On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, I share the news that Deepa Mattoo will be concluding her tenure as Executive Director on April 13, 2026.
Deepa has served the Clinic with exceptional dedication since 2016 and has led as Executive Director since 2019. Over the past decade, she has guided the organization through profound periods of growth, challenge, and transformation. Her unwavering commitment to advancing justice, safety, and dignity for survivors has strengthened the Clinic’s role as a national leader in gender-based violence response. As Executive Director—and as an intersectional lawyer—Deepa has brought strategic clarity, principled advocacy, and a trauma- and equity-informed lens to our legal, counselling, and advocacy work, deepening access to justice for those most impacted by intersecting forms of violence and discrimination.
To ensure continuity and stability, the Board has appointed Jehan Chaudry as Acting Executive Director, with Marion Newrick continuing in her leadership role within the Executive Office. Together, they bring deep institutional knowledge and will provide strong, steady guidance during the transition period. The Board will be initiating a formal search process for the next Executive Director in the weeks ahead.
We are deeply grateful for Deepa’s leadership, vision, and unwavering advocacy for equity and human rights. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to her as she begins her next chapter as Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Toronto. We are confident she will continue to champion meaningful and transformative change for women, girls, and gender-diverse communities.
Please join me in thanking Deepa for her profound contributions to the Clinic and in wishing her continued success.
Saba Zia Chair, Board of Directors Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic