Meet the Leadership

Lawrie is the Founder of Collective Good Business Services Inc and Advisor and Chief Growth Consultant at On-Purpose Partners. Prior to this, Lawrie was the Chief Marketing Officer for Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union. 

Lawrie has significant senior management experience and is skilled in community giving and engagement, marketing, brand building, communications, public relations, strategic planning and implementation, product development, customer relations and employee engagement.     

Lawrie is a committed volunteer in the non-profit community; she previously served as a Director of the Surrey Hospitals Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC and was a member of the Loan Review Committee for Rise Asset Development. 
Lawrie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and an ICD.D Designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors Rotman Director’s Education Program. 

Michelle is the Chief Operating Officer of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC’s) Group of Social Purpose Entities, which includes COHO Management Services Society and the Community Land Trust. She holds a designation in Human Resources and is a graduate of the Saint Mary’s University Master of Management, Cooperatives and Credit Union. 

She is dedicated to promoting values of democracy, equality, equity and solidarity both in business and as a community member. Michelle is also on the Board of Hogan’s Alley Society, which advocates for Black Vancouverites to build capacity of racialized and marginalized communities to participate in city building. 

Over a course of 16 years, Cathy was a key member of the senior executive team and worked with the Vancouver Aquarium’s / Ocean Wise’s Board of Directors and the Finance & Audit, Governance, Business Development and Facilities Committees. 

Cathy has served on a number of boards and committees including the BC Lupus Society and the Boca del Lupo Theatre Society. She currently serves as the independent community member of the audit committee for the West Vancouver School District #45, and as a member of the BC Women's Health Foundation board.

Cathy is an accountant holding a CPA, CA designation and obtained an MBA from Dalhousie University. In 2018 she was awarded CFO of the Year by Business in Vancouver and in 2019 she was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Business & the Professions category.

Dianne is the Indigenous Relations Manager for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, having previously served as the Associate Director of Title and Rights for the Musqueam First Nation. 

In 2018, Dianne was recognized by Business in Vancouver as a top 40 under 40 recipient and in 2019, Vancouver Magazine named her #14 on the Power 50 List. Dianne has previously served as a public member on the College of Midwives of British Columbia board and volunteers as a tutor for Indigenous students in her community. She has an Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University in Indigenous Business and Leadership, a Masters of Arts in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria, a BA in History from the University of Manitoba and a B.Ed from Western University. 

A proud member of Bearskin Lake First Nation, she now lives in Musqueam Nation with her husband and two adorable boys.

For more than 25 years, Barbara Bahry has been a key driver of business success, in national and global leadership roles, by leveraging her portfolio of expertise in personal branding, change management, leadership development, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and compensation and rewards.

For the last year she has held the role of Advisor to the Chair and President and CEO of Odlum Brown Limited. Previous to that she was Chief People and Culture Officer at Odlum Brown for 10 years. As a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Team, Barbara was responsible for the design, development and implementation of strategies that attract, engage and develop team members. She views leadership development as a critical business investment and is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to being intentional and accountable leaders who drive measurable business results.

Barbara recently served as a board member for CPHR BC & Yukon and the YWCA of Metro Vancouver. She is currently an external advisor to both organizations and is excited about returning to the YWCA as a board member. She has served two terms on the Board of Governors for Canada’s Most Admired^TM Corporate Cultures awards program and serves on the National Fellowship Committee for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Association. Barb holds the FCPHR designation.

Dr. Carol Liao is an Associate Professor at the UBC Allard School of Law and the UBC Sauder Distinguished Fellow of the Dhillon Centre for Business Ethics at the UBC Sauder School of Business. She is the Chair of the Canada Climate Law Initiative, an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to advancing director knowledge on the latest in climate science and fiduciary obligations. 

