Announcing our new CEO, Mercedes Watson

We’re excited to share some big news with all of our supporters and community members today – the selection of our new Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes Watson. Mercedes was unanimously chosen by our Board of Directors based on her extensive leadership background and her experience in advocacy, as well as her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.

For the past two decades, Mercedes has led large-scale organizational change initiatives, while creating innovative systems that have helped collect and generate millions of dollars for those whose rights she has represented. We’re thrilled to have Mercedes join us at such a pivotal time for our organization, as we embark on some of our most ambitious projects to date.

Mercedes has been a senior partner with the Thought Dept. for the last 10 years and has also successfully managed a mediation practice. She serves as a rostered mediator for the Ontario Public Service and has been

Dixon Hall Manager of Children and Youth Kenneth Slater wins a Bhayana Family Foundation award.

Today is International Women’s day, a global event which celebrates and recognizes women worldwide for their achievements, while simultaneously measuring progress and setting milestone goals in the quest for gender equality.

Our staff team at Dixon Hall consists of numerous dynamic and hardworking women, who bring incredible talents, skills to the organization, and show amazing dedication and compassion for the clients we serve. Our leadership team is over 50% women, all doing incredible work in the public sector and impacting the lives of clients while strengthening the surrounding community. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we wanted to recognize these women, and talk about some of the progress they’ve seen in the sector as well as barriers we have yet to overcome.

Christine Chow has worked with seniors for over 25 years. She began her career with Mid-Toronto Community Services, working with clients with Alzheimer’s on the frontline. Chris has seen the

Dixon Hall is proud to be named a United Way Toronto and York Region Anchor Agency as of February 23d, 2017.

“United Way TYR has been an invaluable partner since we began working with them in 1958. As an Anchor Agency, this collaboration gives us the opportunity to continue to invest in the Regent Park community and build a stronger neighbourhood through our mix of services — from our Youth Services, Senior Services, Employment Services, Housing Services and many more. We’ll be able to increase the amount of clients we serve and extend our reach,”  said Neil Hetherington, Dixon Hall CEO. “This is a smart investment that responds to a growing need within our communities. We are thrilled to embark on the next phase of our relationship with United Way TYR and look forward to strategically investing funds to bring forth more positive outcomes and change.”

United Way is the largest non-governmental