Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is a body of elected/appointed members who jointly oversee the finances and activities of WERC.
Cathy Austin (Chair)
Cathy has found board membership at the Women’s Employment Resource Centre to be a very meaningful way to make a difference for women in Oxford County. Cathy was the first female union president of an automotive manufacturing facility in North America. She is a social justice activist and political ecologist. She is an intersectional feminist who understands how women’s overlapping identities including race, class, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation impact the way women experience oppression and discrimination. Cathy shares that “it is an honour to serve on the board of a very unique, progressive and extremely professional organization.”
Lorraine McLean
Lorraine McLean is the Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the Women’s Employment Resource Centre. She has volunteered for other non-profit organizations; including Treasurer for Peace United Church and Charge Treasurer for Drumbo-Richwood Pastoral Charge. Lorraine served 11 years on the Board of Directors for Woodstock Co-Operative Dance School, six of which were spent as Chair of the Board. She also organized the Annual Women’s Curling Bonspiel at the Plattsville Curling Club from 1997 to 2015. Lorraine is currently the President of the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club. In her spare time, Lorraine likes to ballroom dance with her husband of 30 years. She is a fantastic baker, gardener, and wonderful mother to two daughters.
Anne MacMeekin
Anne worked at CAMI for over twenty-two years, and was elected to the position of CAW Local 88 Human Rights/Medical Placement/Employment Equity Representative/Women’s Advocate. Apart from this position at CAMI, Anne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies at the University of Western Ontario, while working full time and taking care of her daughter. Currently Anne is the Managing Partner at The Equity Specialists where she specializes in Human Rights and Harassment Investigations, Mediation, Employment & Pay Equity, Conflict Coaching, Conflict Resolution, and Training. Anne was a community research partner in a 6-year in depth policy and practical study into the reality of women living in non-urban settings. Anne has held different roles on WERC’s Board of Directors over the years.
April Girard
April Girard has worked for a local leader in the automotive industry for almost 20 years. In the evenings she is pursuing her diploma in Human Resource Management through McMaster University. Diversity, equity and inclusion are her passions, especially women’s empowerment. April believes that changing the narrative for women and seeing real change is a team effort and encourages everyone around her to take action. April believes that community is at our core and enjoys the hard work of challenging herself to embrace new perspectives.
Linda Leyton
Linda has been a resident of Oxford County since 2012 and employed in Oxford County since 2005. She currently works for GM Cami Assembly, Ingersoll and has served as the elected Financial Secretary at Unifor Local 88 since 2013. Linda has previously held positions on the Boards of Directors for United Way Oxford, STICH Supper Club, and Oxford Regional Labour Council. An ardent feminist, she is committed to social justice and equality for all.
Melissa Deverell
Melissa Deverell is the owner of Cambridge Pools Leisurescapes. Happily married and the mother of two wonderful teenagers, she is passionate about customer service and positive outlooks on life. Melissa is a huge advocate for anyone trying to better themselves and encourages everyone to see the good in every situation. She graduated from Mohawk College in 2001 obtaining a diploma in business and spent the next 15 years working at Toyota on the floor until deciding to leave in 2014 to take over the family business. Melissa and her sister sister bought Cambridge Pools Leisurescapes in 2018 and are loving it!