In a matter of weeks, YWCA Canada will have a new Chief Executive Officer at its helm.
On Monday, the organization -- a leading advocate for women empowerment, gender equity, social justice, and affordable housing -- announced the appointment of Aline Nizigama to the role of CEO. Nizigama joins YWCA Canada from the Centre du Francophone du Grand Toronto, where she was the Director of Strategic Projects, Partnerships, and Communications. Previously, she held roles with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Ontario Ministry of Health, and the Ontario Ministry of Francophone Affairs.
"Over the course of her career, Aline has cemented herself as an exceptional leader in advocacy within anti-racist feminist spaces, approaching her work through the lenses of human rights, equity, and racial justice. She has a strong commitment to the needed work surrounding reconciliation, decolonization, and anti-Black racism," said Dr. Delores V. Mullings, Co-Chair of the CEO Selection Committee, in a press release.
“This is somewhat of a homecoming for Aline,” added Mullings. From 2012 to 2016, Nizigama served as Manager of Programs and Projects with the YWCA Canada. “We look forward to welcoming her back to the YWCA Movement, to help create and provide leadership to a bold strategic agenda aligned with the needs of a changing national and global world."
Nizigama will be taking over for Raine Liliefeldt, who has served as Interim CEO since February 2022. Liliefeldt will stay with the organization, continuing her role as Director of Member Services and Development.
"We are so deeply appreciative of Raine's continued commitment to the YWCA, her stewardship of the organization, and her leadership at the National Office over the last year," said Susan Kennard, Board Chair of YWCA Canada. "We are looking forward to a continued collaborative model that can support the federation and help move the organization and its work forward."
Nizigama will assume the CEO role on March 20.
