Biography

Iris (she/her) is proud to have led NYWC’s work to empower women since 1997. It was a chance volunteer gig three decades ago that ignited her passion for the non-profit sector. Iris found a like-minded community and work she loved at NYWC, and never looked back.

Above all, Iris looks for opportunities to drive change that leads to a better, kinder and more inclusive world. While the specific communities have differed, her work has always been rooted in gender equity and the experiences of precariously housed women, women living with HIV, immigrant/refugee women and women survivors of trauma and abuse.

Advised in her youth against being a “troublemaker” or getting “too much education,” Iris has proudly embraced both. Her passion for social justice is shaped by personal life experiences and fuels a commitment to forge a different future for her daughters.

Biography

M (she/her) is a lifelong feminist, rabble rouser, and heart-forward leader. With nearly 20 years' experience in the public sector, M has consciously shifted her career to integrate her values and her desire to walk alongside people to build strong, resilient, communities rooted in care. 

With a strong anti-racist, anti-oppression focus, M brings her ability to blend strategy and operations and foster organizational environments that put service users at the centre. 

M brings her lived experience of 1000 different lifetimes to all that she does.  In her spare time she is an avid reader, DIY-er, quilter/sewer, film enthusiast, amateur restaurant critic, and nature lover.

Biography

Anaya (she/they) is a skilled and empathetic service provider, sharing her magic through one-on-one Peer Support and creative drop-in activities in NYWC’S Lounge.

At 16, Anaya chose social justice as their path while navigating an abusive relationship. She has supported women/gender-nonconforming-centred spaces as a facilitator and a caseworker. Academically, she focused her degree on psychology and gender studies, and holds a diploma from George Brown College in Assaulted Women and Children Advocacy/Counselling.  Anaya is honoured to accompany each person on their journey and is deeply committed to being a part of your village. 

Outside of work Anaya is reading romance novels, watching reality TV, learning to knit or create visual art, and embracing all their community has to offer. 

Biography

Emily (she/her) loves connecting with others and believes strongly in the healing power of community, so it’s no surprise she thrives on delivering and designing NYWC’s Group Programs. 

Emily holds an MA in Social Justice and Community Engagement and has worked with numerous community organizations supporting youth, survivors of gender-based violence, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This academic experience paired with her personal experience of gender-based violence helps Emily create transformative programs that empower people on their own terms. 

Outside of work, you can find Emily laying in the park, hosting dinner parties, knitting, and reading any book she can get her hands on. 

Biography

Melodie (she/her) is passionate about empowering women on their journeys toward independence and self-discovery, a passion that she infuses into NYWC’s Employment and Training services.  

Melodie holds an Honours Bachelor degree in Community Safety, a Social Service Worker diploma, and most recently completed an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Project Management. With over 13 years of experience in employment and social services, Melodie brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to supporting women wherever they are on their journey to her work.

Having rebuilt her own life through resilience and support, Melodie understands firsthand the value of community services and is dedicated to giving back the same kind of support that once helped her.

Outside of work Melodie is busy taking kickboxing classes, and music.

Biography

Mariam is a third-year social work student at Toronto Metropolitan University, and she is excited about her placement at NYWC. Her passion for social justice and community advocacy work has led to her enrollment in the social work field. She has experience working with the public, providing resource sharing and 1:1 peer support. Mariam utilizes her lived experience as a racialized disabled woman in her work to ensure she provides culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive care. Providing care in a manner that reaffirms others, ensuring people's voices are heard and respected in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Outside of NYWC and school, Mariam enjoys pop culture (music, TV, movies) and watching the twilight sky from park benches, whether it's over the cityscape or a beach view.

Biography

Maheen (she/her) and is a third-year Social Work student at Toronto Metropolitan University pursuing a minor in Psychology. Guided by a deep commitment to social justice, Maheen brings experience as an Early Childhood Assistant supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds. Drawn to NYWC’s values of equity, anti-oppression, and low-barrier access, Maheen is eager to grow her community-based practice and support women through compassionate, inclusive care.

Biography

Jodi was elected to the Board in September 2019. Prior to becoming Chair, she also served as Vice-chair and Treasurer.

Jodi has held a variety of progressively senior roles at RBC since joining in 2008, most recently as a Senior Director & Head, RBC Financial Planning Business and Client Strategy. She has a passion for career mentorship and is actively involved with Women’s groups in RBC, as Co-Chair of RBC’s Working Moms, part of the Advancement of Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group. Jodi is also an accomplished public speaker, most notably leading RBC Global Asset Management’s Women and Investing program, through which she has spoken to thousands of women across Canada about financial literacy, investing principles, and the challenges and opportunities women face from a financial perspective.

A sports enthusiast, you can find Jodi keeping active with her husband and their two kids!

Biography

Anna has worked for the province, health care, the non-profit sector and academia in various capacities. She has graduate degrees from McGill and McMaster University in Business, Education, and Labour Relations. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational behaviour and strategic management. Her passions include women empowering women, problem solving, diversity and creativity, authentic leadership, project management, finance and governance, to name a few.

Anna is a third culture woman who has a love for the outdoors, a sense of curiosity about her local community and enjoys travelling and exploring both urban and rural areas of Canada and beyond with her family and friends from all walks of life. 

Biography

Shama is the Founder and Principal Lawyer at The Legal Eye. Shama has numerous years of experience in banking, litigation, and corporate and commercial matters. Shama has worked with Shelters to help abuse victims and is an advocate for standing up to abuse. Shama has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice for family and civil matters.

In her spare time, Shama keeps herself busy with outdoor activities, her two small kids and their puppy.

Biography

Sana was appointed to the board in August 2021. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto Scarborough. She is passionate about giving back and maintains active engagement with youth empowerment programs, pro-bono projects and diversity initiatives. She previously worked as a Peer Support Worker at NYWC, and appreciates the Centre’s values of feminism, equity, and community empowerment. In her spare time, you can find Sana playing sports or hanging out with family and friends!

Biography

Jennifer Kim is a seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical industry, currently contributing to Sanofi’s mission of advancing global health as Head of Drug Substance vaccine manufacturing at the Toronto site. With a background in microbiology, she brings a variety of experience from Quality Assurance, Continuous Improvement, Project Management, Strategy, and Operations. Passionate about cultures, Jennifer is very involved in Sanofi's Employee Resource Group which promotes cultural awareness, education, and celebrating diversity.

Biography

Katie Fulford is a dynamic HR and business operations leader with nearly a decade of experience driving organizational growth and transformation in the alternative mortgage market. Currently serving as the Head of People & Business Operations at a mortgage firm, Katie excels in navigating complex challenges by creating structure, clarity, and tailored solutions grounded in root-cause analysis. Her collaborative approach ensures alignment between business goals and employee development, fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.

Katie’s career has spanned roles in HR, business operations, and customer service, showcasing her versatility and commitment to excellence. She holds the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation from the Human Resources Professionals Association and actively contributes to the community as an HR mentor and a Board Member at the North York Women’s Centre.

Guided by the philosophy of “Progress, not Perfection,” Katie brings a thoughtful, people-first mindset to leadership, change management, and operational strategy.