Board of Directors

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 with an (Hons) BA in Developmental Psychology from the University of Windsor, a MA in Leadership from the University of Guelph  and 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 organizations including the Alzheimer Society, Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), and the Local Health Integration Network  (LHIN).  She is currently a Director, Clinical Practice at a local Community Health Centre.

Nadine is also the inaugural  WEST Inc. Strategic Planning Chair at Women’s Enterprise Skills Training,  Member of the Quality of Care Committee at Windsor Regional Hospital and Board of Directors at Family Service 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.

Lisa Shulman, Vice President

Lisa Shulman has worked at Bell Media Radio & TV since 2007, where she puts together marketing & advertising plans for businesses in Windsor & Essex. In 2001 Lisa launched the WEST Childminding program from ground-up, and since she has had a passion for the organization. In her spare time, Lisa attends many community events and represents AM800 plus the sister stations. Lisa is married to her husband Jeff of 9 years and they have two young children, Max and Talia.

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.

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.

Sheila Barker

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

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.

Sabrina DeMarco, Secretary

Sabrina DeMarco is a seasoned community and economic development professional. During her career she has held several progressively responsible roles relating to business and entrepreneurship and has had the privilege of working alongside hundreds of startups and dedicated entrepreneurs to help them succeed. As executive director of small business and entrepreneurship development at the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, Sabrina provides strategic direction and oversight of the region’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre and works collaboratively alongside public and private partners to foster and support economic growth through business and entrepreneurial activities.

Sabrina attended the University of Windsor where she obtained an honours bachelor of arts degree in sociology as well as a certificate in business administration from its Odette School of Business. She also holds a human resource management certificate and has completed a two-year economic development program at the University of Waterloo. Sabrina brings a wealth of community development experience and has an exceptional track record in planning and executing projects, events and business development programs.

Sabrina is a member of the Economic Development Council of Ontario and Economic Development Association of Canada, and she currently serves on several boards and committees in the community.

Maria Ford Conliffe

Maria Ford Conliffe is president of Ford-Conliffe & Associates, a Human Resources consulting firm. Maria retired from Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan and has over 30 years of human resources experience. Maria has a passion for service. She is a member of the Board of Directors of WEST and participates in several of WEST’s educational and training programs as a workshop presenter, advisory board member and speaker. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Toronto Chapter.

Maria is from Windsor and presently resides in Farmington Hills, Michigan with her husband Darryl.

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.