If you are experiencing violence, need an Emergency Protection Order or want to stay at a family violence shelter, call our 24/7, free crisis line: 1 (866) 223-7775
Our Team
YWCA NWT has a team of dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the organization for 5, 10, even 20+ years. Learn more about the leadership team here.
Hawa Dumuya-Sesay Executive Director Hawa's bio: Hawa has extensive experience working with families, victim services, youth, and adults with disabilities. She has worked in community development in Sierra Leone on a project to reduce maternal mortality in rural areas, provided support to women and children arriving at shelters fleeing family violence, and has worked extensively with people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and mental illness. Her wide worldview, compassion, and expertise is invaluable to YWCA NWT. Hawa has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Calgary.
Noma Khumalo Associate Director Noma's bio: Nomazulu has spent 14 years working in human services with different ages from children and youth to young adults and families, contributing their expertise in group homes, behaviour management, shelters and transitional housing. With experience ranging from government, corporate and non-profit sectors, they have worked with start-up organizations in design, delivery and management of programs including training, development, and operations management. They have volunteered with the Red Cross in emergency and disaster services, human trafficking prevention, as an international youth advisor and in settlement services with newcomers to Canada. Nomazulu has a BA in counselling, BA in International Commerce and Global Development and post grad diploma in HR.
Kate Wilson Director of Housing Kate's bio: Kate has worked for the YWCA since 1998, where she started the Focus Program, a program focused on career development and gaining employment. Prior to working for the YWCA, Kate worked for the Native Women’s Association and played a central role at the Training Centre, where she designed and delivered an adult education program that taught life/employment skills. Kate has been the Director of Housing for YWCA NWT for more than 20 years and has made a difference in the lives of many families.
Darlene Powder In-House Elder & Indigenous Mental Wellness Coordinator Darlene's bio: Coming soon!
Don Babey Director of Finance Don's Bio: Coming soon!
Amal Ibrahim Manager, Alison McAteer House Family Violence Shelter Amal's bio: Coming soon!
Rachael Gray Manager, After School Care Programs Rachel's bio: Coming soon!
Alayna Ward Director Community Relations Alayna's bio: Coming soon!
Farah Rajan Independent Legal Advice Program Coordinator Farah's bio: Coming soon!
Josee Patrick Team Lead, Family Resource Centre Josee''s bio: Coming soon!
Brendan Hancock Team Lead, Youth Programs Brendan's bio: Coming soon!
Meaghan Brackenbury Advocacy Coordinator Meaghan's bio: As YWCA NWT's Advocacy Coordinator, Meaghan (she/her) is honoured to be working with such a powerful, kind group of leaders in community. She is originally from Perth, ON, and moved to Yellowknife in 2020 after graduating from Carleton University with a Combined Honours in Journalism and Human Rights. Meaghan spent a few years working at various media outlets within Yellowknife (including Cabin Radio and CBC North), sharing stories from across the territory and learning from the wonderful folks that call this place home. She is proud to continue doing so now with YWCA NWT, all while advocating on important issues such as gender-based violence, housing security, and poverty reduction. When she’s not working, Meaghan loves to spend time reading a good book, noodling on a guitar, and exploring the outdoors with her beloved pup.