Dear Readers,

It has been my honor to serve as YWCA Greater Cleveland’s Chief Program Officer for the past ten years and now to take on the role of Interim President and CEO. In the spirit of this season of reflection, I am proud to look back at my time here working alongside our outgoing President and CEO Margaret Mitchell. Under her leadership I have seen the YWCA undergo transformational change that has allowed us to truly live in our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women at all levels of our organization. Together we have done incredible work:

Work that’s transformed this organization and the communities we serve.

Work driven by visionary leadership, matchless dedication, and passion.

Work that’s resulted in sustainable awareness and actionable racial equity strategies.

Work that’s taken root not just locally, but also regionally and even nationally.

My team and I are committed to centering the voices of Black and Brown women and girls in everything we do and we are going to continue to deliver on the priorities laid out in our 2020-25 strategic plan. YWCA is guided by a shared vision – top down and bottom up — to promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

I want to thank YWCA’s partners, stakeholders, staff, and most importantly, our community, for your continued dedication and support through uncertain times. I know that we can build a future where Cleveland is not the worst city for Black women, but one where women of color and their families are uplifted and thriving. There is so much potential in this next chapter of YWCA’s history and it is a privilege to be leading an organization with such a strong foundation.

In solidarity,