Women’s Health Clinic Appoints Interim Administrator Amid Controversy

The Women’s Health Clinic has appointed Carolyn Loeppky as its interim administrator following the resignation of Kemlin Nembhard, who stepped down in early September 2023. Nembhard’s departure was marked by allegations of a toxic workplace environment, including claims of racism and hostility.

In a statement released Monday, the clinic expressed confidence in Loeppky’s ability to guide the organization during this transitional period. “This appointment ensures continuity allowing us to focus on strengthening our organizational culture and governance,” the statement read. Loeppky will oversee daily operations, collaborate with staff and volunteers, and assist the board in prioritizing workplace culture, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Nembhard’s resignation followed serious allegations regarding her leadership style. She cited a culture of “toxicity, hostility, racism, white privilege and white fragility” within the clinic, which is located at 419 Graham Ave. In contrast, some staff members have claimed that the environment became unsafe under Nembhard’s leadership. Reports indicated that she permitted unsupervised access to vulnerable individuals within the clinic, leading to incidents that included assaults, public indecency, and theft.

A current employee, who requested anonymity, described the conditions as chaotic and dangerous. “This created repeated chaos and danger, including assaults, fights, public sex, nudity, urination/defecation in hallways, overdoses, theft of staff food, and weapons on site,” the employee stated earlier this month.

The situation escalated to the point where the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals filed a grievance in July 2024, accusing the clinic of fostering an environment rife with sexual harassment and verbal assaults against staff. In January, the union called for a comprehensive review of workplace policies and practices at the facility.

Loeppky brings extensive experience to her new role, having spent over 40 years in the public sector. Her background includes working with organizations facing significant challenges and rebuilding efforts. “I’ve been a really passionate person when it comes to vulnerable people, vulnerable children, vulnerable families,” Loeppky stated. “I see our roles in that kind of work as finding the right pathway so that people experience improved ways of life.”

In her new position, Loeppky aims to ensure that health services continue uninterrupted as the clinic navigates this organizational transition. Co-chair of the clinic’s board of directors, Faustine Muyenzi, emphasized the board’s commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. “We are dedicated to operating to the highest degree of accountability and transparency,” Muyenzi said in a statement.

The Women’s Health Clinic has historically played a crucial role in providing health services to the community, and Loeppky’s leadership is seen as an essential step in restoring confidence among staff and patients alike. As the clinic embarks on this new chapter, the focus will be on rebuilding trust and ensuring a supportive environment for both employees and clients.