An Eritrean, born in Ethiopia and raised in Montreal, Mebrat is a devoted mother, community developer, consultant, and facilitator. Her passion and dedication to social justice have earned her the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and to being named Douglas College’s 2024 Honorary Fellow.

With over 25 years’ experience in non-profit management and community development, Mebrat has significantly impacted the sector. As the former Executive Director of WISH Drop-In Centre Society, she championed the rights of street-based sex workers, fought against gender-based violence, and led pivotal organizational growth and transformation. Her roles have also included Program Officer with Status of Women Canada and Executive Director of PeerNetBC.

Beyond her professional work, Mebrat co-chairs the Equality Fund's Board and serves on various advisory committees, including the Province of BC's Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ BC Office's Racial & Socio-Economic Equity Advisory Committee. She also volunteers with the Vancouver Youth Choir.

Currently, Mebrat consults for nonprofit organizations, guiding them through challenges of change and growth, and advocating against scarcity models and the chronic under-resourcing of the sector. Her vision is of a thriving nonprofit sector that empowers organizations and leaders to surpass sheer, unsustainable survival.

She lives in East Van, doing as much singing, adventuring and plotting with her son…much to their cat’s chagrin.