Second Story Women's Centre supports women and gender-diverse people, provides safer spaces, and advocates for social change.
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SECOND STORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Second Story Women's Centre is proud to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors. Committed to upholding the organization's mission of providing support for women and gender-diverse people while advocating for social change, the newly elected members have aptly guided the centre through this transitional period with a focus on updating policies and by-laws. With an unwavering dedication towards promoting gender equity and safe, healthy relationships on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, this board is committed to quickly opening the doors of Second Story in its continued mission to provide safer spaces for women and gender-diverse people. |
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Alison Smith: Director
Alison Smith has participated in the SSWC community over the past two decades, including serving on the social action committee, leading workshops, and participating in events as a poet. She has worked with SSWC and Be the Peace on programming related to parenting and gender (The Pink Snowsuit Project) and with the Baby Friendly Initiative coordinating peer support for breastfeeding mothers (the BEST Friend Line). As a researcher and policy analyst, she has frequently consulted the centre on policy, legislation, and funding needs. Alison has a long
time interest in social justice with particular emphasis on ending gender-based violence and poverty. Alison grew up in North Queens and, along with her husband and two sons, has lived in New Germany for twenty years.
Alison Smith has participated in the SSWC community over the past two decades, including serving on the social action committee, leading workshops, and participating in events as a poet. She has worked with SSWC and Be the Peace on programming related to parenting and gender (The Pink Snowsuit Project) and with the Baby Friendly Initiative coordinating peer support for breastfeeding mothers (the BEST Friend Line). As a researcher and policy analyst, she has frequently consulted the centre on policy, legislation, and funding needs. Alison has a long
time interest in social justice with particular emphasis on ending gender-based violence and poverty. Alison grew up in North Queens and, along with her husband and two sons, has lived in New Germany for twenty years.
Chloe Anderson: Recording Secretary
Chloe Anderson is a committed advocate for gender equality, holding a BA Honours in Contemporary Studies and Gender & Women’s Studies from the University of King’s College. Currently serving on the board of the Second Story Women’s Centre, Chloe has been a dedicated member since 2013 and served on the interim board during FY23. She brings extensive expertise in corporate research, project coordination, fundraising, and marketing, dedicated to advancing the Centre’s mission to promote gender equity and foster healthy relationships on the South Shore.
Chloe Anderson is a committed advocate for gender equality, holding a BA Honours in Contemporary Studies and Gender & Women’s Studies from the University of King’s College. Currently serving on the board of the Second Story Women’s Centre, Chloe has been a dedicated member since 2013 and served on the interim board during FY23. She brings extensive expertise in corporate research, project coordination, fundraising, and marketing, dedicated to advancing the Centre’s mission to promote gender equity and foster healthy relationships on the South Shore.
Claire Burnett: Chair of the Board
Claire moved to the South Shore eleven years ago with her husband, adult daughter, and one-year-old granddaughter. She found Second Story’s counseling support when she really needed it; after describing her domestic situation to public health and finding they just didn’t get it, Second Story got it. She was visible, her story was heard, and she found a way forward. That way included participating in lots of other programs that Second Story offered then, like art therapy, drumming circle, and discussion groups. She wants to join the Board of SSWC today to give back, and because recent events emphasize that it’s important to keep Second Story as a resource for others in our communities. In terms of career, hers started with teaching (mathematics, English) followed by over 30 years in educational publishing as a developmental editor and manager. She has volunteer experience on the Board of several non-profit or charitable groups, all of them involved with children and families. These include an organization liaising with a Romanian orphanage in the 90s (Board Member, Secretary, Newsletter Editor); and two different parent support groups (Board Member, Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Policies and Procedures Committee; Bylaws Committees). She looks forward to using her creativity, diplomacy, and communication skills to support Second Story Women’s Centre.
Claire moved to the South Shore eleven years ago with her husband, adult daughter, and one-year-old granddaughter. She found Second Story’s counseling support when she really needed it; after describing her domestic situation to public health and finding they just didn’t get it, Second Story got it. She was visible, her story was heard, and she found a way forward. That way included participating in lots of other programs that Second Story offered then, like art therapy, drumming circle, and discussion groups. She wants to join the Board of SSWC today to give back, and because recent events emphasize that it’s important to keep Second Story as a resource for others in our communities. In terms of career, hers started with teaching (mathematics, English) followed by over 30 years in educational publishing as a developmental editor and manager. She has volunteer experience on the Board of several non-profit or charitable groups, all of them involved with children and families. These include an organization liaising with a Romanian orphanage in the 90s (Board Member, Secretary, Newsletter Editor); and two different parent support groups (Board Member, Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Policies and Procedures Committee; Bylaws Committees). She looks forward to using her creativity, diplomacy, and communication skills to support Second Story Women’s Centre.
