Event Agenda

Toronto 2025

MaRS Waterfront Lake Lounge

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Doors Open, Breakfast, Registration

7:30 AM

  • Guests arrive, check in, enjoy a light breakfast, and browse early exhibitor booths and posters.
  • Open floor for exhibitors, partner organizations, and research abstract poster displays.

Opening Remarks

8:30 AM

A welcome to World Vitiligo Day 2025 and introduction of the vision, goals, and key leaders helping shape this year’s international gathering.

Speakers

  • Keith Loo, Co-Founder, Skinopathy and President, 2025 World Vitiligo Day Innovation Summit
  • Lee Thomas, 4 Time Emmy Award Winning Author & Anchor
  • Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation
  • Aiesha Robinson, Student, Model, Vitiligo Influencer

Mapping the Vitiligo Journey: Understanding the Maze of Support and Care

9:15 AM

Using the Vitiligo Patient Journey Map as our guide, this session explores the complex and fragmented path for vitiligo patients. From Google searches to clinical trials, from camouflage to depigmentation. The panel will unpack how we can simplify this maze, close systemic gaps, and build a more compassionate and coordinated care model.

Moderator

  • Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation

Speakers

  • Nanette Silverberg, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, New York City Mount Sinai
  • Bill Arteca, Chief Executive Officer, BioSample Connect
  • Shahnawaz Towheed, Co-Founder, Vitiligo Voices Canada and Medical Student (McMaster University)
accelerating vitiligo care in canada

9:45 AM

Breakthroughs in innovation require more than science – they require purpose. Christine Lennon, General Manager at Incyte Biosciences Canada, discusses how the company’s commitment to vitiligo patients’ journeys and to advancing science and research can redefine what’s possible in healthcare.

Speaker

  • Christine Lennon, General Manager, Incyte Biosciences Canada

Health Break

10:00 AM

Treating Vitiligo Today: What Are My Options?

10:30 AM

Vitiligo treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. This session brings together leading dermatologists to walk through the current treatment landscape, from topical therapies to light-based interventions, systemic options, and beyond. They’ll discuss how decisions are made, what’s emerging in the research, and how to match treatments to real-world patient needs.

Moderator: Keith Loo, CEO & Co-Founder, Skinopathy

Speakers

  • Dr. Geeta Yadav, Dermatologist, Founder of FACET Dermatology
  • Professor Albert Chan, Clinical Psychologist, Psy.D. and Founder Paxwood Family Therapy
  • Omar Sharife, President & Co-founder, Vitiligo Voices Canada; Vitiligo Content Creator

Startup Showcase

11:00 AM

A rapid-fire spotlight on global startups innovating in skin health, diagnostics, and patient support.

Moderator

  • Bibaswan Ghoshal, Senior Director Technology Adoption, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization


Startups

  • Nishani Rajakulendra, Director, Clinical Operations, Edesa Biotech
  • Andrea Galindo, Chief Operating Officer, Baüne
  • Faddy Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, PharmaGuide
  • Kyle Biggar, Chief Science Officer, Nuvobio
  • Serena Mandla, Chief Science Officer, Noa Therapeutics

Boxed Lunch and networking

12:00 PM

Abstract Competition

1:00 PM

Selected research abstracts will be presented by top applicants from around the world.

Moderator: Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Lead Data Scientist, Skinopathy

Speakers:

  • Alejandro J. Vera, MSc, Human Subject Research Specialist, University of Rochester Medical Center
    • Identity Forming Experiences with Vitiligo through Age
  • Dr. Omer Elhussein, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum
    • Histological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of
      Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin in Non-Segmental Vitiligo
  • Gabriela Guerra, PhD in Education, Knowledge, and Social Inclusion, Federal University of Minas Gerais
    • Vitiligo as Diasporic Cartography: Art, Identity, and Mental Health in Afro-Brazilian Perspectives
  • Hessa Asmani, Vitiligo Voices Canada
    • A cross-sectional analysis of the quality and readability of online resources for vitiligo

The Skin Microbiome | What is it and how does it Affect Vitiligo?

1:30 PM

This roundtable brings together leaders in dermatology, biotech, and data science to explore the emerging role of the skin microbiome in vitiligo. How does our microbial environment influence depigmentation? What are the practical implications for screening, diagnostics, treatment, and daily skincare?

Moderator:

  • Dr. Manasi Parikh, Family Medicine Physician with a Focused Practice in Dermatology, Assistant Professor (Adjunct) Family Medicine – McMaster University


Speakers

  • Dr. Mireille Vega, Chief Executive Officer, VGAM Biome
  • Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Lead Data Scientist, Skinopathy

1-on-1 Interview | From Computer Code to Compassionate Care

2:00 PM

In this exclusive fireside chat, plastic surgeon and medical innovator Dr. Collin Hong shares his vision for integrating AI into patient-centered care. From clinical trials to compassionate technology, learn how his multidisciplinary approach is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vitiligo treatment and beyond.

Interviewer: Orchid Jahanshahi, Founder, Advisor and Investor, ThinkrBelle, former Pharma and Digital Health Executive

Guest: Dr. Collin Hong, Chief Medical Officer, Skinopathy

Health Break

2:30 PM

Calico | Short film about a girl with vitiligo steals the school’s talking goldfish

3:00 PM

Join us for a special screening of “Calico,” a powerful short film that follows a young girl navigating life with vitiligo as she searches for belonging and self-acceptance.

This moving story blends art and advocacy, shedding light on the emotional impact of vitiligo through a beautifully human lens.

Vitiligo | The Age of Repigmentation Has Arrived

3:15 PM

  • Nanette Silverberg, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, New York City Mount Sinai

Cover, Express, Empower: The Role of Cosmetics in Vitiligo

3:30 PM

Makeup is more than concealment. It’s expression, identity, and choice. This session explores the intersection of dermatology, cosmetics, and confidence, featuring medical experts, brand leaders, and influencers. Whether you wear it or don’t, discover how camouflage products play a role for people with vitiligo and enable them through their journey.

Moderator: Dr. Sangeetha Nadarajah, Board Certified Family Physician and Fellow in Global Journalism and Health Impact at the University of Toronto

Speakers

  • Erika Page, Founder, Living Dappled and Vitiligo Influencer
  • Sara Frankel, Chief Operating Officer, Zanderm
  • Hessa Asmani, Vitiligo Voices Canada

Abstract Competition Winner

4:00 PM

  • Announcement of the abstract competition winner and final keynote.

Rewriting the Narrative for Vitiligo: Innovation, Advocacy, and the New Era of Vitiligo Awareness

4:10 PM

This power panel brings together thought leaders from medicine, business, and advocacy to discuss where vitiligo awareness is headed. What does true equity in care look like? How do we break the silence and elevate underrepresented voices? And how can we take these great ideas and make them real.

Moderator: Dr. Gillian Mandich, Happiness Expert, The Social TV Show on CTV

Speakers

  • Dana Gies, Executive Director, Canadian Skin Patient Alliance
  • Dr. Sam Hanna, Dermatologist specializing in Vitiligo
  • Dr. Juthika Thakur, Dermatologist & Co-Founder of the DermInsight Symposium
Announcement! The Next Host City for World Vitiligo Day!

4:55 PM

Closing Reception | Networking & Celebration!

5:00 PM

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