Board of directors

Sheila Barker, President

Sheila re-joined the board in January 2007 following a brief hiatus. She brings vast experience in governance, race relations, policing and quality assurance to the organization. Sheila's expertise has been sought throughout the community and province. Her past Board and professional affiliations have been with the United Way, CMHA, The Distress Centre, labour organizations, as well as the VON and W-E Health Unit. She was seconded to Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Labour and Solicitor General to work on special projects focusing on racial relations and police services.

Gemma Grey Hall, Vice President

Gemma joined the board in 2006. She is employed with Merck Canada as a pharmaceutical salesperson. Gemma is delighted about the diverse programs and services offered at WEST and participates at the board level with the WEST organization.

Helena Palma, Treasurer

Helena is a former Financial Analyst in one of the largest telecommunication companies. She came to Canada in 2005 for personal reasons and participated in the WEST-ELT program. After that, Helena worked as an administrative assistant for various companies. She is currently working toward her CMA accounting designation through our MTP program. Helena firmly believes that WEST is a valuable resource for women seeking to achieve their career objectives.

Igor Siljanoski, Secretary

Igor Siljanoski has more than ten years experience in developing professional relationships and projects with the government and as a policy and communications professional in the non-profit sector. He has gained his wealth of experience working with the Ontario Public Service as a business planning consultant, economist and research consultant as well as being a Policy Manager for the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. Among his strengths are policy development, advocacy and government relations. Igor's educational background includes a Masters Degree in Political Science and Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Windsor. He also acquired an aviation related Mechanical Engineering Technician Diploma while living in his home country of Macedonia.

Itza Pinell, Past President

Itza was elected to the position of President in 2007. She has served as a member of the WEST board since 2004. Itza has a strong connection to the WEST organization as she proudly acknowledges that she is also a WEST past participant. New to Windsor and to Canada, Itza enrolled in the program in 1990. Following an internship, she was hired by Windsor Police Services. Currently, she works in the Fleet and Logistics Division of Windsor Police Services where she is responsible for all the aspects of fleet management. Itza believes that programs like WEST play a valuable role in assisting immigrant and visible minority women learn skills, gain confidence and make the right connections to be successful in today's workforce. This belief compelled her join the Board in 2004. Itza was awarded the "Journey Towards Success" award in 2007 which recognizes past participants for realizing goals of employment and for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions in the community.

Daphne Clarke

Daphne has been a member of the board since 1994. Daphne has always been active in the community and has been recognized for her work with various awards; most recently, with the Leadership Award from the Windsor and District Black Coalition.

Justina Nwaesei

Justina has been a WEST Board member since 2001. She currently is Past President and had served two terms as President 2003-2007. Justina is a Registered Professional Planner, and works with The City of Windsor Corporation. Justina was recognized by her colleagues at the City of Windsor as the recipient of the 2007 Frances Horvath Memorial Equal Opportunity Award. This award, endorsed by City council is presented annually to the employee who best exemplifies the principles of Equal Opportunity. Justina is also active with many other community groups and has served on other local boards locally, provincially and internationally.

Nadia Bhatti

Nadia graduated from the University of Windsor with a BA, obtained her LLB in 2002 and was called to the Bar in 2003. She currently practices in the area of family law. Nadia is married to Christopher Knowles, also a practising lawyer in Windsor. Nadia is from Windsor and has volunteered for several organizations including, University of Windsor, CJAM Radio Station, where she hosts a show called Asian Vibrations.

Nadilyn M. Calasanz

A lawyer from the Philippines, Nadilyn migrated to Canada in 2001 to join her husband and raise their family here. She applied for accreditation with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and after successfully challenging examinations in 8 courses given by the National Committee on Accreditation, she was permitted to take the Bar Admission Course. She was called to the Bar of the Ontario in 2007. She is practising in the area of Family Law, Immigration, Wills and Power of Attorney.

Nadine Manroe

Nadine joined the WEST Board of Directors in March 2009. Nadine is a nurse, with a BA in developmental psychology, who specializes in Geriatric Mental Health. She currently works with the Alzheimer Society of Windsor / Essex County. Nadine's passion for mentorship, training and education has led her to act as a clinical preceptor and mentor to young professionals. In addition to her board position at WEST, Nadine is also active in areas related to community capacity building and childhood literacy.

Rose Anguiano Hurst, Ex-Officio

Rose is the Executive Director of Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) where she leads a team of over 30 staff. Rose has served in the capacity of Executive Director at WEST since 1995. During this time, the organization has grown to serve more than 1600 women annually. Rose possesses an extensive professional knowledge and background in all aspects of non-profit program management and administration which she strengthened at WEST and previously in similar organizations in Windsor, Ontario and Houston, Texas.

Her greatest satisfaction at work is witnessing participants' confidence flourish as they attain skills and find jobs where they can make enhanced contributions in society for themselves and their families. Rose is grateful to have the support of a committed board of directors and professional staff who work together to ensure the goals of the organization and the employment needs of women in our community are being addressed.

Ann Diab

Ann is a new member to Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.. She is employed with Windsor Family Credit Union as Assistant Manager of Sales and Service. She believes WEST serves as a great resource and necessity for newly immigrated women into understanding and becoming confident women entering the Canadian Workforce. Coming from a family who immigrated into Canada over 40 years ago; She understands and values the commitment and dedication new immigrants carry into Canada to establish a livelihood for themselves and their families.