DirectHer Network
The New Home of the DirectHer Network
YWCA Edmonton is proud to be the new home of the DirectHer Network, working to remove barriers and create space for women and gender-diverse individuals in leadership. Leadership should reflect the diversity of our communities, but too many boardrooms don’t. Systemic barriers continue to keep women – especially those from marginalized communities – out of decision-making spaces.
That needs to change.
DirectHer is about more than board governance; it’s about breaking down barriers and ensuring leadership opportunities are accessible to everyone. Because here’s the thing about brick walls: they can be leveled. And we’re committed to continuing the work of DirectHer Network to empower all women with the knowledge, confidence, and community to take their seat at the board.
DirectHer strives to:
• Remove barriers and make board leadership accessible.
• Normalize the discussion about gender diversity on boards.
• Empower diverse Albertan women and gender non-binary people with the knowledge and confidence to join not-for-profit boards.
• Provide the tools necessary to advocate for and improve diversity of thought on boards.
When women and gender-diverse individuals have equal access to leadership, our communities thrive. YWCA Edmonton and the DirectHer Network are here to make that happen.
YWCA Edmonton is committed to breaking barriers to leadership for women and gender-diverse peoples – paving the way toward equitable decision-making at all levels of governance.
Leadership should reflect the diversity of our communities, yet too many women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, face barriers to accessing decision-making roles.
As of 2023:
- Women held less than half of nonprofit board positions in Canada.
- Fewer than 10% of those seats were held by racialized individuals.
- In the corporate sector, women occupied just 29% of board seats and only 8% of board chair positions.
We know that leadership opportunities should not be limited to a select few. When women and gender-diverse individuals have access to the right tools, resources, and support, they can step into leadership roles with confidence.
That’s why all DirectHer resource videos are now available for free on the YWCA Edmonton website, making board governance education more accessible than ever. We will also be hosting panel discussions throughout the year to keep these important conversations going and continue pushing for more inclusive leadership.
Let’s build boardrooms that reflect the communities we live in. Together, we can break down barriers and open doors to leadership for everyone.
Board Basics
Join Jill Gamez and Elsa Johnson for DirectHer: Board Basics, the first lesson in a series of introductory videos exploring board leadership. In this video, learn the different board governance models, the role a board plays in supporting organizations, and how to make informed decisions as a board representative.
Financial Literacy
Join Jasmine Konsorada, Adrienne Wong, and Abigail Laycock for DirectHer: Financial Literacy, the second lesson in a series of introductory videos exploring board leadership. In this session, determine how boards manage risk and maintain financial oversight by considering common challenges and approaches to board financial management. Continue elevating your skills with a guided review of financial reports and statements, with a breakdown of key factors to consider when analyzing organizational budgets.
Introduction to Strategic Governance
Join Sheila Witwicky and Chantel Cabaj for DirectHer: Introduction to Strategic Governance, the third lesson in a series of introductory videos exploring board leadership. In this video, identify how to approach board membership with a strategy-focused mindset that aligns with an organization’s mission, vision, and values. This lesson will also review board orientation processes and methods to assess if a board is the right fit for you.
Building a Board Resume
Join Adetoun Abby Aiyeleye and Chantel Cabaj for DirectHer: Building a Board Resume, the fourth lesson in a series of introductory videos exploring board leadership. In this session, discover mechanisms for determining and achieving board goals. Additionally, consider the differences between operation and governance committees, and advisory and fiduciary boards. This series concludes with a discussion on the different points of entry into board leadership and suggests ways to develop a comprehensive understanding of board expectations as you build a strong, well-informed board application.