Carol is internationally recognized for her expertise in corporate law and sustainability, climate governance, gender and racial justice, and has widely published in these fields. Prior to academia, she was a corporate lawyer in New York, where she represented private and public multinational corporations in a variety of transactional and governance matters. Carol is the recipient of the Business in Vancouver Influential Women in Business Award, BCBusiness Women of the Year Award, TELUS Community Service Award, Canada’s Clean50 Award, and was named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.

Celeste Haldane, KC is serving her third term as Chief Commission and was first appointed in April 2017. Celeste is Musqueam (Coast Salish) and Metlakatla (Tsimshian) from the Sparrow and Haldane families, and has European ancestry.

Celeste is a practising lawyer and was appointed King’s Counsel in 2019. Drawing from over 25 years’ of experience, her specializations are in Indigenous law, corporate governance, and she previously practiced criminal defense and civil litigation. She is an active member of both the Indigenous Bar Association and the Canadian Bar Association, and served on the CBA Indigenous Advisory Group.

She holds a Master of Laws in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and earned a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) from the University of BC.

Celeste serves on governance boards and is serving as a member on the Advisory Council on Diversity to the Joint Task Force Pacific, Canadian Armed Forces.  Previously, she served on the Brain Canada Foundation, Legal Aid BC, Hamber Foundation, UBC Board of Governors, Musqueam Capital Corporation, and the Indigenous Bar Association, and is an alumna of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. Celeste lives with her husband Conrad on Vancouver Island and is the proud mother of three, and grandmother of two.

Diane is a retired Chief People and Culture Officer, having had a long and rewarding career leading teams responsible for Operations, Human Resources and Business Transformation. With extensive experience in the financial services industry, phone directory and human resources, Diane has a passion for progressive people practices that support a company’s strategic plan. Diane has over 30 years of human resource and management experience leading teams in the private and public sectors.

Diane has delivered a full range of human resources services including cultural stewardship, organizational development, total rewards, occupational health and enterprise-wide change management. Diane holds the Charter Directors Designation (C.Dir), Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and is a member of the CPHR British Columbia & Yukon. Diane has a Master of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University.

Diane has previously served on the Burnaby Hospital Foundation Board and Credit Union Pension and Benefit Trust Board and is active in many local charities including Children’s Hospital and United Way.

Joanna is Vice President, Finance of Herschel Supply Company and has previously held finance leadership positions at Mountain Equipment Coop, Creation Technologies and Aritzia. She obtained her Bachelors in Commerce with a specialty in Finance from the University of British Columbia, and holds a CPA, CA designation with the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia, having articled at KPMG.

Seeing that women leaders are in the minority and how these missing perspectives impacts communities, Joanna is interested in leadership initiatives for women that support their wellbeing. 

Roopa is a partner in KPMG’s Sustainability Services practice and works in a global setting helping clients reduce risks, find opportunities and ultimately build more resilient and sustainable businesses. Roopa focuses on a range of sustainability-related services including measurement and reporting, strategy, assurance, ESG and climate risk identification, materiality and greenhouse gas emissions estimates and verifications with a focus in the energy and natural resource sectors.

Roopa obtained her Bachelors in Honors Business Administration with distinction from the Ivey School of Business at Western University and holds a CPA, CA designation with the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.   

Roopa is passionate about supporting women, both professionally and as a volunteer. She is part of the KPMG Women’s Leadership Council, is an active mentor and advocate for women within the organization, has previously volunteered as a board member and treasurer with WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre, and she has also been a big sister with Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland. Roopa is excited to connect her passion for women’s equality with her expertise on environmental and social topics.

Sasha Gladu, a dedicated nêhiyaw woman from Alexander First Nation, shines as a beacon of strength and compassion in her work for Indigenous Health. Rooted in her culture, she advocates tirelessly for the well-being and empowerment of her community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sasha finds joy and fulfillment in being a proud mother to Slayter and Luna, instilling in them the values of their heritage. Her journey exemplifies the resilience and grace of indigenous women, inspiring others to embrace their roots and nurture their families with love and pride.

Zahra is a Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in large organizations. As an HR Generalist, she has spent much of her time advising on and executing complex organizational-wide projects, including highly sensitive investigations, large reorganizations and the COVID-19 response. 

