Staff

Lee is a Queer intersectional feminist working to break down the systems of oppression that threaten equality. They've lived in Nelson since 2020 and are increasingly grateful for the amazing people and beautiful land that surround this valley. They became involved with the WKWA in 2021 and became Executive Director in January 2023. Lee is excited to be supporting the West Kootenay Women's Association in its ongoing efforts to serve the community.Lee is passionate about learning and studied several years of Fine Arts and Biology before completing a BA in English Literature and Environmental Studies. Besides learning they are passionate about, creating, spending time in nature, being part of community, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

Jess (she/her) landed in Nelson in 2024, lured in by the incredible nature, outdoor adventures and wonderful people. Originally from the UK, she has been lucky to live and work in several countries, allowing her to experience different cultures. This curiosity has helped to broaden her perspectives and encourages her to find ways to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Jess is a trained Psychosexual Therapist and has focused her attention academically towards themes of sexuality, gender and destigmatisation. She continues to pursue these interests and is a passionate advocate of sexual empowerment and wellbeing.   

Mikyla is a local in the vibrant Nelson community, deeply connected to the wild beauty of the Kootenays. With a background in counselling and currently completing a degree in social work, Mikyla is dedicated to lifelong learning and personal growth. Her approach is grounded in culturally aware, trauma-informed and person-centred practice; she believes in meeting people where they’re at. As a settler colonizer, Miklya is committed to listening and learning from Indigenous voices, recognizing our shared responsibility to care for the land while continuing to expand reconciliation efforts at the Women's Centre. Whether snowboarding, hiking, or spending time in nature, she feels most at home in the mountains. Mikyla’s love for the outdoors is matched by a passion for travel as a way to expand her understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Mikyla’s experiences continue to deepen her understanding of the world, challenge beliefs, and inspire her ongoing commitment to social justice. At home or abroad, Mikyla is driven by a desire to connect, understand, and contribute to building inclusive, compassionate communities.

Maria (she/they) is matrilineally Red River Métis and a member of the Metis Nation of BC. Patrilineally Maria is of Belgian and mixed European descent. Maria grew up in amiskwaciywâskahikan (Edmonton, Treaty 6) and Ts'elxwéyeqw (Chilliwack) and now lives in the Slocan Valley on Sinixt territory. Their upbringing around aunties who are very active in the Métis community and governance as well as an undergraduate degree in Indigenous studies and anthropology informs the decolonial lens they see the world through. Maria comes to the role with a diverse background in Indigenous advocacy and food justice. Maria has a passion for bison and expresses this through hide tanning and working with bison fiber. They love growing their own food and working towards sustainability in small yet impactful ways such as upcycling clothing. Maria spends summers kayaking and swimming in local rivers and lakes. You can also find them on various trails around the Kootenays with their great dane Maeve.