Leadership
equality and diversity
Creating A Bright Future For Windsor Essex
Dr. Nila Das Ph.D, MBA
Executive Director
Nila Das is a highly accomplished leader with experience in teaching, research, and advocacy. Her passion for public service was sparked by her upbringing in a small town in India, which instilled in her a strong belief in equality and diversity as the foundation of any organization’s strength.
Nila has a diverse educational background, with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Windsor and an MBA from the Odette School of Business. This unique combination of scientific expertise and business acumen has undoubtedly contributed to her success as a leader and advocate.
In November 2021, Nila joined the Windsor-Essex Children and Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC) as an interim leader and was later appointed as the Executive Director in March 2023. In her role, she leads a team of professionals and volunteers dedicated to supporting victims of child and youth abuse, providing a range of services to help ensure their voices are heard and valued.
As Executive Director, Nila is responsible for managing WECYAC’s strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach efforts. She has developed a compelling vision for the organization, with a focus on promoting equality and diversity and building strong partnerships with community partners to better address child and youth abuse in Windsor-Essex County
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Directing Positive Change For Windsor Essex
Our Board of Directors comprises a diverse group of passionate individuals committed to guiding and supporting our organization’s mission. With a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields, they bring invaluable insights and strategic direction to ensure the effective management and growth of our initiatives. Meet the dedicated leaders driving positive change and empowering our community to thrive
Richard Derus
Director at Large & President
Rick Derus is currently the Administrator for the Windsor Police Association. In this role, Rick Derus proudly represents the over 650 professional members of the Windsor Police Service in labour and collective bargaining matters.
Kristy McBeth
Director at Large & Vice-President
Kristy is a Director of Public Health Programs at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and has worked in public health for 18 years.
Dr. Kimberly Brisebois
Key Partner & Director at Large, Secretary
Kimberly works as the Director of Intake and After Hour Services at the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. Kimberly is a certified trainer for the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.
Ryan Brown
Director at Large & Treasurer
Deirdra Watson
Director at Large & Public Relations Chair
Deirdra is the Founder and CEO of Concept Solutions, Public Relations & Event Management. Her experiences personally and professionally assist the Centre in achieving the goals of the strategic plan.
Dr. Sharon Pyke
Director at Large & Past President
Carol Branget
Key Partner & Director at Large
Carol Branget is Executive Director at the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre. Carol has worked in child protection and generalized children’s mental health and has been at SACC for more than fourteen years.
Todd Lavigne
Key Partner & Advisor
Jason Woods
Key Partner & Director at Large
Angela D’Alessandro
Key Partner & Director at Large, Windsor Regional Hospital
Richard Sieberer
Key Partner & Director at Large
Jessica Koper
Director at Large
Jessica, a lawyer with Shibley Righton LLP. She believes that all community members need to support children and youth in our communities who have fallen victims to abuse or violence.
Lynda Ware
Director at Large
Lynda Ware recently retired from a 35 year career in policing support. She was the recipient of the Ontario Provincial Police 2016 Accolade Award For Valuing and Supporting People.
Sarah Mushtaq
Director at Large
Sarah Mushtaq is a recent MBA graduate from the Odette School of Business. Sarah believes that the most vulnerable in our community – our children – deserve the most equitable treatment possible.
Mary Kay Morand
Director at Large
Mary Kay is the Coordinator of Social Work Field Education Programs at the University of Windsor. She believes in community collaboration to support child victims
Dr. Shobha Karnik
Director at Large
As President and Trustee of the India Canada Association of Windsor and Essex County, Shobha has always provided full support to their children and youth programs and helped international students to integrate into our multicultural society.