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Medora Uppal, CEO, YWCA Hamilton

Medora Uppal
Chief Executive Officer

Medora Uppal (she/her) is committed to advancing gender equity through systemic change. As the CEO of YWCA Hamilton, she leads with a deep commitment to creating inclusive, equitable spaces for women, gender-diverse people, and families. Medora champions transformative change across housing & homelessness, gender-based violence, economic advancement, and women’s health—advocating for safe shelter, survivor-centered support systems, equitable financial opportunities, and accessible, culturally competent care. Her work bridges policy and grassroots action, empowering communities and dismantling barriers for women and marginalized populations. A strategic community-builder, Medora has chaired and contributed to key equity-focused collaborations including the Women’s Housing Planning Collaborative, the Women Abuse Working Group, and multiple municipal and regional committees. She currently serves on the boards of the Greater Hamilton Health Network, Today’s Family and the Advisory Council of McMaster University’s Wilson College. Her contributions have been recognized with the Carolyn B. Bray Award from YWCA Canada (2019), YWCA Hamilton Woman of Distinction Award (2011), the Order of Hamilton (2025), the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025). Medora continues to shape systems and policies with compassion, clarity, and conviction.
Chelsea Kirkby,
VP Strategic Initiatives & Program Development
Chelsea Kirkby (she/her) brings nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors supporting women and gender-diverse communities. Her background includes program innovation, policy development, community engagement, and organizational growth. She has written and presented on trauma-informed care, health equity, and gender-based services. Chelsea is also an active community volunteer dedicated to youth engagement, housing, and wellness.
Khadija Hamidu,
VP Economic Development
Khadija Hamidu is a community-focused leader with deep experience in economic development and equity-driven initiatives. She specializes in strategic planning and non-profit governance. As Founder of Melanin Market, she supports BIPOC entrepreneurs nationwide with funding, marketing, and business opportunities. Khadija also serves as Vice Chair of the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council and on the Goodwill Amity Board. She has been recognized as one of Hamilton’s Top 40 Under 40.
Idalin McKenzie,
VP Finance & Asset Management
Idalin McKenzie is a seasoned finance and transformation executive with over 20 years of experience. She leads Finance, IT, and Facilities at YWCA Hamilton and previously served as Managing Principal at KLAM Consulting, providing fractional CFO services. She holds an MBA from Rotman, a master’s in MIS, a computer science degree, and is a CPA with multiple governance and risk certifications. Idalin also contributes as a board director, mentor, speaker, and professor. Her achievements include Poets & Quants’ Top 100 Executive MBAs (2022) and WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (2023).

Daniela Giulietti,
Director of Public Affairs

Melissa Ramos,
Director of Human Resources

Sarah Borde,
Director, Capital Projects

Heather Barkley, Director of Philanthropy

Violetta Nikolskaya,
Director, Inclusion & Engagement

Amy Deschamps,
Director of Housing and Gender Based-Violence Support Services

Klaudine Ravo-Qurbashi,
Director of Finance

Tehreem Zafar,
Director, Health Equity & Newcomer Services

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.