About NYWC
North York Women’s Centre has brought women together since 1988 to build a world where all doors are open for all women. We support women, girls, and gender-diverse people together, wherever they are in their journey, to unlock their potential and build a braver, more equitable world.
How We Work & Our Values
We offer low-barrier services to support all women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, in particular those who have experienced or been affected by gender-based violence and abuse. Our programs and services aim to meet all women where they are at with tailored, compassionate support.
Our Values
- Equity
- Compassion
- Social, economic, and gender justice with a feminist lens
- Anti-racism/Anti-oppression
- Person-directed approaches
- Low-barrier access to services
Our Vision
We envision a world where all doors are open for all women.
Our Mission
We work to advance equality and to support all women, wherever they are on their journey, to unlock their potential and claim their power to build a braver, more equitable world.
Our Team
Iris Fabbro
she/her
Executive Director - On Leave
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.
Anna Syed
she/her
Interim Executive Director
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.
Anna T
she/her
Group Programs Facilitator
Biography
Anna is a part-time group facilitator at North York Women’s Centre. She is passionate about
the power of groups to help people heal, learn, and build community. With a Master’s in Social
Work, Anna has worked in front-line and management positions in several Toronto social
service and health organizations supporting women, people experiencing homelessness, newcomers and the LGBTQIA+ community.
In addition to facilitating and teaching about groups, Anna enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren and going on long walks with her partner and their dog.
Anika Rasheed
she/her
Group Programs Facilitator
Biography
Anika Rasheed (she/her) is a Certified Trauma-Informed Somatic & Sound Healing Practitioner, Wellness Facilitator, Movement Artist/Educator, and Organizational Change Consultant. Through Ground & Grow Somatics, she supports corporate teams, community organizations, and individuals through trauma-informed somatic practices, nervous system regulation, breathwork, movement, and sound healing.
Before transitioning into her somatic wellness practice, Anika built a career in public service and organizational change, with experience in equity policy, employee engagement, people and culture, and change management. This organizational background allows her to bridge workplace realities with embodied wellness, creating experiences that are both grounded in organizational context and systems as well as accessible to diverse communities.
Her work focuses on helping people develop greater awareness, safety, and trust in their bodies while building practical skills for navigating stress, overwhelm, and change. She has facilitated programming for corporate teams, community organizations, seniors, and equity-focused groups across the GTA.
Board of Directors
About the Board
The Board of Directors plays an important role in governing the organization: ensuring that its work benefits the community. The Board is made up of seven community leaders who champion our mission, vision, and values. Directors are elected annually by our members and can serve up to two three-year terms.
Board Responsibilities
Strengthening Momentum
Ensure the organization continues to effectively deliver on its mission and move forward on its strategic priorities.
Governance
Support and promote governance excellence and further the organization’s commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency.
Community Impact
Keep their finger on the pulse of community needs and issues and work to ensure programs are relevant, responsive and impactful.
Cheerleading
Be an ambassador and advocate for the organization, ensuring it has the financial and human resources to further its mission.
Contact
Interested in learning more about the Board and making a difference? Contact us at board@nywc.org.
Current Board of Directors
Shama Rafiq
she/her
Chair
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.
Jenn Kim
she/her
Secretary
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.
Katie Fulford
she/her
Director
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.
Publications
Supporters
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters for their generous contributions. Together, we’re creating meaningful change in the lives of women and gender-diverse people!