Governance
Join our Board or Directors - Call for Nominations
Key Dates
February 26th – Applications open
March 27th - Applications due
ABOUT THE YWCA ST. JOHN’S
The vision of YWCA St. John's is a feminist future, where communities are empowered and liberated from systemic oppression. A feminist future, where communities are empowered and liberated from systemic oppression. Our mission is to advance gender equity through advocacy and justice-doing programs and services. We provide support in the areas of economic security and of empowerment of newcomers, youth and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and we are poised to grow. To accomplish this vision, we require a dedicated Board of Directors who are strong advocates for gender equity.
In 2024, we renewed our mission, vision and values and launched our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan with the following priorities:
Strengthen and Expand Systems of Support to Advance Gender Equity in Newfoundland and Labrador in the areas of Childcare, Housing, Economic Security and Settlement
Foster a Healthy and Progressive Organizational Culture
Raise the Profile of YWCA St. John’s in the Community
Advance Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
Advance Financial Sustainability to Meet the Needs of Those We Serve.
The YWCA is a local, national and international organization with a total membership of over 25 million people worldwide. The YWCA St. John’s Board aims to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Board members are committed to working in the areas of gender-based violence, anti-racism, decolonization, and truth and reconciliation. We seek women and gender-diverse people who can bring a broad range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to our discussions and governance and join the YWCA movement.
CALL FOR NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
YWCA St. John’s shares YWCA Canada’s intention to effectively share power with, engage, and support women and gender-diverse people of diverse communities, backgrounds and identities to participate as leaders, decision-makers, and equals at all levels of an inclusive movement.
YWCA St. John’s is strongly committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, and supports diversity throughout our organization, including on its Board and committees. Board recruitment especially welcomes applications from women and gender-diverse people; youth; those from Black and racialized communities and from varying cultural and religious backgrounds; First Nation, Métis, Inuit; people with disabilities; 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary folks; and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
YWCA St. John’s Board also aims for a youth complement on the Board, with 25% of its Board members between the ages of 18 and 30. Ideal candidates would also have one (1) or more of the following attributes or skills:
Experience in non-profit governance;
Experience and skills in decolonization and anti-racism practices;
Finance and Accounting skills;
Experience social enterprise and revenue diversification;
Experience in childcare development;
Experience in housing development;
Risk management and compliance experience.
Your engagement supports the YWCA St. John’s and provides you the opportunity to:
Contribute to gender equity in action;
Develop organizational capacity-building skills;
Work as a member of a Board team of diverse and skilled Directors;
Expand your network;
Be part of the national YWCA movement.
BOARD DIRECTOR COMMITMENT
The Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of the organization and for the development of strategic plans to achieve the vision and mission of YWCA St. John’s.
Term of Office
Board terms are two years in duration. Board members may serve a maximum of three (3) full terms in succession.
Time Requirements
The time commitment is approximately four to six (4-6) hours per month for board meetings, committee meetings, and special events, including preparation time.
We request full participation from our Board Members to effectively execute our strategic priorities.
Board Meetings
The Board conducts four (4) regular Board meetings per year, plus one (1) shorter meeting to review and approve the audited financial statements. In addition, Board members attend the Annual General Meeting, a Board Reorganization Meeting directly after the AGM, and two (2) half-day training sessions.
New Board members also attend a half-day Orientation Session in the fall.
Regular Board meetings are typically two to three hours in length, depending on the business for the meeting.
Committee Meetings
Board members are expected to serve on at least one (1) Board Committee. Terms of Reference for each committee outline responsibilities, authority, and reporting standards. Attendance is essential for the committees to do their work. Presently, the Board has the following Committees: Executive, External Affairs, and Governance.
Committee meetings are typically one to two hour’s duration.
Fundraising & Support
All Board Members are required to be members of YWCA St. John’s. Membership can be completed online and must be completed prior to applying to join the board: http://www.ywcastjohns.com/membership/.
In addition, Board Members are expected to participate in and/or attend fundraising events whenever possible, to recognize potential funding opportunities, and to communicate these opportunities to the Board.
Board Orientation & Mentorship Support
Following election to the Board at the AGM, YWCA St. John’s holds an orientation session for new Board Members. New Board Members will be provided with, and expected to review, orientation materials as well as the websites of the YWCA St. John’s, National YWCA, and World YWCA to become familiar with the local, national, and global YWCA movement.
YWCA St. John’s aims to provide an informal mentorship opportunity to new members who are interested in this opportunity to help facilitate the on-boarding process and to support leadership development.
SELECTION PROCESS
From February 26 to March 27, 2026, a call for nominations is made.
Candidates submit their applications, resumes, two (2) references and acquire or renew their annual memberships with YWCA St. John’s.
The Nominating Committee reviews applications and confirms eligibility and membership status.
In the spring, qualifying candidates are invited to an interview with the Executive Director and/or one or two (1-2) member(s) of the Governance Committee to further discuss their interest and learn more about YWCA St. John’s.
Following the interview, successful candidates must complete a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check, at no cost to the candidates.
On the recommendation of the Governance Committee and with approval of the Board of Directors, each eligible candidate's name is placed on the slate for election by the membership at the next AGM (held in September).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates are to complete the online application form
Attach a resume and include two references when applying
Acquire or renew an annual membership (the fee is $20) with YWCA St. John’s at the time of application.
Given the roles and responsibilities of a Board of Directors, applicants must be willing and able to provide a clear criminal record check and vulnerable reference check. As Director's roles are volunteer positions, there is no cost to applicants.
Any questions about the process should be directed to Maria Gentle, maria@ywcastjohns.ca.
Board of Directors
Kelly-Anne Meadus [Chair]
Chioma Ezera [Vice Chair]
Dulanjalee Iluksooriya [Treasurer]
Rebecca Martin [Secretary]
Adrienne Ding [Director]
Mimi Sheriff [Director]
Ony Anukem Eledu [Director]
Sherry Nandha [Director]
Shivani Sharma [Director]
Susan Goli [Director]
Susmita Burman [Director]
Yiyin Liu [Director]