An Eritrean born in Ethiopia and raised in Montreal, Mebrat is a devoted mother and longtime community leader. She is Vice President, Grants & Community Initiatives at Vancouver Foundation. Her commitment to social justice has earned her the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and recognition as Douglas College’s 2024 Honorary Fellow. With more than 25 years in nonprofit leadership and community development, Mebrat has worked across community organizations, government and philanthropy to advance social justice and strengthen community-led work. As Executive Director of WISH Drop-In Centre Society, she championed the rights of street-based sex workers, fought gender-based violence and led significant organizational transformation. She has also served as Program Officer with Status of Women Canada and Executive Director of PeerNetBC. Mebrat co-chairs the Equality Fund’s Board, sits on the Vancity Community Foundation Board and serves on BC’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee.
