Leadership Team
Katherine O'Neill
CEO, YWCA Edmonton
Katherine O’Neill joined YWCA Edmonton as Chief Executive Officer on March 16, 2020. She is a passionate advocate for the rights of girls and women and inspiring people to hear the important call of community service.
Katherine has worked in leadership positions in communications and politics throughout her career. A writer by trade, she spent most of her journalism career working as a national correspondent with the Globe and Mail, dispatching stories from across Canada and even the battlefields of Afghanistan in 2008.
After leaving journalism, the mother of three led several political organizations in Alberta. She also ran a communications company that specialized in crisis communications and media relations.
Katherine has led and volunteered with several not-for-profit boards and committees, including organizations with a focus on early childhood education, literacy and disability services. She currently serves on the International Women’s Forum Edmonton board, Real Talk Editorial Board and Canadian Vote Summit’s Advisory Committee.
Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Journalism from Carleton University. In 2022, Katherine was awarded Alberta’s Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of her significant contributions to community.
k.oneill@ywcaedm.org | 780.952.2869
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
Christine McCourt-Reid
Director, External Relations
Christine McCourt-Reid is the Director of External Relations at YWCA Edmonton, where she leads strategic initiatives in fundraising, communications, community engagement and advocacy. Driven by a deep commitment to equity, she has expanded YWCA’s reach through innovative campaigns, collaborative partnerships and compelling storytelling. Christine plays a key role in initiatives like the Rose Campaign and Women of Distinction, and has strengthened the organization’s fiscal agency model to support grassroots groups advancing gender equity and empowerment. With over two decades of experience in the non-profit sector, she is known for her thoughtful leadership and ability to turn vision into action. Her contributions have been recognized with both provincial and national awards for community service and leadership.
c.mccourt-reid@ywcaedm.org | 780.970.6508
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.
