Board of Directors - YWCA Hamilton

Terri Johns,
Immediate Past Chair

President of T. Johns Consulting Group, Terri has called Hamilton home for nearly 40 years. She believes strong female leadership drives the city forward and serves on the Board to support and inspire women and girls.

Anna D’Angela,
Chair

Anna is a Physician Assistant with an MBA and experience in healthcare quality and project management. A committed feminist, she proudly supports YWCA Hamilton’s mission to empower women and girls.

Shaarujaa Nadarajah,
Vice-Chair

Shaarujaa is a strategy consultant experienced in nonprofit fundraising and planning. A McMaster grad, she is dedicated to strengthening women’s voices and advancing women’s entrepreneurship.

Melanie Skrlac,
Treasurer

A lifelong Hamiltonian and financial professional, Melanie brings strong banking and financial expertise to the Board and is committed to supporting the YWCA’s mission.

Jesse Elders,
Member

Jesse is a Hamilton-based lawyer practicing employment and human rights law. She is committed to improving the lives of women and girls through her work on the Board.

Colleen Ryan,
Member

Colleen leads Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience at Hamilton International Airport. She values mentorship and aims to create opportunities for women and girls through her Board role.

Anandi Naipaul,
Member

Anandi is a partner at Ross & McBride, advocating for injured individuals and promoting equity and inclusion. She is proud to support and inspire young women through the YWCA.

Carla Velastegui,
Member

Carla is a healthcare technologist focused on equitable, accessible tech. A McMaster alum, she advocates for caregivers and is committed to advancing gender equity through the YWCA.

Sabih Ottawa,
Member

Sabih, a Hamilton-raised lawyer at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, focuses her advocacy on poverty reduction, gender equity, and youth. She is deeply committed to her community.

Shona Goel,
Member

Shona is a CPA with experience in audit and financial planning. A Hamilton resident for over 10 years, she is passionate about supporting the YWCA’s community impact.

Dr. Susan Tighe,
Member

Susan is Provost and VP (Academic) at McMaster University. She champions equity, accessibility, and women’s leadership while strengthening community ties in Hamilton.

Nicole Biros-Bolton,
Member

Nicole is the founder of Bird Bolt Law, a feminist, trauma-informed firm. With 20+ years in the gender-based violence sector, she advocates for marginalized communities and gender equality.

Etana Cain,
Member

Etana works in health-care union leadership and has held key roles in nonprofit and government sectors. She is committed to advancing equity and supporting the YWCA’s mission.

Lisa Bell,
Member

Lisa is Strategy Lead at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. A proud Hamilton resident, she is dedicated to supporting YWCA Hamilton’s efforts to advance social justice for women and girls.

YWCA Hamilton rests on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabeg. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, within the lands protected by the Dish With One Spoon wampum agreement, and is directly adjacent to Haldimand Treaty territory.

YWCA Hamilton respects the longstanding relationships with the local Indigenous communities, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Six Nations of the Grand River. We are dedicated to advancing opportunities for learning and education and are committed to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Report.