About Us
The YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families in our community. We provide a safe and inclusive space where community members can access support, resources, and educational opportunities to achieve their full potential. Our programs focus on leadership development, women’s empowerment, and social justice advocacy. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaborative initiatives, we’re driving positive change throughout Northwest Ohio.
The YWCA Northwest Ohio is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
We work to bring out the individual strengths of women, families, and youth and to foster resiliency and self-sufficiency. Our philosophy, in keeping with the mission of the YWCA to empower women and families, centers on providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
Join us in creating a more equitable and thriving community for all by Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
At YWCA, we are steadfast in our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as integral components of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We recognize that diversity encompasses the myriad of identities and experiences that enrich our communities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and background.
We believe that fostering an inclusive environment is essential for achieving our goals of racial and gender equity. We are dedicated to creating spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
We are committed to equity, recognizing that historical and systemic barriers have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. Through our programs, policies, and advocacy efforts, we strive to disma
FAQs
-
YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. We have been working at the forefront of the most important issues for more than 130 years in Northwest Ohio. Our priority is improving the lives of girls, women, and families through advocacy, local programming, and services.
-
No. YWCA serves individuals from all genders, races, religions, economic backgrounds, and sexual orientations in need of our services.
-
The first YWCA was established in 1855 in London, England. Our first United States-based chapter formed in 1858, and our first national board was established in 1906. The YWCA has existed in the Toledo area since 1870, when the Women’s Christian Association opened a residency for young women who came to “the big city” (Toledo) to work. In 1891, it incorporated to become affiliated with the National YWCA. Locally, we’ve been on a mission for over 130 years, right here in Toledo, Ohio.
-
YWCA is a national organization with over 200 local associations around the United States. YWCA USA provides a range of technical assistance and capacity-building services to local YWCAs, maintains the YWCA brand, and advances the organization’s strong national presence from our seat in the nation’s capital, positioning our iconic, multi-tiered organization for increased impact, stability and sustainability in the future.
We also have an international arm, World YWCA, which is a global movement working for women’s empowerment, leadership and rights in more than 120 countries.
-
Originally, our organization was founded in 1855 in London, England as “Young Women’s Christian Association". In 2015, we made the official change in name to "YWCA" to reflect our more diverse and inclusive nature. We have grown and diversified from the original "Christian Sisterhood" that we began as. We are a secular organization, welcoming all in the community.
Today, our organization is driven by a commitment to social justice, no matter someone’s religion. Our updated name provides YWCA with the opportunity to engage a broader spectrum of individuals in our crucial work to eliminate racism and empower women.
-
No, the YWCA stands as a separate organization that has never been associated with the YMCA brand. Though we can understand the confusion, we are separate entities in all respects.
Meet our Management
-
Lisa McDuffie
President & CEO
-
Karyn McConnell
Vice President & COO
-
Taryn Payne
Chief Financial Officer
-
Marla Garner
Executive Assistant & HR Coordinator
-
Jewell Lightner
Chief Human Resources Officer
-
Tom Drees
Director of Operations
-
Ron Papke
Development Director
-
Alexii Collins
Racial Justice Director
-
Rachael Gardner
Victim Services Director
-
Suzanne Gall
Child Care Resource & Referral Director
-
Tycie Alcorn
Youth Development Director
-
Kim Sanders
Healthy Connections Director
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for Northwest Ohio.
2023 – 2024 Officers
Chair
Diane Friedman
Vice-Chair
Ireatha Hollie
Vice-Chair
Stacey Mallett
Treasurer
Sheri Copanic
Secretary
Amy Hoffman
Board Members
Jacalyn Brown
Dawn Burks
Andrea Flowers
Angie Gerdeman
Belen Guerrero
Debora Gregory
Kristi Hoffman
Board Members
Kimberly Howard
Kim LaClair
Leah Maguire
Jerilyn Main
Rita Russell
Valerie Thompson
Amy Wilt