Ali Davis: Director
Ali Davis has been working for/with non-profit organizations since 2005. For the last 15 years, she worked internationally for Community Based Organizations, International NGOs and United Nations Agencies. While she specializes in needs assessment, analysis, monitoring & evaluation and information management, she also has experience in project development, finance and reporting. In more recent years, working at the global level, she has assisted in strategic planning and policy development. When the pandemic was declared, Ali moved back to Canada and found her way to Second Story where she started volunteering and taking part in the Social Action Committee. She has greatly enjoyed working to assist people at home and would love the opportunity to increase her involvement. Given her background in Monitoring & Evaluation with a focus on accountability, combined with a detail oriented mind, Ali hopes she can use the skills she developed over the years to assist SSWC in the days and months to come. She would also love to further develop those skills (as well as new ones) by learning from all the amazing
women who have made SSWC what it is today – a refuge, a safe haven. She considers herself to be a proud feminist with a strong moral compass and strongly believes in the vision of the centre for gender equity and safe, healthy relationships on the South Shore (and beyond).
Ali Davis has been working for/with non-profit organizations since 2005. For the last 15 years, she worked internationally for Community Based Organizations, International NGOs and United Nations Agencies. While she specializes in needs assessment, analysis, monitoring & evaluation and information management, she also has experience in project development, finance and reporting. In more recent years, working at the global level, she has assisted in strategic planning and policy development. When the pandemic was declared, Ali moved back to Canada and found her way to Second Story where she started volunteering and taking part in the Social Action Committee. She has greatly enjoyed working to assist people at home and would love the opportunity to increase her involvement. Given her background in Monitoring & Evaluation with a focus on accountability, combined with a detail oriented mind, Ali hopes she can use the skills she developed over the years to assist SSWC in the days and months to come. She would also love to further develop those skills (as well as new ones) by learning from all the amazing
women who have made SSWC what it is today – a refuge, a safe haven. She considers herself to be a proud feminist with a strong moral compass and strongly believes in the vision of the centre for gender equity and safe, healthy relationships on the South Shore (and beyond).
Jessica Fancy: Director
Jessica is a rural school educator who has worn many hats in the education arena in Nova Scotia. From teaching all levels of school and subject areas from Grades 3-12 to being a rural school administrator and an active volunteer, Jessica is a community champion and ferocious community advocate. Motivated to create positive change, she dedicated herself to understanding the intricacies of rural education systems. Winning a Memorial University Fellowship in 2021 for her graduate-level work on the prioritization of rural school youth in Nova Scotia, Jessica is also Chair of the Board of Directors for the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS), a non-profit organization aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Nova Scotia. Jessica has also served as a government-appointed Vice-Chair of the Assistance Appeals Board (Western Region) and as an appointed Community Director for both the NS College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists and the NS College of Dieticians and Nutritionists. Jessica has also served terms on many other committees and has created supports and structures to address diversity, equity, and inclusivity needs in many organizations across the province.
Jessica is a rural school educator who has worn many hats in the education arena in Nova Scotia. From teaching all levels of school and subject areas from Grades 3-12 to being a rural school administrator and an active volunteer, Jessica is a community champion and ferocious community advocate. Motivated to create positive change, she dedicated herself to understanding the intricacies of rural education systems. Winning a Memorial University Fellowship in 2021 for her graduate-level work on the prioritization of rural school youth in Nova Scotia, Jessica is also Chair of the Board of Directors for the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS), a non-profit organization aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Nova Scotia. Jessica has also served as a government-appointed Vice-Chair of the Assistance Appeals Board (Western Region) and as an appointed Community Director for both the NS College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists and the NS College of Dieticians and Nutritionists. Jessica has also served terms on many other committees and has created supports and structures to address diversity, equity, and inclusivity needs in many organizations across the province.
Heather McCallum: Director
Heather was a member of the Second Story board 2017-2018 and has been involved in feminist and human rights activism since the 1980s. Originally from Halifax, she lived in Toronto for 20 years before making the South Shore her home with her family. Her professional background includes theatre, corporate communications and events production, and most recently local government. She worked for the Town of Lunenburg as Assistant Clerk/Communications before moving on to the Village of Chester, where she currently works as Clerk/Treasurer. She brings expertise in governance, policy-making, communications, and public engagement to the table. She is highly motivated by community and is committed to helping rebuild SSWC to continue its critical work serving women and gender-diverse people.
Heather was a member of the Second Story board 2017-2018 and has been involved in feminist and human rights activism since the 1980s. Originally from Halifax, she lived in Toronto for 20 years before making the South Shore her home with her family. Her professional background includes theatre, corporate communications and events production, and most recently local government. She worked for the Town of Lunenburg as Assistant Clerk/Communications before moving on to the Village of Chester, where she currently works as Clerk/Treasurer. She brings expertise in governance, policy-making, communications, and public engagement to the table. She is highly motivated by community and is committed to helping rebuild SSWC to continue its critical work serving women and gender-diverse people.
