Leadership Team
Christine McCourt-Reid
Interim CEO, YWCA Edmonton
Christine McCourt-Reid is a values-based leader who believes in community as both a practice and a purpose.
She currently serves as Interim CEO of YWCA Edmonton. Since joining the organization in 2019, Christine has brought her experience in strategic communications, fundraising, advocacy and organizational development to support YWCA’s mission, always grounded in collaboration and trust. She is known for her thoughtful leadership and her ability to turn vision into action.
She has helped guide the organization’s strategic plan and has been closely involved in initiatives such as the Rose Campaign, Women of Distinction, truth and reconciliation efforts, and the development of a growing fiscal agency model that supports grassroots, equity-focused groups. The work she’s part of is always built on relationships nurtured through the belief that change is something we create together. She believes leadership is about serving with intention, making space for others, and leaving things stronger than you found them.
Christine is deeply engaged in civic life and community-building, with a long history of board and volunteer involvement rooted in equity, inclusion and public service. Her contributions have been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, and Avenue Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40.
c.mccourt-reid@ywcaedm.org | 780.970.6508
Renée Chan
Director, External Relations
Renée Chan is the Director of External Relations at YWCA Edmonton, where she leads strategic initiatives in fundraising, marketing and communications, and community engagement. A creative strategist and passionate connector, she played a key role in growing the Rose Campaign and reviving the Women of Distinction Awards. Drawing on her experience as a small business owner and event planner, Renée brings an entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach to her work, translating ideas into action and collaboration into results. She is driven by a commitment to helping women and children live safe, healthy lives and discover what they’re capable of.
r.chan@ywcaedm.org | 780.970.6507
Ashley Lim
Director, Counselling Services
Ashley Lim is the Director of Counselling Services at YWCA Edmonton, a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence and works with diverse populations, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ clients, and individuals with disabilities. Ashley helped create Edmonton’s Integrated Domestic Violence Response Team (IDVRT) and co-chairs the Council of Service Providers with CIAFV. She also contributes to YWCA Canada’s national Anti-Gender-Based Violence Network. Her leadership and service has earned her multiple awards, including YWCA Canada’s Carolyn Bray Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys time outdoors with her family and pets, cooking, drawing, and watching movies—her favourite is The Hundred-Foot Journey.
a.lim@ywcaedm.org | 780.970.6505
Garnet Pratt
Director, Finance & Operations
Greig Smith
Director, Disability Services
Greig Smith has more than 20 years of international and Canadian leadership experience in the social service sector, including serving as the CEO and Registrar for the Government of Jamaica’s Office of the Children’s Registry from 2011 to 2018. Most recently, he was a program manager for Caribbean African Canadian Social Services in Toronto. He also worked as an adjunct instructor at York University. A trained educator and social worker, Greig is passionate about equity and helping and reducing barriers and challenges for the most vulnerable in our community. He excels at advocacy, policy and program development and evaluation, financial management and leading large teams. He holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Leadership and Administration.
g.smith@ywcaedm.org | 587.984.9852
Harry & Elsie Watchmaker
YWCA Edmonton Elders-In-Residence
Harry and Elsie Watchmaker are YWCA Edmonton’s esteemed Elders-in-Residence from Kehewin Cree Nation. With decades of wisdom and cultural knowledge, they guide and support the organization’s Truth and Reconciliation initiatives. Their role includes offering teachings, ceremonies, and mentorship to staff, volunteers, and the community, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and values. Harry and Elsie’s contributions are integral to embedding reconciliation and inclusion into YWCA Edmonton’s programs and practices, creating a stronger, more connected community.
