Amanda Gesing
Executive Director at YWCA Jamestown
Amanda Gesing works to ensure the organization is living its mission from the inside out. Responsible for overseeing all facets of the organization, Amanda drives the mission, fundraising, operations and engagement with the board and community. Exuding a dynamic leadership style that motivates, Amanda has successfully led the implementation of practices that create a working environment that is inclusive and accepting for everyone. Amanda is a proud graduate of Northern Kentucky University and a proud transplant to Chautauqua County NY.
Brittany Sullivan (she/her)
Chief of Staff at Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
Brittany has over 20 years of leadership experience across the financial and non-profit sectors. In 2016, Brittany leveraged her financial knowledge and leadership experience to step into her current role at YWCA. Her broad areas of expertise include regulatory compliance, negotiations, budgeting, and program development and implementation.
Brittany provides executive oversight to three early childhood education sites, an afterschool STEM based educational program for at-risk girls, a teen pregnancy education and support program, and a family support program providing wrap-around services for families. Additionally, she provides oversight for two social enterprises including a community venue and retail bridal salon.
Brittany is a native of the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area where she still resides with her husband and two children.
Kim Bracey (she/her)
CEO at YWCA York
Kim is an accomplished leader and a dedicated community organizer for more than 25 years with a successful diverse career, including serving the City of York PA as Mayor for eight years. She can often be found with her sleeves rolled up lending a helping hand. Kim has served on numerous Boards throughout York County and currently serves as Secretary to York Benevolent Association and Trustee of York College of PA.
Ceceli Polzin (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA Mankato
Ceceli Polzin joined YWCA Mankato, as its Executive Director, in April 2023 with over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, event planning, and fundraising in the healthcare setting. She thrives on building strong, long-lasting relationships with staff, leaders, community members, and donors. Her approach to all her work involves connecting projects, people, and organizations for optimal results. As a visionary and strategic thinker Ceceli is proud to lead such an important organization with a bold mission with so much exciting work to do. Ceceli has an incredibly full life that includes four wonderful big kids, seven amazingly adorable grand kids, and a super puppy named Poppy who has become the YWCA Mankato office mascot!
Chelsea Rendlen (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA Vermont
Chelsea Irys Rendlen is a spiritual activist and author. She holds a M.A. in Spirituality Mind Body, Psychology in Education, from Columbia University that she uses to inform her work as the Executive Director of the YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga where she creates socially and spiritually conscious spaces. Chelsea has been working in camp spaces since 2017 and is committed to elevating the healing power of camp magic and creating access for all. Outside of the YWCA VT, she operates her Healing Practice, Irys Healing Arts.
Jen Euell (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA Missoula
Jen Euell has made it her life's mission to work toward equity. She is currently the Executive Director of YWCA Missoula, former Director of the Student Advocacy Resource Center at the University of Montana, the former Director of the Women's Foundation of Montana, co-founder of the GUTS! (Girls Using Their Strengths) girls’ leadership project and the former Program Director of the YWCA Missoula.
Jen's passion is inspiring women-led change to create a brighter future for us all. Her sweet spot is bringing diverse stakeholders together to co-create inclusive and durable solutions. When not working towards this passion, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband John, 15-year-old daughter, Amelia, and their two dogs, hiking in the woods near their home by the Clark Fork River in Montana.
Kimberly Laudick (she/her)
President/CEO at YWCA Van Wert County
Kimberly I. Laudick is the President/CEO of the YWCA of Van Wert County. She has held this position for over 8 years and while doing so also serves on the following local boards and committees; Van Wert Health Collaborative Leadership Team, Van Wert Housing Coalition, Van Wert County Elder Abuse Interdisciplinary Team (I TEAM), Van Wert Service Club (Current Board Chair), Help me Grow Advisory Board and Salvation Army. Additionally, Kimberly is the Co-Chair for the YWCA Ohio Council Advocacy Board and sits on YWCA USA’s Executive Sponsor Committee. Outside of the YWCA, Kimberly is the Head Coach for the Van Wert High School Cross Country Team and an Assistant Coach for the Van Wert High School Track Team and can more often than not be seen running all over the Van Wert community. When not working or running, Kimberly loves spending time with her family and friends.
Lindiwe Chaza Jangira (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Pierce County
Lindiwe Chaza-Jangira has been the CEO of YWCA Pierce County since January 2024. With over 20 years of experience in sustainable development, global health, and community-based social welfare, Lindiwe comes to the work at the YWCA excited and ready to foster community relationships. Bringing 13 years of international United Nations work with women and children in conflict situations and over 10 years of global and national responses to HIV and AIDS. Centering her experiences as an advocate for social justice and equity in service provision, she shares her own experiences around action and her vision for the future of the organization.
Michelle Ellis Young (she/her)
CEO at YWCA South Hampton Roads
Michelle brings a unique and well-balanced perspective to her career and community endeavors. She is equipped with more than 30 years of experience advancing the mission of higher education institutions, non-profits, and corporations, strengthening the stakeholder experience, and conceptualizing innovative programs in community-centered organizations. Described as a connector of people and resources, Michelle is passionate about service and the development of individuals, esp. women and young girls, and helping them to actualize their passion and purpose. A socially-conscious business leader, she is committed to creating an inclusive marketplace by leveraging a cross-sector approach of engaging business, civic and community partners.
Michelle is a trained communicator who earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston, in Houston, Texas in Radio-Television, master’s in counseling from Hampton University and furthered her studies as a doctoral student at West Virginia University. She has made Hampton Roads her home with her family and is a die-hard ‘Who Dat’ New Orleans Saints fan!
Monica Gray (she/her)
CEO at YWCA National Capital Area
Rickell Howard Smith (she/her)
President/CEO at YWCA Greater Cincinnati
Rickell Howard Smith is a civil rights attorney, nonprofit leader and policy advocate specializing in the advancement of racial justice and the rights of women and children. Prior to joining YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Rickell was the founding Executive Director for the Center for Social Justice at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. Rickell’s civic engagement demonstrates her deep commitment to supporting women’s rights, children’s rights, justice reform and racial equity.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rickell holds a B.B.A from Howard University and J.D. from Temple University School of Law. She currently resides in Cincinnati with her husband, two children and two dogs.
Sandi Filipowicz (she/her)
Agency CEO at YWCA Great Falls
Sandi works every day to fulfill the mission of the YWCA Great Falls. Sandi believes that like many other “groups” of classification, “Women’s rights are human rights.” In the first fiscal year of Sandi’s work at the YWCA Great Falls (2016-2017) all the strategic plan items were achieved. Credit is due to staff, board, and community supporters. The wage gap, affordable housing, and healthy children are Sandi’s priorities. Sandi holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Oregon State University and has a long history of leading nonprofits.
Stacey Woodland (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Tri-County Area
Stacey Woodland leads YWCA Tri-County Area (YW3CA) in its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Since 2014, she has driven organizational growth, enhancing services, expanding reach, and cultivating partnerships instrumental in fulfilling the community's needs. Under her leadership, YW3CA’s budget has grown from $1 M to $11 M by 2022, ensuring a profound social impact. Stacey is an active YWCA USA’s CEO Advisory Council member and contributes to Montgomery County, serving on the County Commission for Women and Families and the Human Relations Advisory Board.
Stacey holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Joseph University and a Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management certificate from Harvard University. A mother of two and grandmother of 5, Stacey resides in Audubon, PA, with her husband.
Stephanie Burrage (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley
Stephanie Burrage assumed the role of CEO at the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley in March 2023. Her journey in the nonprofit sector began twenty-five years ago when she became a foster parent. This experience led her to advocate for children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and serve on the County CASA Board of Directors. Combining her accounting background with her commitment to the community, Stephanie became the Chief Financial Officer for Family Services of Tulare County, a non-profit victim services agency. During her tenure with Family Services, Stephanie showcased her leadership skills by serving as Interim CEO while fulfilling her CFO responsibilities.
With a dual degree in Business Administration and History from Fresno State, she brings a well-rounded educational background to her role. Stephanie, along with her husband Chris, has made Knoxville their home after residing in Central California for most of their adult lives. Their family includes two grown sons, Matthew and Isaac, and their cherished dog, Stella. Stephanie's influence extends beyond her organizational roles, as she is a formidable advocate for the entire nonprofit industry. In her leisure time, she enjoys exploring the East TN mountains with her camera or attending the numerous sporting events she passionately follows (Go Vols!).
