Harmy holds a MA from Ryerson University and has more than 16 years of experience in the anti-violence against women field.
Harmy has more than 16 years of experience in the anti-violence against women field and a respected credible voice. Harmy earns a seat at the table wherever she serves. Harmy has led WomanACT through a series of crucial changes, including becoming a charitable organization and the envisioning, planning and creation of the WomanACT’s Soul of a Warrior Awards. Harmy holds a MA from Ryerson University.
Priya has a decade of work experience in the anti-violence against women sector in various systems and communities, including in Nunavut and the U.K.
Priya has a decade of work experience in the anti- violence against women sector in various systems and communities, including in Nunavut and the U.K. Her work experiences include front-line delivery in shelters, community outreach, program management, research and strategic coordination. Priya has an M.Sc. in Mental Health & Population Health Research. Prior to joining us, Priya was a Regional Development Officer for Women’s Aid in the U.K. and worked as part of a Sustainability Partnership supporting VAW services.
Devika holds a Master of Health Policy and Equity from York University and has experience in strategic communications, policy and project management.
Devika holds a Master of Health Policy and Equity from York University’s School of Health Policy & Management, and a B.A in Sociology and Health Studies from the University of Toronto. She is interested in the social determinants of health, gender equity, systemic racism and oppression, structural violence and the implications it has on the disparities in health and well-being of populations. Devika has experience working in roles supporting strategic communications, policy development and project management.
Premila has worked in the violence against women sector in multiple jurisdictions and projects and has a MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Premila has worked in the violence against women sector in multiple jurisdictions and projects, including in the criminal justice and legal sector, shelter services, and crisis and community services. Prior to WomanACT, Premila coordinated a program offering family court support to women experiencing intimate partner violence. She has an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice and an interest in intersectional gender-based violence research.
Jane has experience working on whole-of-government initiatives on domestic and family violence and holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Jane holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) in Sociology from Queen’s University. Prior to joining the team, Jane was pursuing a Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies in Australia and supporting whole-of-government initiatives on domestic and family violence in the Australian Capital Territory. In addition to work experience on gender-based violence, Jane has worked in intergovernmental relations and on Indigenous issues. Jane is keenly interested in the interdisciplinary fields of feminist studies, intersectionality, mindfulness, and the lives of Buddhist women.
Dicle holds a Master’s degree in Law and has experience in gender-based violence programming and policy development across multiple country contexts, including Turkey and Jordan.
Dicle has experience in gender-based violence and child protection programming and policy development in multiple country contexts, including Turkey and Jordan. She is specialized in interviewing persons with lived experience. Her work experience also includes inter-agency coordination, qualitative and quantitative research, and advocacy. Prior to joining WomanACT, Dicle managed programs targeting refugee women and children at UNICEF. She holds a Master’s degree in Law, and currently co-hosts a podcast with an intersectional approach to gender equality.
Ramona graduated with a MSW in Romania and previously worked in foster care and international adoptions.
Ramona graduated with an MSW in Romania and previously worked in foster care and international adoptions. She participated in developing the first foster-care project in Romania. Since immigrating to Canada in 2002, Ramona has worked in the child welfare field, with a special interest in woman abuse and trauma-informed practice and a focus on partnering with community agencies and stakeholders to deliver excellent services that lead to better outcomes for children and families. Ramona is currently the Director of Intake at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto.
Amninder has more than 15 years of experience in personal and commercial banking, capital markets, finance, corporate planning, client acquisition and management.
Amninder has more than 15 years of experience in personal and commercial banking, capital markets, finance, corporate planning, client acquisition and management. He has held senior positions, including Vice President – Insurance and Investments for a boutique wealth management firm, and Principal Consultant in the area of capital resource management.
Amninder has a BA from the University of Toronto in International Development Studies, with a specialization in Development Economics. Amninder has also furthered his studies and met licensing requirements through the Canadian Securities Institute and Financial Services Commission of Ontario. He is currently pursuing a specialized degree in psychology and mental health from the University of Toronto.
Anita is a transformation expert who has led organizational growth and change across a wide range of industries for 15+ years.
