We are proud to be a part of such a vibrant community that has so many strong female leaders! The Nelson & District Women’s Centre has decided to pay tribute to the strong female leadership that enriches our community, both within the not-for-profit as well as business sector as success within every industry deserves acknowledgement and celebration.
Our first feature focuses on Anna Maskerine, Program Director at Nelson Community Services. Please read on to celebrate her success!
Name: Anna Maskerine
Position: Program Director (Aimee Beaulieu Transition House, Stopping the Violence Counselling, PEACE, Women’s Outreach) Nelson Community Services.
Q: What drew you to work in the non-profit sector?
A. From the time I was young, I’ve always had a keen sense of right/wrong and of speaking out where I see injustice. I was innately drawn to work in ways that support vulnerable people. I began working in the anti-violence specifically, over 30 years ago. I am a survivor or high risk violence which informs me in deep ways and fuels my passion for this work.
Q: Have you faced bias or barriers in being a woman leader?
A. I was fortunate that early in my working life, I encountered very supportive women who encouraged me to develop my leadership skills. I think that given non-profits are staffed by women to a large degree, and many women are in leadership roles in those organizations, I’ve experienced barriers and bias to a lesser degree. That said, there still is a culture where unequal standards and salary inequities exist. I’ve experienced a mindset where “leadership” equates to what are considered to be more masculine traits, and where women’s accomplishments are downplayed. As a woman leader, there is an expectation to balance work/life alongside being a primary caregiver and I experienced that when my son was young. And when working with other systems in the course of my work, there still exists a great deal of misunderstanding and stereotyping of what it means to be a feminist and also to work in the anti-violence field, which can be compounded by being a leader in that field of work.
Q: What 3 qualities do women need to succeed as community leaders?
Humility – No one person knows it all and it’s ok to make mistakes. And it’s ok for others to make mistakes too, that’s how growth and learning happens.
Inclusivity – You can’t do it alone. Listen more, talk less. There are many great women doing this work and everyone contributes to a collective outcome. Create opportunities to acknowledge that. Encourage and honours others strengths. Relationships, relationships, relationships.
Integrity – Speak up for what’s right, and keep your word.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy so many things about my work; the work itself as I believe it’s important and that what we do makes a difference. It’s personal for me. I’ve been there. Seeing the strength and courage of women who reach out to us is undullably inspiring, life impacting. working alongside other women who are so passionate about the work, I love the teams that I work with. Working in a role that allows for a lot of creativity and variety in the work; creating new programming, like indigenous cultural programming for example. I enjoy supporting women and teams in the difficult work that they do. I also enjoy community development work, being part of the collaborative work in the community and the opportunity to be part of creating change.
Q: What’s the best book you’ve read or film you’ve seen recently?
The best book I’ve read in a very long time, hands down, “From the Ashes” by Jessie Thistle. It’s a must read. It speaks to the human spirit and to the significance of community, connection and love.