Tali Economy (they/them)
Co-Executive Director, Programming at YWCA Olympia
Tali Economy started working at the YWCA in 2018 as a Youth Coordinator and has been an integral part of the organization ever since, serving in various roles. With 16 years of experience in advocacy and humanitarian work, Tali Economy now holds the position of the YWCA of Olympia's first transgender Chief Executive Officer. Tali Economy is a proud graduate of San Diego State University.
Cynthia Dailey (she/her)
Executive VP of Programs at YWCA Greater Cleveland
Cynthia Dailey has Masters of Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofits from CSU’s Levin School of Urban Affairs. In her time with the YWCA of Greater Cleveland over the last 11 years, Cynthia has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in each of her roles and recently was promoted to EVP of Programs. In this role, Cynthia has oversight of the organization's data and community program offerings and provides leadership to the Early Learning Center and Housing Programs. When not at work, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.
Danielle Brown (she/her)
CEO/President of YWCA St. Joseph
Danielle grew up in NE Kansas. She has a BS in Psychology/Sociology, and a MS in Human Services (counseling focus).
Prior to joining the YWCA, Danielle worked with at-risk youth, elderly and disabled, homeless, and the working poor. Helping people believe in, and find, the power to take control of their lives and make changes toward the life they imagine has been a theme in her career path. Danielle has experience building programs, policy management, and human resources.
Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and uses exercise as her stress outlet and focus producer.
Danita Knight (she/they)
President/CEO at YWCA Greater Atlanta
Danita V. Knight assumed the position of president and chief executive officer for YWCA of Greater Atlanta on January 3, 2023. She previously served as Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Agnes Scott College. Prior to joining Agnes Scott, Knight was a marketing, communications, public relations and fundraising consultant for various non-profits, colleges, and political campaigns in Atlanta.
Knight is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she majored in broadcast (television) journalism. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, former Atlanta Hawks General Manager Billy Knight. The Knights have two adult daughters: Erika and Olivia and “wonderful grandchildren.”
Dawn Linn (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Northcentral Pennsylvania
Dawn joined the YWCA Northcentral PA in August of 2017 as CEO. Prior to joining the YWCA, she was Vice President of Planned Philanthropy for the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. She was employed there for 14 years. She spent 20 years in the financial services ending as Vice President and Relationship Manager at Wachovia Wealth Management.
The switch to the nonprofit world has been the most humbling and rewarding experience, and she is proud to be at the helm of the YWCA. It is a privilege to be part of such an extraordinary organization and work with such a dedicated team that are passionate about the mission.
Dawn lives in Muncy, PA, with her husband, Tom and they have 3 children.
Harriette Bryant (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA Kitsap County
Harriette Bryant, Executive Director at the YWCA of Kitsap County. Olympic College Board of Trustee and held the position as Chair for five years. Board member of Leadership Kitsap, Past-Chair and board member of the Kitsap Community Foundation. Past-Chair and Commissioner of the Bremerton Housing Authority. Board member of Roxy Foundation, Board member of the Music Discovery Center, Past-President of the Kitsap County YWCA Board of Directors for 15 years, Member of the BGCSPS Board of Governors in Tacoma, Senior Mentor Coordinator for PYA (Partnering for Youth Achievement), Founder, President and CEO of Our Girls Empowered through Mentoring and Service (OurGEMS), an organization that mentors 500+ teenage girls and boys in 19 schools located in the Bremerton, Central, Bainbridge, North and South Kitsap school districts. Most of all she enjoys being a treasure hunter for many non-profit organizations.
Jennifer Goddard (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Charleston
Early in her career, Jennifer Goddard, APR, advocated for West Virginia’s children and families. She then worked in advertising, corporate communications and community relations consulting for many Fortune 500 companies and state government.
Goddard joined YWCA Charleston as the Chief Program Officer in 2016. She became CEO in December 2022 following a national search.
Goddard earned a bachelor’s in journalism, a master’s in organizational management, designation as Accredited in Public Relations and a certificate in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She has served her community on a variety of non-profit boards throughout her career.
