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.
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 R. Bhatti, Barrister & Solicitor
Nadia R. Bhatti is a dedicated Family Law lawyer serving clients in Windsor-Essex County and surrounding areas. Driven by a lifelong passion for helping children and a desire to fulfill her father’s dream of practicing law, she specializes in family matters and frequently advocates for children through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. Nadia also does Legal Aid work to represent clients who may not be able to otherwise afford legal services.
Nadia graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours Degree in Psychology before graduating from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law in 2002. She has been a member of the Ontario Bar since 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.
In addition to her legal practice, Nadia is active in both the legal and local communities. She is an assisting lawyer with the Muslim Legal Support Centre (MLSC) and is active in her Pakistani community.
Nadia joined the Women’s Enterprise Skills Training Inc. (WEST) Board of Directors at the organization’s Annual General Meeting in June 2024 and was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors in 2026. She has also been involved as a sessional instructor with the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, Windsor Law Practice Simulation (WLPS) course since 2023 and acted as an Associate Professor for the course in 2026.
In recognition of her contributions to the legal profession, Nadia was the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Award for Extraordinary Contributions to Windsor Law in Memory of John Mountain ’86 from the University of Windsor.
Nadia balances her career with a love for music and spending time with her family. 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.
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.
Beth Yeh
Beth Yeh joined the WEST Board of Directors at its recent AGM in June 2025.
An advocate for women in business, she has guided Women Enterprise Skill Training (WEST) by sharing information about local industry needs and encouraged WEST to move into accounting programs as a way to allow newcomer women to demonstrate skills in Canadian workplace settings. She mentors WEST participants through speaking engagements and encourages them into community involvement and education, and coaches them through ongoing professional challenges. In 2015, WEST recognized her work with the Journey Towards Success, Community Partner Award.
Beth joined Roth Mosey & Partners in 1991 and retired in 2024; she has been a consultant since. She has extensive experience of assisting a wide range of clients in Windsor and the surrounding area in all their accounting, tax and business development needs. She also has significant knowledge and experience in assisting our farm based clients in obtaining available assistance through government programs. Beth also has extensive experience related to the preparation of business plans and cash flow projections prepared to assist clients in obtaining bank financing.
Her past volunteer activities include working as a board member of the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation and as the chair of the Windsor SR&ED Practitioners Group.
Beth received a Master of Arts from University of Toronto and her CA designation in 1991.
Cari-Lyn Ristic
Cari-Lynn is an employee of Ford Motor Company for 26 years and has held positions in Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality. She is currently a Launch Manager for the F-150 truck program. At Ford, she is an active member of the Women of Ford and Ford African Ancestry Network Employee Resource Groups.
She has a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering from GMI Engineering and Management Institute and a Master of Science, Engineering Management from the University of Michigan. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta fraternity.
In University she learned the importance of “Each One, Teach One” and therefore dedicates time to mentoring and participating in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) programs in her community. She was awarded the STEM Women of Color Technology All-Star award from Women of Color magazine in 2022 and 2023.
She serves on the Board of Directors at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum and is Vice President of the Hour A Day Study Club (HADSC), one of the longest running, non-profit, female driven organizations in Canada. The HADSC provides descendants of the Underground Railroad with scholarship funds to help finance their post-secondary education.
Cari-Lynn is married to Goran. They are blessed with two adult children, Isabella and Matteo.
Special Advisors
Michelle Moxley-Peltier
Michelle Moxley-Peltier joined the WEST Board of Directors as a Board Advisor in September 2025.
Michelle serves as a Project Administrator with the City of Windsor’s Economic Development and Climate Change Office. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree from Western University and brings more than 20 years of experience in engineering, energy management, and sustainability. A lifelong learner, Michelle continues to expand her expertise through professional certifications in Project Management, Leadership, and Sustainability.
Michelle is deeply committed to her community, actively volunteering in initiatives that promote a sustainable and inclusive future. Her past and present involvement with organizations such as Scouts Canada, Girl Guides of Canada, the Stoney Point Soccer Club, and STEM-focused education and mentorship programs has strengthened her belief in the power of guidance and collaboration to create opportunities for growth.
As a Board Advisor for the WEST Board of Directors, Michelle combines her professional knowledge in energy management and sustainability with her passion for volunteerism, making a meaningful impact on advancing community development and equity.
Youstina Asaad
Youstina Asaad joined the WEST Board of Directors as a Special Advisor in June 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership at the University of Windsor.
Throughout her career at the University of Windsor, Youstina has served in a variety of roles supporting students, faculty, and institutional initiatives. In her current role, she assists faculty members in developing international research funding applications and fostering global research collaborations. She has also serves on another board of directors in Windsor, reflecting her ongoing commitment to community leadership and service.
As the daughter of immigrant parents and an immigrant herself, Youstina understands the value of opportunity, representation, and belonging. Her lived experiences have inspired a passion for giving back to the community, advocating for those whose voices are often underrepresented, and helping ensure diverse perspectives are represented at decision-making tables.
Youstina believes that meaningful leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and empowering others. She is honoured to serve as a Special Advisor on the WEST Board of Directors and looks forward to contributing to WEST’s mission of advancing women, fostering inclusive leadership, and creating meaningful, lasting impact throughout the Windsor-Essex community.
Honorary Board Members
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
