation, and a past president of Congress of Black Women of Canada, London Chapter.

A consistent focus of her professional and community activities has been the welfare of vulnerable persons, including women, children in child welfare and family dispute cases, and mentally ill persons in civil and forensic criminal proceedings, through her private legal practice in London, Ontario, Canada. She is an avid gardener.

Krishanthy Shu: Vice President

Dr. Krishanthy Shu is a primary care physician and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Western University, with a special interest in the care of older adults (Care of the Elderly).

She has served as a Board Member, Executive Committee Member, and Accreditation Committee Member of the Ontario College of Pharmacists. Throughout her career, Dr. Shu has been actively involved in numerous community service initiatives and charitable organizations, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to improving health care and supporting underserved communities.

As Vice Chair of Tabitha’s Daughters International, Dr. Shu brings extensive clinical expertise, leadership, and a deep passion for advancing health, education, and community development through compassionate service.

Elrah Robbinson: Treasurer

Elrah E. Robinson is a founding member of Tabitha’s Daughters International Inc. and currently serves as its Treasurer.

With expertise in education, accounting, business management, and entrepreneurship, she has also served in the same capacity on several boards, including:

  • London Cross Cultural Learner Centre
  • Women Immigrants of London
  • London InterCommunity Health Centre
  • African Canadian Women and Friends
  • Congress of Black Women of London

In addition to her professional and community leadership, Elrah has been actively involved in several ministries within her faith community, particularly in choral music and hospitality. Drawing on her own experience as an international student, she has helped facilitate the successful integration of newly arriving foreign students into the community.

Awarded a CIDA Scholarship, Elrah earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Diploma in Education from Western University in London, Ontario. She taught at the secondary, adult education, and post-secondary levels, including Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, as well as in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where she became known for her ability to connect with and inspire students.

A lifelong learner, Elrah’s curiosity led her to a rewarding 28-year career in Financial Services, where she earned the prestigious Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. As an entrepreneur, she built a successful practice serving more than 500 households, gaining valuable expertise in relationship building, financial planning, and client service. These skills proved invaluable in her volunteer work, particularly in motivating community support and leading successful fundraising initiatives.

Giving back to those in need and strengthening the community have always been guiding principles throughout Elrah’s life. She believes that serving others quietly, without seeking recognition, is one of life’s greatest rewards—a value instilled in her from childhood that continues to keep her grounded and centered.

Elrah and her husband, Don, have been happily married for many years and are the proud parents of three successful and caring children. Today, they find great joy in spending time with their eight energetic grandchildren, who continue to enrich their lives.

Tatiana Nyamusa: Secretary

Tatiana is the Cofounder and current Secretary General of Tabitha’s Daughters International. She holds a BNSc and a Masters Degree in Nursing. She completed her Nurse Practitioner certification from Western University, Ontario. Tatiana has worked as a Part-time Clinical Instructor at the Arthur Labatt School of Nursing, Western University, Canada. She also has volunteered in a number of organizations including the Spelling Bee of Canada, Children’s hospital and different churches within the London community. She is a Nurse Practitioner and currently works at St Joseph’s Health Care London, ON. Tatiana finds immense joy in helping support communities especially girl child empowerment. She believes that every girl should have access to menstrual products, and that collectively as a society we can make that possible. A natural body process should not disqualify a girl from achieving her goals in life if we can help it.

Bernadette Kariuki – Executive Director

 Bernadette is a founder member and currently the Executive Director of Tabitha’s Daughter International

 She is a graduate of Universities of Kenyatta, Kenya (B.Ed.), Moi, Kenya (M.Ed Tech.), and MacMaster, Canada (BScN.). She has held various positions including being a High school Teacher, a Senior Administrator, and Tutorial fellow at Moi University.  She also worked with Global community Centre, Guelph, Canada on a project on gender equity and development in East and South Africa region, funded by CIDA.  She is a Registered Nurse currently working at the London Health Sciences Hospital, London Ontario, Canada.  Her career has positioned her as a trained educator, an administrator, a health professional, and a seasoned volunteer in various organizations in Kenya and London Ontario. She possesses solid skills in teaching, management and administration of public affairs and projects.