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Learning Network Team

Margarita Pintin-Perez

Community Partnership Leader

Dr. Margarita Pintin-Perez (she/her) is a social worker, researcher, and advocate whose work is rooted in survivor-led, trauma- and violence-informed practice and community-based leadership. She currently serves as the Community Partnership Leader at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC) at Western University, where she leads the Learning Network and Neighbours, Friends & Families, and contributes to national knowledge mobilization efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV).

Margarita holds a PhD in Social Science from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Mexico) and an MSW from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining CREVAWC, she was the Senior Coordinator of the Initiative to End GBV at OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, where she led a national project to enhance the leadership capacity of non-status, refugee, and immigrant (NSRI) survivors to shape and inform policies and services addressing GBV.

A social worker at heart and first-generation Canadian, Margarita’s work is grounded in lived experience, community-based models, and a deep commitment to equity. She brings over 15 years of experience across the immigrant and refugee serving and anti-violence sectors, beginning her GBV work in clinical practice with children and families impacted by trauma and violence. Her ongoing practice and scholarship remain deeply attentive to the intersections of Othering, GBV and systemic inequities – and on the community-led strategies that challenge structures of harm and nurture new realities for healing and change.

Margarita has authored and contributed to a range of national training resources and publications that strengthen collaboration and efforts to address GBV. Her recent work includes co-authoring a chapter in Cruel But Not Unusual: Violence in Families in Canada (3rd ed., 2022), publishing Building Survivor Leadership Capacity: Sharing Lessons Learned from Non-Status, Refugee, and Immigrant Women (Learning Network, 2023), and leading the development of a Blueprint for Building Leadership Capacity among NSRI Communities to Address GBV (2025), a national publication advancing survivor-led approaches to GBV.

Jassamine Tabibi

Research and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist (On Maternity Leave Until 2026)

Jassamine supports research and knowledge mobilization activities at the Learning Network. This includes production and dissemination of various resources on gender-based violence such as reports, newsletters, and learning briefs. Jassamine also supports knowledge mobilization events including annual Knowledge Exchanges and other special events that address issues related to gender-based violence, child maltreatment, and sexual violence. 

Jenna Lopez

Research and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist

Jenna Lopez (she/her) is a Research and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist with the Learning Network at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC). She joined CREVAWC in 2020 and has contributed to national initiatives focused on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, sector capacity-building, and knowledge mobilization.

Jenna holds a Master’s degree in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Guelph. Her areas of expertise include trauma- and violence-informed (TVI) approaches, the integration of survivor expertise into GBV research and practice, and the development of accessible knowledge products for diverse audiences. She has experience leading qualitative and mixed-methods research, facilitating Communities of Practice, and supporting collaborative resource development across the GBV and mental health sectors. She is particularly interested in developing accessible, practice-informed resources that reflect the realities and strengths of frontline workers and communities. During her role as a Research Coordinator, Jenna co-developed the Flourishing Practice Framework, a tool designed to support reflective and sustainable frontline practice in the GBV field. Across all of her work, she is committed to centering community expertise and fostering learning environments rooted in care, reflection, and justice.

Laura Murray

Research Assistant

Laura Murray (she/her) has worked in the gender-based violence (GBV) sector for nearly a decade. From rural to urban settings, from administrative to direct service roles, across regional organizations and national initiatives, she’s worn many hats and explored many corners, gaining a deep, well-rounded view of the sector.

She holds an MA in Research for Policy and Evaluation and a BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Western University. While her academic background was foundational, Laura also believes that valuable learning happens outside of the classroom, through relationships with survivors, GBV sector staff, and even with nature. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Her work is rooted in connection, growth, and trust, and a belief in the power of community to create safer, more inclusive spaces. In her current role at the Learning Network, she supports knowledge mobilization efforts that advance the incredible work of the GBV sector.