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Thank you to everyone for your support! VIEW GALA PHOTOS WE STAND FOR A MORE GENDER EQUAL WORLD! Click Here to learn more Click to view Introducing the Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Rose Anguiano slide Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Zayd and Mohamed Nadine Makai and Naomi Jasmine and Sienna Dan Walker and Lilah Terry Karen Jimmie and Jasmine Bill purple background IWD logo IWD Gala 2024 IWD Faces of WEST IWD Gala 2025 Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World Gender Equal World

Our Programs Are Funded By

Employment Ontario Logo, Government of Canada Logo, Government of Ontario Logo, Windsor Regional Employment Network Logo
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy
Funded by Canada

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST)

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) was developed in 1984 as a response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment among women and the difficulties experienced by women attempting to enter the workforce.

During the course of development, it became apparent that the most disadvantaged women, in terms of training and employment opportunities, were visible minorities. As a result of those findings, a plan was implemented to create a technical and life skills training program specific to the needs of visible minority women residing in Windsor-Essex. WEST, a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization, is the realization of that initiative.

With funding from Human Resources Development Canada, WEST opened its doors in February 1987, offering unique training opportunities for women from Windsor-Essex and around the globe. Through skills enhancement and volunteer placements, visible minority women have been prepared for entry to employment and have moved closer to achieving the success they desire.

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Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. held its AGM on June 24, 2026 where we reviewed the business of the organization from the prior fiscal year. WEST highlighted the successes of each of our programming pillars, Employment, Skilled Trades, Youth and Settlement; congratulations to each of the departments, program leads and staff. WEST also reflected on impact to programs with funding changes. What stands out for our organization in addition to the commitment of the staff and leadership from the Board are a couple of things; the power of partnership and collaboration with community partners and businesses and the spirit of resilience we see among the participants. WEST is heartened by the opportunity to serve the community.

WEST was delighted to acknowledge the diverse funding received to assist us in offering programs and services, our funding comes from a variety of sources including the federal and provincial governments, the Windsor Regional Employment Network, and other welcomed sources including corporate donations and grants, and meaningful donations from individuals.

Throughout the year, we have few opportunities to gather and reflect and celebrate where all staff, board and partners can join us; the AGM, IWD and the end of year celebration. I am always heartened by the support received with attendance.

WEST also offered a special heartfelt recognition celebrating the service of outgoing board members, Justina Nwaesei and Ann Diab, thank you both for your service and time commitment to assisting WEST evolve and development, expanding to the multi-service organization we are today. WEST will be diligent to ensure your legacy of leadership is sustained in our programs moving forward, both served a variety of Board roles including Chair and Past Chair.

WEST recognized and offered our thanks to Officers ending their terms, including a special thank you to Nadine Manroe Wakerell for her service and leadership of five years as Board Chair and to Helena Palma-K CPA, CMA for her 10 years of service as Board Treasurer. We also are delighted to welcome Nadia Bhatti in her new role as Board Chair; we will look forward to working with you in this new role. Board member Beth Yeh will now serve in the role of Treasurer. Additionally, we welcomed new Board member, Cari-Lynn Ristic and a new Special Advisor, Youstina Asaad.

Thank you to Board members and officers for their ongoing and continue support of the WEST mission, vision and values.

As we continue to look ahead, I am delighted to note that in 2027, WEST will celebrate 40 years of building the skills and confidence of women many women and girls seeking opportunity, I will continue to be optimistic for this current year and future years ahead for the WEST organization.

Nadine MWRose Anguiano Hurst
Helena F Palma-Melenak
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3 days ago

🎓 Congratulations to our LEAD 4 Intake 8 participants! We celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of an incredible group of participants. We are proud of all that you have accomplished and excited to see the impact you will make in your workplaces and communities. Wishing you continued success as you move forward with confidence, determination, and purpose! A special thank you to our valued community partners for their ongoing support, collaboration, and commitment to creating opportunities for participants throughout their journey. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our keynote speaker, Luciana Rosu- Sieza from BANA Windsor , for sharing her insights, inspiration, and encouragement with our graduates on this special occasion. Congratulations to the graduating class, we can’t wait to see what you achieve next! #LEAD4 # WEST #GraduationDay #CareerSuccess #WorkforceDevelopment ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago

We’re thrilled to expand our reach! WEST is bringing women-focused services directly into the new Community Hub at St. Michael’s Adult Catholic High School. By offering a satellite office right where women and families are, we’ll make empowerment, job readiness, and personalized support even more accessible.

At WEST, we believe that when women have access to the right resources, they create lasting change for themselves, their families, and our community. We look forward to welcoming students and community members into this new space and continuing to empower women to reach their full potential.

Together with our community partners we look forward to helping even more women transform their futures, right in the heart of the community!

WECDSB YMCA of Southwestern Ontario CCFWEK - Centre communautaire MultiCulturalCl
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3 days ago
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