Debby Culotta-Fernandes, Chair – Debby stumbled upon YWALC serendipitously when she read about the organization in the local paper. Newly retired and eager to join an organization that promotes healthy living, Debby became an active member of YWALC. The decision to join the Board was easy as Debby knows first-hand the amazing support that YWALC offers older adults and considers it a privilege to serve the community as a Board member. Debby’s communication, collaborative nature and management skills have leant themselves well to her role as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors at YWALC.

Mary Kowalsky, Vice Chair – born in Toronto to newly arrived immigrant parents. I completed high school in 1967 and then attended U. of T. 1967-1971 and graduated with an Honours B.A. in Social Sciences. Mary worked for a year and decided to go into teaching. Mary then attended Toronto Teacher’s College 1972-73 in the Primary Specialist’s Program. As a Primary Specialist, she taught mostly in the Primary Division, for TDCSB. Having a love for Language and Literacy, taught a Reading recovery program for at-risk children (5 years). Began and ran a program to make the school Eco-friendly (3 years). Apart from day teaching, she also taught evening Adult ESL classes (3 years) and tutored Language and Math. In the evenings {4 years}. Upon reaching 60, and after 36 years, decided to retire in 2009. Mary has 2 wonderful children and 1 special (to her) granddaughter. She has lived in Weston since 1977. Mary has done some volunteer work over the years at the Ukrainian Catholic Care Center (20 years), Tailwagger’s Doggy Daycare (12 years) and more recently, assisted with Ukrainian relief and Park Clean-up days. Her passion for many years has been the Environment and having been on the Board for two years now, Mary continues to support YWALC and do her part in which ever way she can.

Diana Santos, Secretary  –Diana  has spent her career in banking.  For 20 years she worked in various credit unions. The past 10 years she has worked at one of Canada major banks.  When she isn’t working she enjoys traveling. Diana’s goal is to travel all seven continents.  She is an outgoing and enjoys meeting new people and making a difference in her community.  When Diana isn’t working or traveling she enjoys reading, meeting her friends, and looking after her extended family.  Diana has a passion for helping people especially seniors, this is rooted from her caring for her parents and and more recently her brother.

Rocio Tantahuillca Landeo, TreasurerRocio learned about YWALC when she was looking for volunteer opportunities. Newly graduated and new to Canada, Rocio was looking for ways to get involved in her new community. Rocio has experience working in governance and compliance and, as such, started as a member of the Governance Committee, now she serves as Treasurer and chair of the Finance Committee. She currently works as a senior analyst, compliance for a bank. 

Directors

Cathy-Ann Cope – Cathy-Ann has been an active member at the Centre since 2010 and enjoys many of the programs offered both virtual and in person. She found out about York West from members and the Centre’s Fall Open House. She currently chairs the Program Committee and is Secretary for the Board of Directors. A lifelong learner she enjoys travel, reading, online learning, a variety of crafts and gardening.

Piedad Jaramilo – Piedad was born in Colombia, South America. She grew up in a large family of 4 sisters and three brothers. After coming to Canada, she got married and I had two daughters and now has two granddaughters. Piedad worked as an Educational assistant with Special Needs students for 27 years and as a language Instructor for 25 years for The Toronto District School Board and enjoyed the work very much. She volunteered a few years in The After School Program tutoring students who were having difficulties in some subjects as well as helping parents from the Latin American Community to understand the Ontario Educational System. She retired eight years ago and became a member of York West Active Living Centre where she participates in activities and fitness programs that she enjoys and gets to know the wonderful and caring staff as well as wonderful members. I hope that by serving as a volunteer member of The Board I could make a difference.

Adrienne McKenzie – Adrienne has volunteered for many years in Weston and became involved with York West Active Living Centre when the call came out looking for Directors in 2019 and felt it was a good time to support this great organization. Adrienne has over 25 years of experience in finance with a focus on risk management and Regulatory compliance., including roles in HR and Governance.  Adrienne is the current Chair of the Governance Committee.

Amanda Meadows – Amanda is currently the Director of Legal, at Neighbourly Pharmacy Inc. (Canada’s largest network of community retail pharmacies). In her current role, she heads the legal function of the business; responsible for contract negotiations as well as providing strategic business and legal guidance to various internal departments. Prior to her role at Neighbourly, Amanda was Counsel at General Motors Canada. Amanda’s passions include physical and mental health/wellness and sharing those passions with others. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys running, travelling, reading and spending time with her family (which includes a growing number of nieces and nephews). Amanda is passionate about her role on the board of YWALC and furthering its valuable mission

Vera Nazareth – Vera became involved with York West when she retired from IBM after over 30 years of service. With her experience in various areas at IBM as an executive assistant: HR, Finance, Governance, Legal to name a few, she soon became a volunteer at York West. Over the years she has been involved with various Committees at York West, was elected to the Board and served as Board Secretary and Chair.

Shazia Yasmeen – Shazia has been our board member since 2020. Her deep passion to support our community coupled with her professional experience in finance, human resources, strategic communication, and policies & governance encouraged her join our board.  Shazia currently serves as chair of our HR and Marketing & Communication committees. She currently works as a senior manager, Compensation governance & Strategy for a telecommunication company.  In her free time, Shazia enjoys reading, baking, gardening, oil painting, traveling, and enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews.