Serving as Executive Director of St Leonard’s Youth and Family Services is yet another example of Renata Aebi’s zest for making a real difference towards creating brighter futures for people in the community.
Since joining STLEO in January 2013, Renata has focused much of her effort in building on agency best practices. She leads a staff of 6o in the delivery of programs and services for children, youth, and families.
Prior to joining STLEO, Renata oversaw the successful development of Directions Youth Services Centre–Vancouver’s award winning round-the-clock resource for homeless youth. Other accomplishments include increasing employment, addiction, and housing programs for youth and spearheading numerous public education campaigns that advocate for the rights of children and youth.
In other roles, Renata was a presenter on behalf of the Government of Canada at the International Summit on Homelessness held in London, England (2008). She has contributed to child welfare research on both policy and practice and has been a speaker at the National Judicial Institute International Instruments and Domestic Law Conference on topics including human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
An active member of the community and the social service sector, Renata contributes her time and talents to many community committees and boards. She is known for her work in advancing best practices. In 2009, Renata was a finalist for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award for her work in community building.