Denika McPherson
Senior Business Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Health
Category: Emerging Leader
“Denika’s work is not only about harnessing technology but also about fostering an inclusive and innovative culture within the digital health sector. Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to mentorship and collaboration through Black People in Health Tech and Womxn in Data Science initiative. She is a champion for diversity in digital health, actively promoting the inclusion of underrepresented voices in decision- making processes and ensuring that digital solutions are accessible and equitable. Her focus on developing talent within the public sector and her encouragement of cross- sectoral partnerships have created a vibrant ecosystem for digital health innovation in Canada. She is not only a deserving recipient but a true pioneer whose leadership and contributions will continue to inspire future generations of digital health professionals.”
“Denika embodies the spirit of the Women Leaders in Digital Health Award through her unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and transformative impact on Canada’s digital health landscape.”
Denika McPherson is a visionary leader in digital health (DH), recognized for her adaptive leadership and mission-driven approach to advancing the quintuple aim—enhancing patient experience, improving population health, reducing costs, supporting provider well-being, and promoting health equity. As the AI Lead and Senior Business Advisor for the Ontario Ministry of Health, she was pivotal in evaluating DH projects for a provincial innovation program, facilitating an $8.2M investment across 13 projects, resulting in 28 technologies deployed, $3.62M in cost savings, and 108 system efficiencies while creating or retaining 105 jobs and securing $17M in follow-on investment. Denika has skillfully navigated the complexities of healthcare transformation, aligning policy, technology, and user engagement to achieve sustainable change. Her expertise in advising executives, including the Minister’s and Premier’s offices, has shaped strategic business frameworks, governance, and resource allocation models, driving DH transformation aligned with provincial health system goals. As an incoming AMS-Fitzgerald Fellow in AI and Human-Centred Leadership, she is at the forefront of reimagining health leadership by integrating compassion and equity with AI solutions. Denika blends responsible innovation with a deep commitment to social impact, using technology as a powerful tool for system-wide transformation.