Zahra currently serves a Senior Strategic Business Advisor at BC Hydro, providing strategic and operational advice on projects and initiatives. She is also part of the Electrification Project Management Office leading a collaboration initiative between BC Hydro and local governments to more effectively accelerate electrification. 

Zahra has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources and Marketing from Simon Fraser University and holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. 

Volunteerism is a value Zahra holds deeply, previously serving as Co-Chair of a Board of Directors for a West End daycare. She currently volunteers as a Career Readiness Committee Member with the Economic Planning Board, where she supports newcomers to Canada with identifying employment opportunities and career and interview coaching. 
 

Erin is honoured to work with such an exceptional team to deliver supportive and compassionate programs and services, and to advocate for systemic change to empower women, gender-diverse people and families. 

A firm believer in the value of public and community service, Erin brings more than 20 years of experience in governance, strategic planning, communications, policy analysis and stakeholder relations. Most recently, Erin served as Senior Vice President, BC Financial Services Authority and CEO of the Real Estate Council of BC, where she was responsible for consumer protection in the financial services sector and regulatory oversight of real estate professionals. 

Previously, Erin spent more than 10 years in progressively senior leadership roles with the Government of British Columbia, including Executive Director of Immigration Programs where she oversaw provincial immigrant selection and settlement.  

Erin holds a BA in Political Science and Hispanic Studies from the University of Victoria and an MA in International Studies from Simon Fraser University. She has been a long-time community volunteer and is currently the Past President of the Board of Directors for Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, a Vancouver-based community services organization serving children, youth and seniors.

Alicia Williams joined the YWCA in 2023. She’s a Chartered Professional Accountant and senior financial executive with experience working with Canadian and US private and public companies, and not-for-profit organizations. Alicia has been a consultant to boards of directors, providing governance advice with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as environmental, social and governance, and corporate sustainability. She is also a lawyer, having acted in the role of in-house counsel, corporate secretary, as well as practicing in several other areas of the law. Alicia sits on the board of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and on the board of Consumer Protection BC. Alicia holds a law degree (J.D.) from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Accounting, and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. 

Alison King joined the YWCA in 2022, bringing more than 20 years of experience in People and Culture with a focus on culture transformation, organizational learning and leadership development. She has worked in four countries and in a wide range of sectors, including non-profit, education, consulting services and government. She is an ICF, ACC and CPCC coach and as part of her ongoing learning, recently completed certificates in community capacity building and restorative justice. Alison’s experience brings an open mindset in co-creating with others and offers a unique lens to view opportunities, generate ideas and implement solutions. Alison is passionate about creating spaces of connection, dialogue and learning and in uncovering the potential of others and sees this as an important area of focus in her role at the YWCA.  Alison is constantly amazed by the impactful work and purpose-filled people at the YWCA and grateful to be part of the team. 

Amy Juschka is a strategic communications leader with more than 15 years of experience advocating for social change across the charitable and non-governmental sectors. Her communications background has focused on gender equity and human rights and her experience includes leading digital engagement with organizations like the David Suzuki Foundation and UNICEF Canada. Amy joined the YWCA in 2012 and has been a member of the senior leadership team since 2017. As VP of Communications and Advocacy, Amy's portfolio includes marketing communications, advocacy and government relations and Indigenous initiatives and engagement. Under her leadership, the YWCA has been recognized with multiple national and international awards in marketing and advocacy. She has a Master’s in Journalism from UBC and currently sits on the board of the Elizabeth Bagshaw Society. Outside the office, Amy enjoys chasing her dog through the North Shore mountains and jumping in cold lakes. 

