JOIN OUR TEAM!
The YWCA Niagara Region is now accepting applications for our Board of Directors. We are seeking passionate and committed individuals who are eager to contribute their time and skills to help us achieve our mission of empowering women and families.
Application Deadline: August 30th
As a member of our Board of Directors, you will play a crucial role in guiding the direction of our programs and services, ensuring we continue to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Why Join Us?
Influence the strategic direction of a leading non-profit organization.
Collaborate with a diverse and dedicated team.
Utilize your expertise to support our initiatives and goals.
Please submit completed applications to Carli Hoffmann at choffmann@ywcaniagararegion.ca
If you have further questions about the role or would like to understand the organization better, we
would be happy to set up an introductory meeting to further discuss the opportunity with a current member of the board.
Feel free to reach out to Carli Hoffmann, Executive Assistant and Board Liaison at
choffmann@ywcaniagararegion.ca to set up a time convenient for you.
Our Team
Sheryl Johnson- President
Sheryl is a partner at Sullivan Mahoney LLP practicing in its Employment and Labour Law Group. Sheryl was raised in and has been a long-time resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake, recently making the move to relocate her law practice from Toronto to the Niagara Region (St. Catharines and Niagara Falls). Sheryl has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of employment, labour and human resources law, advocacy, governance, strategic planning, leadership, relationship building and provision of training. Sheryl believes that only with education and understanding can we overcome barriers that exist for all members of our society to equally participate and flourish. To this end, Sheryl is passionate about writing, presenting at educational conferences, providing training and appearing on TV as well as an expert witness before the HUMA Committee in order to share her wealth of knowledge and experience. Sheryl is the author of Sexual Harassment in Canada: A Guide for Understanding and Prevention and is on ongoing contributor to The Niagara Independent’s business column. During her spare time, Sheryl strives to give back to her community and does so by supporting and volunteering at various community organizations, engaging in fundraising and sitting on a number of Boards and committees locally.
Erin Amirault- Secretary
Erin is Associate Director, Finance Operations and Systems for the Regional Municipality of Niagara. Prior to joining the Region in 2017, Erin held progressively more senior finance and accounting roles across several industries including manufacturing, retail, travel, and not-for-profit. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University and an MBA from Brock University.
Raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, Erin is now a Lincoln resident, by way of Halifax and Toronto. She previously spent six years volunteering on the board of a non-profit organization that operates more than 20 childcare centres across Niagara. Erin believes that quality, affordable, and accessible childcare is one of the keys to ending gender inequity. As such, she connects with the YWCA’s mission and vision and appreciates the opportunity to help further them by serving on its board.
Kate Chiera- Treasurer
Kate is a manager at Durward Jones Barkwell & Company where she provides accounting, assurance and tax services to not-for-profit organizations and privately held, owner-managed businesses in a variety of industries. Kate received her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2020 after graduating from Brock University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree with First Class Standing. She also completed an international exchange at the University of Torino in Italy.
Kate is a lifelong Niagara resident and an active member of the community, participating in various charity events and initiatives, including offering personal tax preparation services to vulnerable members of the community.
During her spare time, Kate is an avid traveler and has been to over 20 countries.
Heather Salter- Secretary
Called to the Bar 1990. B.E.S., University of Waterloo (1986); LL.B., Osgoode Hall (1988); M.P.A., University Western Ontario (2009). Former Director of Legal and Clerks Services and City Solicitor for the City of St. Catharines (2012-retired April 2022). Prior to joining the City, she was the Director of Legal and Legislative Services and Town Solicitor for the Town of Fort Erie (2007-2012) the Deputy City Solicitor for the City of Greater Sudbury (1993-2000). She has also worked as an Appeals Officer for the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and as an associate with the Etobicoke firm Reble, Ritchie, Laurent, Wright and Ketcheson. Member of the Ontario Bar Association and the International Municipal Lawyers Association. Outside of her professional role, Heather is married and the mother of two adulting children, and an avid modern quilter. She believes that a full and balanced life includes creative expression and lifelong learning
Sara Al-Jarrah
Sara Al-Jarrah is an Occupational Therapist working in inpatient Mental health. Her role includes supporting individuals in regaining independence and meaning in their lives while living with mental health issues, addiction, and external barriers. She is a strong believer in advocating for her patients as societal stigma limits their access to services and supports that otherwise would be readily offered and available were they not labeled with a mean health diagnosis. Sara joined the Board of Directors for RAFT Niagara recently to advocate for the needs of the community but through a different lens and hopes to be able to do the same through the Board with the YWCA. Sara’s evenings are busy with a very active 2-year-old and a soon to arrive baby sister who will be making her grand entrance in March.
Katie Keays
Katie is proud to have her roots firmly planted in Niagara Region. Born and raised here, Katie has lived experience navigating social services and the housing support system and brings this experiential knowledge to her work on the Board. Katie has an undergraduate degree in Psychology (2016) and a master’s degree in Social Justice and Equity Studies (2022) and considers herself an intersectional feminist and an ally to marginalized women, men, and gender-diverse people.
Lori Littleton
Lori Littleton is a St. Catharines mother of three, who works as a consultant with IG Wealth Management. A former newspaper reporter (Niagara Falls Review, Brantford Expositor, St. Catharines Standard) and magazine editor, Lori is also a former City Councillor, having represented Merritton from 2018-22. She enjoys reading, long distance running and travelling with her husband, Kris Bremner, to warmer places, and is planning to publish her first novel soon. Lori also enjoys volunteering with the St. Catharines Jets and Niagara Falls Soccer Clubs and is a member of the St. Catharines Public Library Board and the Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee.
Yomade Olagunju
Yomade is a dynamic force with roots tracing back to the vibrant culture of Nigeria. As a dedicated Criminology major, she channels her passion into uplifting marginalized communities. With a keen understanding of social dynamics, she has a unique ability to inspire positive change. Her journey involves working closely with youth aged 16 to 22, fostering personal growth and providing unwavering support.
Beyond academia and community engagement, Yomade find solace and joy in the realm of music. When free time beckons, you'll likely find her immersed in the art of DJing. They embody a harmonious balance between academic pursuits, social advocacy, and the soulful rhythms that define their cultural heritage.
Emily Petro
Emily began her career at a national accounting firm in 2017 as a co-op student. She obtained her CPA designation in early 2023 and now works as an Assurance Supervisor at Durward Jones Barkwell LLP in St. Catharines. Emily graduated from Brock University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree with First Class Standing and a Master of Accountancy degree. As part of her Bachelor’s degree, she studied in England at Aston University for a semester. Emily grew up in the Niagara Region playing competitive hockey and continues to stay active playing various sports including hockey and golf.
Caitlin Szczepanowski
Caitlin is a Brock alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies and a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Equity Studies. She works with the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies at Brock University, and with an organization that does workplace assessments and human rights investigations. Caitlin’s professional and academic work has been informed by feminist theories, anti-oppression frameworks, identity, access to resources, empowerment, and technology. She is inspired by the excellent work done at the YWCA and other organizations across the Niagara Region.