June 3, 2025
We are proud to announce our proposed slate for Board of Directors for 2025/26.
Ashley Dunn – This is Ashley’s 8th year on the Board and 2nd year as Past Chair. Ashley has been with Scotiabank for over 10 years, starting as a financial advisor and transitioned to an Associate Portfolio Manager under Scotiabank Wealth Management, Private Investment Counsel working as part of a team of discretionary money managers. Graduating from Fanshawe College, business finance program, she now also holds her Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager designations. Originally from Aylmer, she now calls St. Thomas home with her daughter, Bella. Ashley strives to be a positive role model to her daughter by instilling a strong sense of core values. Ashley believes everyone has a responsibility to make the communities where they live and work a better place.
Helen Button – Helen grew up in rural southwestern Ontario. She attended grad school and worked as a writer in the communications field for several years before becoming a lawyer. Helen practiced for a number of years in Simcoe, Ontario, before moving her practice to St. Thomas in early 2020. Helen is an active volunteer and has held positions on several not-for-profit boards, including the Norfolk Association for Community Living, Routes to Root Film Festival, and the St. Williams Conservation Reserve Community Council. She also enjoys choral singing, hiking, cooking, and reading. This is Helen’s 5th year on the Board and 2nd as Chair.
Natalie Huston – Natalie is returning for her 4th year on the Board and 2nd as Vice-Chair. Natalie is a committed and determined advocate for social justice, and specifically for the empowerment of women locally, nationally, and globally. She has worked for many years in the social services field, providing the information, support and advocacy required for everyone in the community to realize their potential and maximize their growth on the path to economic, physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Natalie is committed to this work from a gender-based lens that values and upholds the contributions, skills, and unlimited possibilities of women and girls as a way forward to achieve equity and fairness for people of all identities. Natalie has deep roots in St. Thomas and has lived and worked most of her life in the downtown core. She is inspired by nature and spends her free time walking the many local trails and parks as well as hiking the Bruce Trail. She looks forward to serving the community through her commitment to the YWCA for many years to come.
Surbhi Chaturvedi – Surbhi has been into banking since 2009 where she has educated many people with financial literacy. For the last 15 years, she has helped many families and individuals achieve dreams of their perfect weddings, favorite car, dream home, and higher education. She believes, ” Setting a goal is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible “. Surbhi immigrated to Canada in 2019 and made St. Thomas her home with her husband and two beautiful kids. Working with TD she always feels thankful and blessed to be part of this community. She is passionate about her community and is always ready to be part of any event to help and give back to this lovely community. This will be Surbhi’s 3rd year on the YWCA Board.
Rachel Honsinger – Rachel is entering her 2nd year on the Board. She grew up in Elgin County where she now lives with her husband and 2 young children. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology as well a Certificate in Human Resources Management and her CHRP designation. She is now a partner in CH Financial Group, working as a Licensed Life Insurance Broker and Investment Representative. Rachel has volunteered with several local organizations over the years, including the YWCA, and is enjoying being more involved in the community by serving on the Board.
Mackenzie Jackson – Mackenzie is originally from a town called Ajax, but has spent time in Toronto, Kingston, and Gatineau, Quebec before making St. Thomas her home. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Industrial Relations from Queen’s University and has spent the past five years working in Human Resources. She recently returned to school and is now entering her second year studying law at Western. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and exploring her new home of St. Thomas. This will be Mackenzie’s 2nd year on the board, and she looks forward to making a positive contribution to her new community.
Tori Taylor (she/her) – Tori has 10 years of technical project management experience, leading large and small-scale projects relating to data management, content management and software development. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies from Western University, where she led the Early Outreach Conference, participated on the University Student Council, and volunteered with the Gender Studies Student Collective. Tori planted her roots in St. Thomas 6 years ago with her partner, Kat. She appreciates the community’s joy, spirit and creativity (especially in the summer when the Horton Farmer’s Market comes to life!). She tirelessly advocates for women, gender-diverse people and families, and looks forward to positively contributing to the city she loves so much. In her spare time, Tori enjoys gardening, long walks, reading, and trying new recipes. Tori is looking forward to her 2nd year on the YWCA Board of Directors!
NEW NOMINEES:
Aurora Alcocer – As a passionate leader and entrepreneur, Aurora believes that food has the power to bring people together and celebrate our differences. In St. Thomas, she strives to showcase the rich flavours and vibrant culture of traditional Mexican cuisine making it accessible to everyone in the community. By representing the beauty of multiculturalism through her food and ideas she hopes to inspire others to appreciate and embrace our differences fostering a sense of unity among all of us. Through her involvement with the YWCA, Aurora has the opportunity to connect with individuals in the community who are navigating cultural transitions, offering them support and guidance. By serving on the board of directors, she aims to contribute positively to the development of innovative ideas and solutions that foster community growth, leveraging the resources available at the YWCA to enhance our collective progress. This will be Aurora’s 1st year on the Board.
Melinda Bole – Melinda, from our hometown St. Thomas, is an experienced public sector professional with a background in government operations, leadership, and community engagement. With experience in multiple ministries, she has managed programs and teams focused on service delivery, policy implementation, and systemic improvement. Committed to equity and inclusion, Melinda aims to bring strategic thinking, strong communication, and collaboration to the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Board. She is dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower women, youth, and underserved communities. This will be Melinda’s 1st year on the Board.
Sarah Pimlatt – Sarah is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of financial experience in a variety of industries. She currently works as a financial controller at Doug Tarry Homes. Sarah grew up in Burlington, has lived in Cambridge for the past 7 years, and moved to St Thomas in June of last year. Sarah has previously served on not-for-profit boards including finance committees in Hamilton and Vancouver and is excited to bring her skills and experience to the YWCA. Sarah currently lives in St Thomas with her husband and 2 children. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, dance, volleyball and spending time outdoors. This will be Sarah’s 1st year on the Board.