Antonio Milfont is a finance leader with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance across various industries, including not-for-profit, mining and food production. As Director of Finance for YWCA Metro Vancouver's Employment and Community Services, he is known for his ability to drive financial growth and achieve operational excellence by leveraging his strategic vision, leadership skills and technological proficiency. Under his leadership, the organization has significantly expanded its employment and community programs. He excels in developing and implementing financial strategies that align with the organization's goals and funder requirements, ensuring compliance and enhancing financial forecasting and decision-making capabilities. Antonio holds a Master of Business Administration from SFU's Beedie School of Business and a Diploma in Accounting Program from UBC's Sauder School of Business. He is proficient in financial tools such as MS Excel and ERP systems and possesses exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.

As the Director of the YWCA Hotel, Barbara Lane has more than 30 years of experience in hospitality management within both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, improving operational efficiency and fostering exceptional guest experiences. Under her leadership, the hotel has undergone significant transformations, including the addition of 65 new rooms, which have substantially increased revenue for our social enterprise. This includes a major re-piping project, extensive renovations, and the creation of a stunning new lobby that has become a vibrant hub of activity and a symbol of the hotel’s commitment to excellence. Barbara’s expertise in hospitality management, combined with her dedication to social enterprise, has allowed the hotel to achieve outstanding results while positively impacting the community. The YWCA Hotel has become a benchmark for excellence in social enterprise hospitality, prioritizing community impact alongside financial sustainability.

Brenda Ulmer is a Certified Fundraising Professional who has been a fundraiser since 1993. She joined the YWCA in 2002 and has worked in the social service, environmental and health-care sectors. As VP Fund Development and Special Events, she oversees a department of more than two dozen staff. Brenda has worked with BC Women’s Hospital and Health Sciences Foundation, Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation and the Pacific AIDS Resource Centre. Her specialty is major gifts, capital campaigns and planned gifts. Brenda has a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC with a major in Urban Land Economics. She has two sons. She currently volunteers on the Scholarship and Mentorship Committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and as a mentor for AFP. She volunteered for more than 10 years with Ronald McDonald House. 

Cameta Brooks joined the YWCA in 2024, bringing more than a decade of experience in supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP) program managers and directing enterprise solutions and analytics initiatives. In her role as Director of Information Technology, Risk and Compliance, she utilizes her expertise as an Attorney at Law to manage the entire organization’s IT infrastructure to support its operations. Cameta excels in project management leadership, business analysis, technology planning, and leveraging her legal knowledge to ensure effective risk and compliance strategies. Previously, Cameta was the Director of ICT Policies, Projects and Digitization for the Jamaica Customs Agency. She studied risk management and project management at the University of the West Indies and the Project Management Institute. Throughout her career, Cameta has been an effective communicator and has a proven track record of directing and leading teams to deliver major projects. 

Carolyn Neilson has served on the YWCA executive leadership team since 2014. She holds an MSc. from the University of Guelph and a BA from the University of British Columbia. With 28 years of leadership experience in the community sector, Carolyn has developed and led a variety of employment, training, education and community-based programs. She is passionate about community-based programming and fostering collaborative partnerships that support the success of program participants. As a dedicated lifelong learner, Carolyn has participated in the Leadership Certificate Program at Simon Fraser University, studied HR management at British Columbia Institute of Technology, and is a CARF administrative accreditor. In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys volunteering with her local community theatre, participating in refugee sponsorship groups, exercising and enjoying quality time with her friends, family and animals. 

Dani is a passionate and progressive leader with extensive frontline and leadership experience in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. She brings a deep commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed care in housing and health services. Thoughtout her career she has lead cross-disciplinary teams and developed innovative and complex health and housing programs. Her work is deeply grounded in equity and collaboration, with an empasis on building strategic partnerships reduce systemic barriers to accessing care and support. Past roles span from fronline and leadership work with RainCity Housing to Intergrated health and housing roles in BC and Ontario, reflecting a career dedicated to social impact, systems change, and community resilience. Dani holds and BA in Criminology and Legal Studies Certificate with a focus on Resorative Justice from SFU. 

