Nadine Manroe-Wakerell, President
Nadine joined the WEST Board of Directors in March 2009 and was elected Secretary June 2013 – 2015, Vice President in 2019, and President in 2022. Nadine is a nurse and proud graduate of St. Clair College, the University of Windsor and the University of Guelph. Nadine is also a graduate of Leadership Windsor-Essex. Nadine is a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders with over 20 years of health care leadership experience in various organizations.
Nadine was also the inaugural WEST Inc. Strategic Planning Chair. Nadine also serves on the Board of Directors at Windsor Regional Hospital, University of Windsor, and Family Services Windsor-Essex.
Inspired by her lived experience, mentors and the resilience of others, Nadine has been an advocate in strategically bridging the gap in healthcare and social services for the most marginalized in our community.
Nadine believes it is an honour to serve, also that is important that we impart our knowledge and resources as good stewards into our community to create and sustain impactful change and improve the lives of others.
Ann Diab, Past President
Ann Diab is presently working as a Group Consultant for RBC Group Advantage, Royal Bank Canada in the Southwestern Ontario Region, specializing in Group Retirement Pension Benefits for businesses and their employees. Ann is a strategic management leader in the Banking sector for over 17 years and an active leader in her community.
Ann has deep expertise in the banking industry and a wide range of leadership experiences in the financial sector in general. She is equally passionate with several community engagements outside the workplace working with disadvantaged, underrepresented women serving as Past Board President of Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor. Ann is also a strong advocate for intellectually challenged individuals volunteering with Autism Ontario Windsor Essex Chapter, Finance Committee Member for John McGivney Childrens’ Centre and most recently serves on Erie Shores HealthCare Resource Planning and Utilization Committee.
In 2020, Ann was a Top 150 Women of Inspiration Finalist – Universal Women’s Network™. Other awards include Community Volunteer of the Year 2018 & 2013 (Autism Ontario Windsor Essex Chapter); Ontario Volunteer Service Award 2017 & 2021 (Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration).
Helena Palma-Kurek, Treasurer
Helena Palma-Kurek came back to the Board of Directors as a treasurer in 2016, after a period of 3 years. Helena is a former client for WEST, she participated in the LINC, ELT and MTP programs. After participating in the MTP program, Helena obtained her CPA-CMA accounting designation with other WEST clients. Helena has strong experience in the accounting field she held a position as an Assistant Controller in Telefonica (the largest telecommunication provider in South America) for over 7 years, she also worked in banking, public administration, non-profit and manufacturing industry. Currently, Helena is working as a Plant Accountant at Syncreon for over 3 years. Helena is passionate about the programs and services that WEST offers to women to achieve their employment goals. Helena is married to her husband of 12 years and they have two children.
Nadia Bhatti, Vice President/Vice Chair
Nadia R. Bhatti joined the WEST Board of Directors at its recent AGM in June 2024.
Nadia R. Bhatti, Barrister & Solicitor, represents clients in all matters pertaining to family law in Windsor-Essex County and surrounding areas. Bhatti graduated from the University of Windsor and has an Honours Degree in Psychology. She also graduated from the University of Windsor School of Law in 2002 and was called to the Ontario Bar Association in 2003.
Nadia’s father always wanted to be a lawyer when he came to Canada, but he went into business instead to support his family. As a young woman, Nadia decided to pursue her father’s dream of becoming a lawyer. Always interested in child psychology, family law turned out to be a perfect fit for Nadia. Nadia also does Legal Aid work to represent children during difficult times in their young lives.
Nadia R. Bhatti, Barrister & Solicitor, is married to a lawyer who also practices family law. However, the couple decided to have separate law practices for now, so Nadia can enjoy her independence. In her spare time, Nadia enjoys spending time with her husband and their son, Izaak. She also has a passion for music, and years ago, she hosted a radio show with her brother.
Gemma Grey Hall, Director
Gemma Grey-Hall joined the Board of Directors in 2005. After nine years in pharmaceutical sales, Gemma is currently working in Advancement with the University of Windsor specializing in forwarding the strategic priorities for the Faculty of Science. Gemma is studying towards a CPA designation has completed a MBA and is a graduate of Leadership Windsor Essex class 2010. In addition to her board position at West, Gemma is active in the community in areas surrounding Women’s issues and non-profit capacity building. Gemma is passionate about the programs and services that WEST offers to help ease the transition to “Canadian work experience” for employment disadvantaged women.
Priyanka Phillip, Director
Priyanka is currently with Ontario Health, as a Director within the Capacity, Access and Flow portfolio. She has a Bachelors (Hon.) Degree in Biochemistry-Biotechnology and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A), both from the University of Windsor. Passionate about community involvement and leadership, in her spare time, Priyanka is actively engaged in our community through various volunteering opportunities which have included serving on the Board of Directors for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Essex-Kent Chapter, Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF), and Brentwood Recovery Home. Priyanka served on the WEST Board starting in 2015 and took a brief hiatus in 2020 returning to the Board in 2023. As a newcomer to Canada herself, over 20 years ago, she feels particularly connected to WEST and its mission, vision and values.
Justina Nwaesei
Justina has been a member of the WEST Inc. Board of Directors since 2001, and a two-term WEST Board President (2003-2007). She is also active with many other community groups and has served on other boards locally and internationally. She was the Board President of Peaceway Counseling Centre, Detroit Michigan for four years (2010-2014), and remains an active member of Issele Association of North America (IANA) Inc. since 1999. Justina is a Registered Professional Planner employed by The City of Windsor Corporation. She was the 2007 Frances Horvath Memorial Equal Opportunity Award Recipient. This award, endorsed by City council, is presented annually to the employee who best exemplifies the principles of Equal Opportunity. She was also the 2007 Female Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, 6th Clarence Williams Social Activist Awards.
Jessica Watson, Secretary
Mrs. Jessica Watson has been a valued member of the City of Windsor team since 1998, currently serving as Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment, within the Planning & Building Department. In 2018, Mrs. Watson was honored with the Equal Opportunity Award, an accolade endorsed by City Council and presented annually to an employee who embodies the principles of Equal Opportunity. She also serves as a leader within the City Council-endorsed Corporation Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.
Mrs. Watson’s involvement with WEST began in 2016, driven by her appreciation for the organization’s support of women pursuing opportunities. As a community mentor, she finds fulfillment in contributing to the success of others within this dynamic non-profit organization.
Mrs. Watson is a graduate of St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology. She has furthered her education through the Municipal Administration Program – AMCTO – 2016 (Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) and holds an Art of Supervision Certification from the University of Windsor, Odette School of Business.
Dr. Felicia Lawal
Dr. Felicia Lawal is a public health scholar-practitioner and registered nurse whose passion and focus is on improving health outcomes, taking into consideration the social determinants of health. Dr. Lawal has over 20 years of healthcare experience, and has worked in various leadership capacities in both acute care and community settings.
Dr. Lawal is also the founder and chair of ProHealth and Poverty Alleviation Initiative, a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 to lead social change through health education, health promotion, and poverty alleviation initiatives.
Over the course of her professional career, Dr. Lawal has had the opportunities to interact with diverse individuals and population groups from various sociocultural backgrounds, leading her to be acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by priority populations, and the pressing need for services to address inequities-such as the services provided by WEST in our community.
Rose Anguiano Hurst, Ex-Officio
Rose Anguiano Hurst is the Executive Director of Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) where she leads a team of 50 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 2000 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.
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.
