Heather McGregor

As the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Toronto, Heather McGregor is the guiding force behind one of the city’s largest multi-service organizations which is committed to a radical transformation of society where all women, girls and gender diverse people can thrive. Since assuming the helm in 1995, Heather’s vision has established a higher community profile, greater financial sustainability and the means to expand services within the broader non-profit sector. Under her leadership, YWCA Toronto is able to annually serve over 13,000 women, trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary community members, helping them escape violence, move out of poverty, and access safe and affordable housing for themselves and their children.

As a volunteer, Heather has also taken a leadership role in too many community organizations to name. She has received the Constance E. Hamilton Award given by the City of Toronto for her commitment to women and girls; YWCA Canada’s Cleta Herman Award for local, national and international contributions to the YWCA movement; and was the recipient of the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women Award in 2010. In 2014 Heather was installed as a member of the Order of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and in 2015 she received the Frances Lankin Award for her work in the social service sector. And in 2017, Heather was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University).

In 2022, Heather was awarded with the Order of Canada. This honour is one of our country’s highest and recognizes trailblazers working in all sectors who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

Heather’s commitment to feminism, social justice and systematic advocacy fiercely leads the charge towards lasting change for thousands of community members in Toronto.