Kelly Goudie: Vice Chair of the Board
Kelly Goudie is originally from Newfoundland and Labrador. She earned a Nutrition degree from Acadia University in 1999, a Health Education degree from Dalhousie in 2003 and a Masters in Global Health from Trinity College Dublin in 2018. She began working in Happy Valley Goose Bay for Labrador Regional Health Services as a Primary Health Care Facilitator, she then moved to the position of Health Promotion and Wellness Coordinator in which she worked for 13 years. She is currently employed by Nova Scotia Health Authority as a Health Promotion Specialist working for Mental Health and Addictions in Bridgewater. Kelly enjoys working with communities and has taken a community development approach to health promotion. This has involved her in many initiatives including food security, housing, community capacity building and anti-racism. During her work to implement Housing First in Labrador, Kelly became involved with the Mokami Status of Women Centre. She joined the Board of Mokami Status of Women and helped the organization transition from a Women’s Centre into a Women’s Centre with supportive housing for women with multiple and complex needs. This transition required the writing of new policies, hiring and training of new staff and the designing of new programming. Kelly enjoys volunteering and connecting with community, something that has
been a bit of a struggle since the pandemic. So, she is excited to volunteer with the Second Story Womens Centre and looking forward to the connections she will make. Kelly has lived in Bridgewater since 2019 and has recently bought a new home. This means she spends a lot of her free time landscaping, whether she likes it or not.
Kelly Goudie is originally from Newfoundland and Labrador. She earned a Nutrition degree from Acadia University in 1999, a Health Education degree from Dalhousie in 2003 and a Masters in Global Health from Trinity College Dublin in 2018. She began working in Happy Valley Goose Bay for Labrador Regional Health Services as a Primary Health Care Facilitator, she then moved to the position of Health Promotion and Wellness Coordinator in which she worked for 13 years. She is currently employed by Nova Scotia Health Authority as a Health Promotion Specialist working for Mental Health and Addictions in Bridgewater. Kelly enjoys working with communities and has taken a community development approach to health promotion. This has involved her in many initiatives including food security, housing, community capacity building and anti-racism. During her work to implement Housing First in Labrador, Kelly became involved with the Mokami Status of Women Centre. She joined the Board of Mokami Status of Women and helped the organization transition from a Women’s Centre into a Women’s Centre with supportive housing for women with multiple and complex needs. This transition required the writing of new policies, hiring and training of new staff and the designing of new programming. Kelly enjoys volunteering and connecting with community, something that has
been a bit of a struggle since the pandemic. So, she is excited to volunteer with the Second Story Womens Centre and looking forward to the connections she will make. Kelly has lived in Bridgewater since 2019 and has recently bought a new home. This means she spends a lot of her free time landscaping, whether she likes it or not.
Rebecca Zolkower: Director
Peggie Graham: Finance Officer
Peggie Graham has been connected to Second Story Women's Centre for almost as long as she has lived on the South Shore. For nearly 25 years, she has been a member, volunteer, event organizer, program participant, workshop facilitator, and course developer at SSWC. Her career has spanned several fields including journalism, government communications, small business ownership, freelance writing, event organization, small press editing and production, library fundraising, and non-profit administration. Peggie's governance experience with non-profits includes serving on multiple boards of directors. She holds a degree in Women's Studies and a journalism diploma and has even published short fiction and poetry. Having witnessed first-hand the value and necessity of the services provided by Second Story over its 40 year history, Peggie is committed to working with others to reanimate the Centre and build upon past successes in order to move forward during these difficult times.
Peggie Graham has been connected to Second Story Women's Centre for almost as long as she has lived on the South Shore. For nearly 25 years, she has been a member, volunteer, event organizer, program participant, workshop facilitator, and course developer at SSWC. Her career has spanned several fields including journalism, government communications, small business ownership, freelance writing, event organization, small press editing and production, library fundraising, and non-profit administration. Peggie's governance experience with non-profits includes serving on multiple boards of directors. She holds a degree in Women's Studies and a journalism diploma and has even published short fiction and poetry. Having witnessed first-hand the value and necessity of the services provided by Second Story over its 40 year history, Peggie is committed to working with others to reanimate the Centre and build upon past successes in order to move forward during these difficult times.
Carol Smith: Director
Carol lives in Port Mouton, Queens Co. She is married to Wayne and has four adult children and seven grandchildren. She is currently a semi-retired United Church minister. She is happy to be back in Queens Co. where she grew up after years of working elsewhere in Canada. Over the years, through her work and through volunteering in the local community, she has worked alongside others to offer assistance and support to women experiencing difficult circumstances. She has volunteered at Nova Institute and has experience with the issues women face in the justice system, as well as the effects of poverty on women in our province. For years she has worked with others to create educational events that bring community groups together to learn about the work of ending violence against women. She believes in Second Story Women's Centre and the important work they have done and would be excited to contribute as a board member to the way forward.
Carol lives in Port Mouton, Queens Co. She is married to Wayne and has four adult children and seven grandchildren. She is currently a semi-retired United Church minister. She is happy to be back in Queens Co. where she grew up after years of working elsewhere in Canada. Over the years, through her work and through volunteering in the local community, she has worked alongside others to offer assistance and support to women experiencing difficult circumstances. She has volunteered at Nova Institute and has experience with the issues women face in the justice system, as well as the effects of poverty on women in our province. For years she has worked with others to create educational events that bring community groups together to learn about the work of ending violence against women. She believes in Second Story Women's Centre and the important work they have done and would be excited to contribute as a board member to the way forward.