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WELCOME TO LEADERSHIP! SUSANNA DUNCAN – THE NEW CENTRAL CHAIR, FOR IAM LOCAL 1231

Sabiha Khan

IAM District 78 proudly welcomes the new Central Chair of Local 1231. We look forward to working together, as you step into this important leadership role, representing the voices of the membership with dedication and integrity. Your commitment to unity, advocacy, and service strengthens our union, and we wish you every success as you lead and support our members forward.

Hailing originally from Guyana in South America and now proud to call Canada home, Susanna brings a unique blend of cultural experience, healthcare knowledge, and unwavering dedication to advocacy.

Susanna spent over a decade as a Dental Hygienist before transitioning into the healthcare system in Canada. After joining Spectrum Health and working in a clustered home setting as a Personal Support Worker (PSW), she quickly discovered the value and power of union representation, something she had no prior exposure to before arriving in Canada.

Faced with challenges in her workplace, Susanna reached out to her then Central Chair, Brother Ben. That pivotal conversation sparked her interest in the union movement. With encouragement from her colleague and sister-in-solidarity, Sister Lystra, she took the step to become a Union Steward, a journey she embraced with passion and purpose.

Her natural drive to advocate for fairness, worker rights, and equitable treatment propelled her through leadership ranks, serving as Chief Steward and now stepping proudly into the role of Central Chair.

Today, Susanna continues to champion the voices of healthcare workers, drawing on both personal experience and her professional growth. As she transitions from PSW to Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), she brings frontline insight, compassion, and strong ethical grounding to her union leadership.

Susanna believes deeply in empowerment through knowledge, solidarity, and integrity. Her commitment to standing up for what is right, no matter how challenging the road, guides her work and inspires those she leads.