Columnist & Maternal Theory Scholar, Parents Canada
Administrative Studies, Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) 1989
Gender, Feminist & Women's Studies, Master of Arts (MA) - Honours, 2023

Tina Powell is a bestselling author, a tireless advocate for women, and a published academic. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Gender, Feminist and Women's Studies at York University, under the Supervision of Dr. Andrea O'Reilly. Her research interests include matricentric feminism, birth mothers in the child welfare system, and motherhood as an intersectional identity.

Tina is a proud Advancing YU alumni mentor in York University’s Advancing Woman program. In addition, Tina writes a monthly column titled “The Thinking Parent” for Parents Canada. Her objective is to share with parents across Canada powerful and valuable maternal theory, research, and knowledge beyond the walls of academia. Tina financially supports York University’s Advancing YU Program, Shifra Homes – a maternity residence and shelter home for young, homeless, pregnant women – as well as Indspire an organization that invests in the education of Indigenous students. Lastly, Tina initiated and sponsors the Louise Jane Beckett Shifra Homes Scholarship and the Advancing YU Andrea O’Reilly Matricentric Scholar Award.

Tina is an inductee into the Sheridan College Business Hall of Fame and is a McMaster University Arch Award recipient. She recently received a Certificate of Recognition from the Government of Ontario for her significant contribution to children’s literature. Tina’s books have raised funds for numerous charities and her book "If you could see what I see…", written in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, raised $58,000 for the Canadian Red Cross USA Appeal and is in the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York City. During the pandemic, Tina donated $20,000 in autographed books to teachers and children’s organizations.