Anita is a transformation expert who has led organizational growth and change across a wide range of industries for 15+ years. Having spent much of her career as an executive in corporate Canada leading large scale transformation in organizations such as TD, BMO, Rogers, and American Express, she honed her ability to create movements that inspire change, enabling organizations to innovate effectively and meaningfully – making big visions real is her passion.
As the CEO of Bridjr, a global transformation consultancy, she is on a mission to empower leaders and organizations to achieve their growth goals by creating unrivalled experiences that delight customers, inspire employees, and increases loyalty.
For the past two decades, Patricia’s education and career have revolved around her passion for human rights, which has been channeled through her work in social-service organizations in Brazil and Canada.
Patricia Coelho has a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Universidade Catolica of MG in Brazil and a post-graduate Certificate in Coordination of Management of Social Programs from Centro Universitario Newton Paiva. In Canada, she completed a Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice and a Bachelor of Social Work at Ryerson University.
For the past two decades, Patricia’s education and career have revolved around her passion for human rights, which has been channeled through her work in social-service organizations in Brazil and Canada. Patricia has extensive experience working with survivors of gender-based violence through her roles in multiple community-based organizations in Toronto. Patricia has been working at the Barbra Schlifer Clinic for the past eight years.
Mikayla is a policy professional and leader with a passion for social policy issues, building strong and meaningful connections with stakeholders and negotiating strategic solutions to complex challenges.
Mikayla is a policy professional and leader with a passion for social policy issues, building strong and meaningful connections with stakeholders and negotiating strategic solutions to complex challenges. Mikayla has experience leading health, education and migration-related policies with the provincial and federal governments, and has worked with non-profit organizations and the United Nations to support refugees and social-development outcomes.
Pam Sharma is a seasoned HR professional with more than 20 years of experience in various HR disciplines.
Pam Sharma is a seasoned HR professional with more than 20 years of experience in various HR disciplines. Currently, as Director, Organizational Effectiveness, she focuses on the development and movement of top talent and effective business engagement in succession planning for key roles across the organization. Pam leads impactful employee experiences and successful people strategies.
Pam’s passion is to coach and empower others to realize their full potential and overcome obstacles. In her spare time, she is fulfilled by mentoring women as they navigate their careers and their sense of purpose.
Usma is a public policy professional with 10+ years of experience in research, political analysis and program development
Usma is a public policy professional with 10 (+) years of experience in research, political analysis and program development. She is deeply committed to anti-oppression, gender equality and social inclusion. During her time with the province of Ontario she has developed and implemented strategies and initiatives that address Gender-Based Violence, racial inequity and marginalized youth.
Prior to joining the province, Usma served as the National Projects Manager for the Canadian Council of Muslim Women and a Project Executive Officer at the Lokahi Foundation where she worked on community projects related to youth engagement, religious accommodation, violence against women and community cohesion.
Brooke is the Vice President, Enterprise Crisis and Business Continuity Management, for Scotiabank, with responsibility for ensuring the Bank is prepared across its footprint for all potential disasters and crises.
Brooke is the Vice President, Enterprise Crisis and Business Continuity Management, for Scotiabank, with responsibility for ensuring the Bank is prepared across its footprint for all potential disasters and crises.
Joining the Bank in 2016, Brooke has held progressive roles both in HR and in Communications. Before 2016, Brooke spent 4 years in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada first as Communications Officer and then as Lead Advance where she led the creation, planning, and execution of several Prime Minister events and international tours.
Kristen is a corporate lawyer who has spent the better part of her legal career to date as in-house counsel at Loblaw where she is currently responsible for supporting the Loblaw Digital line of business.
Kristen is a corporate lawyer who has spent the better part of her legal career to date as in-house counsel at Loblaw where she is currently responsible for supporting the Loblaw Digital line of business.
Prior to beginning her legal career, Kristen pursued Graduate studies in New York City where she completed research in inter-organizational communication affecting responses to human trafficking and where she first began grappling with human rights issues as an intern at Human Rights Watch. Outside of work, Kristen is a mother of two young kids, an avid runner and aspiring travel photographer.