Fontana joined the YWCA in 2025, bringing more than 10 years of experience in operations excellence, continuous improvement and change management to the organization. She believes sustainable change is achieved through transparent vision, productive communication and thoughtful performance indicators. Fontana brings a mindset of respect and understanding to every team engagement session she facilitates. She has helped more than 40 for-profit and not-for-profits across Canada and in multiple industries start their operations excellence journey. Fontana has presented her message of Continuous Improvement at multiple international AME and QNET conferences. She holds her CI Master Black Belt, is a PROSCI Change Practitioner and certified Agile Facilitator. In her spare time, she leads both Zumba and yoga classes as a nationally certified group fitness instructor.

Grace has been an invaluable member of the YWCA team since 2017. Previously, she led the Crabtree Corner Community as co-Associate Director, and she now serves as our Associate Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement. A proud member of the Tsimshian Nation and registered to Lax Kw’alaams, BC, Grace hails from a long lineage of Hereditary Chiefs in her maternal communities of Port Essington and Kitkatla. Born in Prince Rupert and raised in the Downtown Eastside, she is a respected knowledge keeper who has dedicated decades to advocating alongside urban Indigenous and multicultural families.  

Grace has been pivotal in driving our Indigenous initiatives and advocacy efforts, consistently ensuring that the direction of the YWCA is responsive to the needs of the community. She excels at building authentic relationships and meeting people exactly where they are. Her generous spirit and the patient sharing of her deep cultural knowledge have made her a cornerstone of our community. 

Harjit Johal joined the YWCA in 2024 as Associate Director Finance (Housing), bringing more than 25 years of finance-related experience in full cycle accounting and internal management reporting to the organization. She is dynamic and results-driven, with a proven track record in financial reporting, analysis and expense management. As a Chartered Professional Accountant with more than 20 years of good standing, she is driven to provide accurate and timely insights and drive strategic initiatives forward. In her previous roles, she has been deeply involved in budgeting and forecasting working with operating budgets up to $400 million. Outside of finance, Harjit loves event planning and received a certificate from Vancouver Community College. She also completed the freelance makeup artistry program at Blanche Macdonald. Harjit is passionate about building collaborative relationships and fostering positive team environments.

Janet Burgess has over 30 years of leadership experience, most recently within the financial services industry where she developed her expertise in strategic planning, marketing, client experience, HR, business intelligence, business development, promotion and advocacy. She joined the YWCA in 2024 as Vice President Social Entrepreneurship, providing strategic leadership for the YWCA’s childcare services, hotel and Health + Fitness enterprises. Janet is a board member, advocacy committee chair and certified course facilitator for Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society. She’s had a long relationship with Capilano University as a faculty partner, student mentor and guest facilitator. Janet regularly supports numerous local women's organizations through speaking opportunities, events and volunteering. Janet studied at Capilano University and BCIT. She holds a Certified Professional Human Resources certification and UBC’s Executive Leadership Development Certificate. Janet lives on the North Shore with her wonderful family, is a fitness enthusiast and a certified yoga teacher. 

Jena Fair is a skilled event producer with a diverse background in music and entertainment. As Associate Director of Special Events, she oversees the planning and execution of the organization’s signature events, including the Women of Distinction Awards, with a focus on empowering women and fostering community engagement. Jena’s journey into event production began in the music industry. Having attended Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, she co-founded the R&B trio “Shades of Soul” and the group “Soul Sistahs.” With them, she gained hands-on experience producing concerts, managing artist performances, and handling event logistics. This experience with local independent labels honed her skills in concert promotion and artist relations. Bringing her creativity and strategic planning to the non-profit sector, Jena transitioned her expertise to YWCA’s special events, where she is passionate about creating impactful experiences that celebrate women's achievements and amplify diverse voices. 

Josh Hardwick first joined the YWCA in 2019, managing the youth employment program, Strive. In 2021 he transitioned to the Fund Development team, where he provides leadership as an Associate Director and guides the team’s government relations. He also assists with hiring and is responsible for maintaining the IDEA framework within Fund Development. With a career background in education, Josh has spent more than a decade working directly with varied communities, which offers a unique perspective on his fundraising goals. He’s accomplished in maintaining and developing relationships with colleagues and community partners to meet organizational and strategic targets. Originally from England, Josh studied at the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol. He enjoys spending time outside and going camping with his two young kids. 

