To belong. It’s a feeling Providence Care Registered Nurse (RN) Hannah D’Souza says she chased a good portion of her life. To be seen, understood and heard has been something Hannah has worked hard to achieve in her life, and it’s exactly the motivating factor behind her involvement with the Providence Care Inclusion Advisory Council (IAC).  

“This internal sense of not belonging has been with me my whole life. I grew up in a boarding school. My really early memories of childhood are of being plucked from here to there, moving wherever I was told. I joined the Inclusion Council so that others can feel heard and supported and not have to carry a deep loneliness.” 

Hannah has been a nurse for nearly 30 years, working at Providence Care for the last 11. She currently works at Providence Care Hospital in Seniors Rehabilitation but throughout her time at Providence Care, she has also worked in mental health, complex care and palliative care.  

“I can’t imagine the idea of retiring. Nursing is like the blood that runs through my veins. I love it. It’s just what I’m meant to do.”  

The mission of Providence Care’s Inclusion Advisory Council is to create a workplace where the people who work, learn and receive care, feel valued, respected, and accepted for exactly who they are. It’s a mission Hannah brings a great deal of lived experience to. 

Born in Eritrea, East Africa, Hannah spent her childhood in boarding schools. Because of unrest in the area, she moved to Kenya, then to the United States and finally, received permanent residency with family in Canada.  

“I was told that black people are not in the same category as white people. They said things like ‘you’re a monkey from the trees’ or ‘what did you even do in Africa?’ My whole life I’ve experienced racism.” 

 After University, Hannah joined a mission trip to Nova Scotia. There, she would start her career and her family.  

“I started my career at IWK children’s hospital and worked there for 18 years before moving to Kingston for family.”  

During those 18 years, Hannah was the only Black nurse on staff. She says it was lonely to not be reflected in the community, a feeling that stayed with her in Kingston. When Providence Care started its Inclusion Advisory Council in 2023, Hannah knew she needed to join. 

“Being part of the council has taught me I’m not alone. Hearing others’ stories is connecting. It reminds us we’re a team and we need to stand up for each other.” 

While on the Council, Hannah has helped shape mandatory learning modules for staff and contributed to policies and procedures on handling and reporting instances of racism. She’s organized two Black History Month celebrations and shared her personal experiences in a patient facing role with racism. In particular, she is passionate about advocating for international nurses.   

“I know what it’s like to come to a country with a different upbringing, different culture, different language; English is my fourth language,” she explains.  

“I think international nurses are struggling, they’re learning, they’re navigating so many new things. As human beings we could extend kindness and patience and grace. Take a minute to say hello, give generous listening, stop complaining about our differences and be there for people.” 

This month, Hannah is working with the Inclusion Advisory Council to share information, stories and learning opportunities that invite staff to deepen their understanding of Black History and to find their own voices within the council. She is also co-organizing the second annual Black-Owned Vendor Market at Providence Care Hospital. 

“I show up for Black History month because this work matters and helps others feel seen and included.” 

As a mother to four children, Hannah knows the work in anti-Black racism is far from finished. She stays grounded in the belief that belonging is built through courage, compassion, and community. 

“We need each other, period; beyond the skin colour, beyond our differences. Let us make each other matter.” 

After decades searching for a place where she could fully belong, Hannah has found it, and she is intentional about making sure it is not hers alone.  

“Today, I belong, I matter. I belong to a team because I make the choice to belong.” 

Through faith, advocacy and an unwavering commitment to care, Hannah is helping create space for others at the table—so that no one else needs to question whether they matter, or whether they belong.