Our Board

Focus For Ethnic Women Is Governed By A Volunteer Board Of Directors.

Meet Our Directors

President

Abigail holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Clinical Science from Western University. She currently works in clinical research at London Health Sciences Centre, where she contributes to advancing healthcare through evidence-based research and clinical collaboration. Her academic and professional experiences reflect her dedication to improving patient outcomes and supporting innovation in healthcare.

SEcretary

Sharada moved to KW region from Singapore in 2016 where she volunteered for nearly ten years with a women’s advocacy organization. She is a family law practitioner now in Ontario practising across GTA and in K-W.

ViCE PRESident

Pam Bryden is a professor in the department of Kinesiology & Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University, and a long-time resident of Waterloo region. She became involved with FEW through a collaboration between the Sun Life Centre for Heathy Communities and Focus offering physical activity programming. Following this, Pam became involved with the board after seeing the impact of FEWs programming. She has been a member of the Board of Governors of Wilfrid Laurier University and Chair of Governance for the Board of Governors of St. John’s Kilmarnock School. She is currently the Vice President of FEW’s Board.

Treasurer

Shelly is a data analyst with over 15 years of experience in leadership, sales, and customer service. As a certified personal development coach, she is dedicated to mentoring professionals and helping them unlock their potential to advance in their careers.

Alka holds an undergraduate degree in Science from the Institute of Science and a Master of Biochemistry from Nagpur University, India. She also holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Waterloo.

Alka is community focussed and very passionate about Focus for Ethnic Women. She feels very strongly about all women gaining independence, self esteem, self confidence, self worth and self reliance. Focus fulfills her dream through the work it does in empowering women for tomorrow.

Besmira is a financial services executive with over two decades of experience in Canadian banking, most recently at BMO where she led several banking product and P&L portfolios. She holds a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Born in Albania, Besmira knows firsthand what it means to navigate a new country and build a career in an industry that does not always make that path straightforward. That experience, and her deep belief in the talent and ambition of women who are too often overlooked, drew her to FEW. She is committed to ensuring that immigrant and racialized women have the support, visibility, and opportunity they deserve to lead.

Contribute

Contact us to join our team or To donate

We are always searching for community members who want to share their time and skills to help facilitate our mission.