Kathy Lilyholm joined the YWCA in 2003, bringing decades of management experience to her role. A dedicated fundraising professional, she provides leadership in the Fund Development team, overseeing operations, budgets and standing in as Acting VP, Fund Development and Special Events. Kathy is a certified leadership coach and is passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge with others, introducing people to opportunities and perspectives that enhance their connection to the community. Kathy’s community involvement includes volunteering as: a peer reviewer for Imagine Canada’s Standards Program, a fitness instructor at the YWCA Health and Fitness Centre, a mentor with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and as an ally with Indigenous Fashion Week and the Red Ribbon Skirt project.   

Laurie Sinnott-Lee is an experienced leader within the non-profit sector. Through her work, she has driven strategic direction for programming and services through creative thinking, reflective decision making, and thorough evaluation resulting in meaningful impact for the clients she serves. Previously managing mentorship opportunities at the YWCA, Laurie is now responsible for the YWCA’s Youth Education and Youth Employment Programs portfolio, among others. She also provides motivational and collaborative leadership, strategic planning, resource management and program development at the YWCA. Laurie graduated from the University of Windsor with a BA in sociology and women’s studies, from St. Clair College with a diploma in child and youth work. She is currently studying towards attaining her CPHR designation. In her spare time, Laurie enjoys reading, taking long walks, going for hikes and spending time with her family.   

Lisa Rupert has more than 30 years of dedicated experience in providing support and housing to people who have experienced intimate partner violence. She oversees the YWCA’s 16 housing communities, including three second-stage transition houses, and manages key programs including PEACE programs, Legal Education and outreach services. Lisa is committed to a collaborative approach to advocacy and working towards intersectional, trauma-informed change in housing and violence prevention services. In 2016, she received the Dedication Award from the Bhayana Family Foundation and was recognized for the compassion she brings to her role. She is currently a board member of the BC Society of Transition Houses and a member of the FREDA Advisory Committee. 

Lorraine joined the YWCA in 2025 and is an accomplished child-care professional with 30 years of experience in child and youth care field.  She has a proven track record in leadership as well as coordinating and developing a variety of engaging programs, workshops, courses and events for children and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures.  Lorraine holds her Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certification and has also completed Child and Youth Care Counselling (CYCC) at Douglas College, and third year CYCC courses at University of Victoria.  In addition to her breadth and depth of experience, Lorraine is also an ECE/ECEA instructor. Lorraine enjoys quality time with her friends and family. She loves to laugh out loud.

Lynda Sousa joined the YWCA in 2019 and is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in the employment services industry. She’s held diverse frontline and leadership roles in both private and non-profit sectors, where she has consistently demonstrated her passion for helping individuals. As Director of Quality Improvement and Training, Lynda is a strategic, big-picture thinker who excels at developing systems and processes that enhance organizational efficiency and support staff learning and development. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and working closely with colleagues to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement to achieve success. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, reading, solving puzzles and watching documentaries. 

May Kwan is the Associate Director, Community Programs at YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Crabtree Corner Community, where she leads programs that support families, strengthen partnerships and address systemic inequities. Since joining the YWCA in 2017, she has helped develop initiatives focused on keeping families together, raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and improving food security in the Downtown Eastside. 

With a background in trauma-informed harm reduction and housing, May has worked with Portland Hotel Society (PHS) and Coast Mental Health, deepening her understanding of homelessness, addiction and mental health support. Her work extends into broader efforts around reconciliation, literacy and community empowerment, always centering the voices of those she serves. 

Guided by a belief that real change happens through relationships, May leads with care, dignity and respect, creating spaces where individuals and families feel empowered, connected and supported in shaping their own futures. 

