BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Aleksandra Pressey
Chair

Aleksandra is a lawyer at a human resources law firm, where she practices in all areas of labour, employment, and human rights law. She advises and represents employers on a broad range of issues. She also regularly conducts workplace investigations and workplace culture reviews as a third-party investigator for organizations across industries. Aleksandra writes and presents on educational topics for employers and human resources professionals. She is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is passionate about empowering and supporting women to allow them to thrive.

Diane White, CHRL, ACC, M.Ed.
Past Chair

An experienced Certified Human Resources Leader and Professor, Diane has worked in the retail sector, as an educator, and as a Human Resources Consultant for over 35 years. She has experience in strategic planning, organizational design and change and in leadership development. Diane is the founder of her own Career & Life Coaching business and she is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. A resident of Aurora for over 30 years, Diane is committed to her community and to serving women to help them learn, grow and thrive. She brings human resources expertise and leadership to the Board.

Lena Azzou
Vice Chair

Lena Azzou is the Vice President of Strategy and Transformation at Metrolinx, and is part of a multidisciplinary team leading the largest transportation investment in Canada’s history. She is responsible for leading the organizational strategy, transformation plans, continuous improvement, project management, and corporate services in an organization leading $80 billion in construction projects, the operations of GO Transit, UP Express and PRESTO. Lena was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women Award Winner in 2021 with the Women’s Executive Network, and is the Executive Sponsor of the Metrolinx Women’s Network. Prior to joining Metrolinx, Lena worked in both the structural engineering and telecommunications industries where she took on responsibilities for both technical and customer experience specific programs.

Shelina Devji
Treasurer

Shelina is a Finance professional in both private and public sector with over 20 years experience. Shelina has a broad range of expertise, including accounting advisory, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and ERP project planning and implementation. Working in multiple industries, ranging from small firms to large organizations, she has built teams from the ground up, leads projects and committees that promote lean thinking, cross-functional relationship building, and foster engagement. Sitting on several Women’s Network forums and mentoring young growing professional women, she is passionate about empowering and supporting women's growth professionally and personally. Shelina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, Certificate of Management and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA).

Sara Thomson
Secretary

Sara has been with TD for over 25 years and is known for her passion for our business, strategic thinking and inclusive leadership. She has held several senior executive positions at TD in customer-facing and corporate roles and currently leads TD Wealth's Shared Services function, comprised of Operations, Strategy, Customer and Colleague experience and Governance & Control for all of Weath's business segments. Prior to her appointment as Senior Vice President, Wealth Shared Services, Sara led Human Resources for the Bank's Corporate Functions and the Bank's Diversity & Inclusion centre of excellence. Prior to joining HR, Sara held several executive positions in Business Banking, including leading Business Bank's Divisional Office and Transformation, Small Business Banking and Credit & Operations in Commercial National Accounts. Sara has a track record of leading teams to aspirational business outcomes and delivering on complex initiatives, including a multi-year transformation strategy across Business Banking segments.

Sara holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Calgary. She leads the Women at TD employee resource group for Canada's Wealth business. She also sits on the Board and Finance Committee of the Women's Centre of York Region, a not for profit agency that provides trauma-informed counselling and programming for women who are in need of positive change.

Elle Meija
Director

Elle started her real estate career in the industrial sector at Cushman & Wakefield in 2010, before attaining her real estate license. In 2015, Elle moved into retail leasing for a private company, completing high level retail leasing transactions across Canada, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, and New Zealand. Her “deals done” portfolio is inclusive of high street, AAA shopping centre, airport retail, and open air centre locations. In 2014, Elle founded PrettyGirlsWork, an online community for women founders & entrepreneurs, where she currently serves as lead for both the Retailers & Real Estate Houses. She is a competent, professional coach, teaching both time-tested & modernized strategies. Elle finds balance through yoga and reiki.

Jojo Lai
Director

Jojo is a finance professional with work experience across private equity, corporate finance and financial accounting. Through her various roles, she has consistently worked with companies and complex information sets to assess business strategy and financial performance to drive next-level performance. Jojo is passionate about social justice and empowering women and all minority groups, as shaped by her personal and professional experiences. She actively seeks opportunities to connect with like-minded women and to give back to her immediate communities. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and obtained her CPA, CA designation in 2013.