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.

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, Director

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 the Windsor Regional Hospital’s Regional Cancer Program as Primary Care Coordinator/Decision Support for the Cancer Screening and Prevention Program. She has a Bachelors (Hon.) Degree in Biochemistry-Biotechnology and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A), both from the University of Windsor. Priyanka is a recent graduate of the Leadership Windsor/Essex Program (class of 2015). Passionate about community involvement and leadership, in her spare time, Priyanka is actively engaged in our community through various volunteering opportunities and specifically in her current role as a member of the Board of Directors for Cystsic Fibrosis Canada, Essex-Kent Chapter, member of the Board of Directors for the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) and more recently WEST.

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.

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.