Melanie Hardy has been part of the YWCA since 2004, bringing 30 years of experience in delivering employment and community programs within the non-profit, public and private sectors to her role. Her passions include working with youth services in the community and empowering self-identifying women within innovative program models.  Melanie has been involved in developing programs and services for a wide range of community members, including for youth, newcomers, persons with disabilities, self-identifying women, Indigenous youth, older workers and francophone.  Melanie holds a degree in international relations from the University of British Columbia and a post-baccalaureate diploma in social policy from Simon Fraser University. 

Melanie Mageau joined the YWCA in 2006 and has worked in several roles in career development including Career Advisor, WorkBC Senior Operations Manager, Program and Development Manager and is now currently Associate Director of Employment and Community Programs. With 10 years of employment program management experience in government-funded, outcome-based, fee-for-service models and privately funded programs, she is accomplished in supporting both staff and the needs of diverse clients. Melanie also brings experience guiding teams towards strategic objectives, navigating HR issues, motivating individuals and maximizing team capacity to efficiently manage and execute department operations. She works collaboratively with donors and the rest of the organization to create new initiatives and programming. Melanie completed a double major in psychology and English at UBC and received a Human Resources Management Certificate at SFU.

Michelle Sing joined the YWCA in 1996 and provides overarching HR leadership to the executive and 500+ employees spread over 42 locations. She also provides leadership at Crabtree Corner, a resource centre on the Downtown Eastside. Her dedication and commitment to the organization has been shown through a wide range of leadership roles, including interim CEO on two occasions. Michelle was named 2018 HR Professional of the Year by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon. Her leadership of the YWCA’s People and Culture team has been instrumental in developing and implementing strategies to foster a diverse and inclusive barrier-free workplace. Listening, learning and then crafting solutions, Michelle’s compassionate and empowering leadership motivates and supports those she works with. Her dedication to this work is influenced by her lived experience as a Chinese woman, growing up within South Africa's apartheid system. 

Najah Hage joined the YWCA in 2017, bringing with her nearly two decades of leadership experience in employment services. Holding a BA in computer science, Najah has developed and overseen numerous employment programs for youth, refugees, immigrants, internationally educated professionals and individuals facing multiple barriers. Her expertise extends beyond non-profit leadership, as she’s collaborated with various levels of government to design transformative social service programs that uplift marginalized groups. Her ability to forge strong alliances with community organizations, ethnic associations and businesses has created a powerful network focused on removing barriers for underrepresented job seekers. Her unwavering commitment to equity drives her to empower individuals to achieve financial independence. A tireless advocate for social justice, Najah leads with vision and mentors emerging leaders, inspiring the next generation to champion equality and opportunity for all. 

Patricia Chu joined the YWCA in 2019 and has 17 years of experience as a dedicated, passionate fundraising professional specializing in major gifts. As Associate Director, she provides leadership to the Fund Development team, overseeing hiring and employee engagement. Much of Patricia’s previous work has focused on supporting women, children and health including with Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and BC Children’s Hospital. A community event volunteer opportunity as a youth turned into a lifetime commitment in the non-profit sector, where she spent time in event and volunteer management before transitioning to fundraising. Patricia is passionate about building relationships and sharing the YWCA’s vision of a just and equitable world for women, families and allies with the community.  

Sandy Reimer is a dedicated and experienced fitness director with a long history of working in both the non-profit organization and commercial fitness industry. As Director, YWCA Health + Fitness Centre since 2012, Sandy is passionate about leading a team of fitness professionals and volunteers, supporting and inspiring our community. She holds a BA in physical education from McMaster University and is a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer. With decades of involvement in the fitness industry, Sandy also brings a wealth of experience in coaching, presenting, event management and holistic health. In her role, Sandy also oversees the Maintenance and Operations team both with day-to-day operations and major building capital infrastructure projects. Her strong leadership sustained the Heath + Fitness Centre through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and she continues to be a passionate, long-time member of the YWCA’s health and safety committee.