Chair

Lesley has dedicated her career to supporting communities facing systemic barriers and advocating for social justice. As the inaugural Executive Director of The Shoebox Project for Women, a national charity that distributes essential items to women experiencing homelessness, she spearheaded a volunteer-led giving movement across Canada. Now serving as the Director of Fund Development & Growth at Sistering, Toronto’s only 24/7 Drop-In center for women and gender-diverse individuals, Lesley continues her commitment to empowering underserved populations, driving transformative programs, and fostering a community of care and support.

Vice-Chair

Danielle Lamothe is the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). With almost 2 decades experience in senior leadership roles in the non-profit sector, she has a strong background in governance, financial management, human resources management and service delivery. She is both a Certified Training and Development Professional and a Certified Association Executive and has a BA in English and Film from Laurentian University.

Board Secretary

Nicole is an independent consultant specializing in large-scale technology programs across the finance sector. Prior to this she was the Director of Corporate Systems for one of Canada’s largest investment firms and the Regional Vice President of an international software company. Nicole began her early years as a single mother of two, eventually earning a CPA and an MBA in Finance. She brings a can-do approach to problem solving and strategy, supporting women through the important work done by Jessie’s Centre.

Treasurer

Gurjot is a CPA who currently works as a Senior Financial Analyst at McCain Foods Limited. She has a background in audit services and is now focused on financial planning and analysis. As a firm believer in equity and respect towards women and young parents, she is excited to join the board this upcoming month and looks forward to supporting Jessie’s vision in her term.

Hazel is a Child and Youth Care Practitioner at the Peel District School Board, where she supports students who struggle with their social-emotional and self-regulation needs as well as those who experience mental health concerns. Hazel is also the Founder of Big Girl Interrupted, it is a community that is dedicated to inspiring women to uncover what is interrupting their life. She empowers women to disrupt the patterns that have impaired their ability to achieve and grow.

Diana is a paralegal who practices exclusively in the area of landlord and tenant law at the Landlord’s Self-Help Centre. She educates residential landlords about tenants’ rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure equality and equity in housing.

Dr. Adrienne Galway is the President and CEO of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), a not-for-profit funded by the Ontario government to help postsecondary students navigate higher education and the labor market. With extensive experience in program development and strategic partnerships, she previously held senior roles at George Brown College and served as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities. Dr. Galway has taught at the University of Toronto and the State University of New York at Buffalo and has served on various governance boards. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Toronto.