YWCA Toronto - The Feminist Edge

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

~ Angela Davis, Political Activist, Scholar, and Author

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Dear YWCA Toronto Community,

After more than 30 years of visionary leadership, YWCA Toronto’s Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor, has announced her plans to retire in March 2026.

Her leadership and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the organization into the significant Association it is today. Under Heather’s stewardship, YWCA Toronto has grown in both scope and impact.

In her tenure, Heather has strengthened the organization’s community profile by building strong relationships with funders, donors, non-profit organizations and community partners. She has also expanded YWCA Toronto’s affordable housing portfolio – from 149 units to over 820, our employment and training programs from three to fifteen, and our feminist advocacy agenda.

Today, YWCA Toronto is widely recognized as one of the country’s largest multi-service organizations committed to a radical transformation of society where all women, girls and gender diverse people can thrive.

Heather has made a lasting impact locally, provincially and nationally. The spirit of innovation and dedication Heather has fostered will stay with us as we move into this next chapter of YWCA Toronto.

Please join us in celebrating Heather’s remarkable career as we honour her throughout the year, including through the launch of the Heather McGregor Fund in the Fall.

Read the full statement.

ADVOCACY CORNER

Gender Equality is not optional!

The Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) is facing an alarming 80% budget cut. These cuts threaten vital services for survivors of gender-based violence, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, shelters, crisis services, women’s economic security and so much more.

YWCA Toronto, alongside the YWCA Ontario Coalition, has joined a growing list of feminist organizations in sharing an open letter urging the federal government to protect WAGE.

Read the open letter here .

PROGRAM UPDATE

Two weeks left to register for our Administrative Clerk Certificate Program!

Through YWCA Toronto’s 13-week Administrative Clerk Certificate program, you will gain the confidence, skills, and support to launch a rewarding career in administration.

Become proficient in:

Essential computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)
Business math skills
Customer service and communication skills

… and so much more!

Participants must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.

Get started today by contacting us at (416) 269-0091 ext.231 or emailing us at ywcatrainingcentre@ywcatoronto.org.

PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHT

YWCA Toronto Joins the Constantine Yorkville Run!

We are thrilled to be a part of the 16^th Annual Constantine Yorkville Run on Sunday, September 7^th, 2025!

Funds raised through this inclusive 5KM race — welcoming walkers, strollers, and even dogs— helps support the nearly 13,000 women, gender diverse individuals, and their families who access YWCA Toronto’s shelter and housing sites, employment and training programs, support services, and girls' and youth programs.

When you raise $100 you will receive a race kit, t-shirt, medal, refreshments and more!

Click to register or support a runner today!

*Please note that there is a $107.03 registration fee that supports the costs associated with the race.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Take Action on Canada’s Housing Crisis

Canada must stop treating housing as a financial asset and treat it like the fundamental human right that it is. We have joined over 50 housing justice organizations and advocates in calling on Canada’s new federal government to take bold action within its first 100 days in office to address the housing crisis.

Join us and send a letter to the federal government.

Gender-Based Violence In The Media

Aura Freedom, along side a National Network of both gender-based violence (GBV) and media stakeholders created a collection of media guidelines for Canadian journalists reporting on GBV with features on Violence Against Indigenous Women, Human and Sex Trafficking, Femicide and more.

Learn more about the project here.

Edgy

The Practice of Being BRAVE

“We all benefit when we center listening, believing, and care. Being brave is not a one-time action; it is a practice where we choose to show up for each other out loud,” shares Farrah Khan, 2025 YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction, in a new blog post entitled ‘Supporting Survivors in Your Life is a Practice of Being BRAVE’.

Read the full blog post.

Writers Collective of Canada Highlights YWCA Toronto in Partner Spotlight

In a recent blog, we partnered with the Writers Collective of Canada to spotlight our ongoing partnership which supports Indigenous Health and Wellness. This blog, written by Maggie Campaigne, YWCA Toronto Community Engagement Worker, explores how program participants navigating mental health challenges, trauma, and substance use are able to process and share emotions or stories in a healthy format and safe space.

Read the blog post.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

YWCA Toronto operates on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We are grateful to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for women, girls, and gender diverse people. For a full land acknowledgment, please visit our webs ite.

87 Elm Street, Toronto M5G 0A8 | 416.961.8100 | ywcatoronto.org

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