Leadership Team
Rachel Foley
CEO, YWCA Edmonton
With a longstanding connection to community and a career dedicated to system‑level change, Rachel brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience, including executive roles with the Government of Alberta, where she led reforms across health, housing, and education. She is recognized for navigating complexity with clarity and purpose, bringing people together across sectors, and advancing work grounded in community priorities.
Her leadership is shaped by a deep respect for the dignity, expertise, and lived experience of those she works alongside. She believes lasting progress grows through trust, shared purpose, and sustained relationships.
Guided by her commitment to advancing equity and women’s leadership, Rachel is honoured to serve as the CEO of YWCA Edmonton. She is excited to build on the organization’s strong legacy, working alongside staff, partners, and those served, and to ensure the organization remains community centered as it expands opportunities for women, girls, and gender‑diverse people.
r.foley@ywcaedm.org | 780.721.6572
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.