Laurie Cooper Stoll (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA La Crosse
Laurie Cooper Stoll, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of YWCA La Crosse. Before joining YWCA in February 2023, she was a Sociology Professor for more than two decades. As a sociologist, her research and teaching expertise focus on race, gender, and body liberation. She is the author of two books, "Race and Gender in the Classroom: Teachers, Privilege, and Enduring Social Inequalities," winner of the 2015 Distinguished Contribution to Scholarship Book Award from the American Sociological Association, and "Should Schools Be Colorblind?" She has also published several book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals focused on understanding and dismantling systems of oppression.
I'm so excited to be part of the Cohort! I will have to join the first online meeting a little late because I have a speaking engagement right before. Please let me know if that will be a problem.
Lori Carmona (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Greater Los Angeles
Lori Carmona, CEO of YWCA Greater Los Angeles (YWCA GLA) since November 2023, has dedicated her career to roles that directly impact and support people. Her journey, rooted in a passion for meaningful work and service, spans various roles in communications, management, and transformative leadership at organizations including the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes. In her most recent role at AbilityFirst, she played a critical role in multi-million-dollar capital campaign development and led efforts to broadly increase the innovative services available to youth and adults with disabilities.
Michelle Rosynsky (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Greater Flint
Michelle Rosynsky has served as the CEO of the YWCA Greater Flint since 2018. Michelle has over 25 years' experience and a proven track record of success in program development, budgeting, strategic planning, and grant writing and came to the YWCA Greater Flint from the University of Michigan-Flint where she held several leadership roles. With the support of important stakeholders, Michelle recently completed a capacity building campaign, raising 1 million dollars for the YWCA Greater Flint, to establish a Women’s Empowerment Center (WEC) and new racial justice programming.
Michelle has taught courses and workshops about inclusive leadership, social identities, as well as power and privilege. Michelle earned her doctorate at the School of Education-Rutgers University in the area of educational administration and policy, with a focus on women’s leadership in higher education.
Morgan Beryl (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA Duluth
Morgan is a lover of nature, animals, and art. She grew up in South Florida and attended high school at Dreyfus School of the Arts as a theater major. She spent her younger years dancing, singing, acting, and working in the box office at her mother’s professional theater company, Palm Beach Dramaworks. After earning a bachelor’s degree in natural art therapy from New York University, Morgan lived on the island of Nantucket, teaching ceramics and working as program manager for Sustainable Nantucket, an agricultural-based nonprofit. Morgan then moved to the west coast where she earned a master’s degree in community development from University of California, Davis. Morgan has since served in a variety of leadership roles as a Senior Transportation Planner for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Community Development Director for Eagle County, Colorado, and Executive Director for the Haywood County Arts Council. Morgan is excited to be part of the YWCA team as their Executive Director and loves working with the Duluth community.
Rosanda Wong (she/her)
CEO at YWCA Princeton
Rose has 30+ years of experience in education and nonprofit management. She joined the staff at YWCA Princeton as Chief Operating Officer in January 2022, was promoted to Chief Finance and Operating Officer in December 2022 and then assumed the CEO role in December 2023.
Prior to joining the YWCA, Rose was the Executive Director of Princeton Nursery School and spearheaded the expansion of many of the programs including health and wellness, hunger prevention and preschool literacy. Rose led the school through its quality rating process with Grow NJ Kids, securing a 4-star quality rating. Rose developed comprehensive fundraising strategies to expand individual, corporate and foundation giving for both scholarship and capital needs. Additionally, Rose successfully coordinated and oversaw the completion of five capital projects in four years.
Sereka Barlow (she/her)
CEO at YWCA El Paso
Sereka Barlow is the CEO for the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region and previously served as the COO for Tenet’s Hospitals of Providence, Sierra Campus, El Paso, TX. She holds a bachelor’s from the University of Louisiana, Monroe and a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Baylor University. Sereka is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with over 25 years of healthcare leadership experience. She was recognized in 2019 and 2020 by the Becker’s Hospital Review among the top African American Leaders in Healthcare to Know. She is the proud mother of three beautiful teenagers and has been married 22 years.
Stacie Bacorn (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA Alliance
Stacie M Weimer-Bacorn is the Executive Director of the YWCA Alliance since 2020. Stacie holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Akron, a MBA in Marketing from Walsh University and is currently enrolled in the MPA Program through Kent State University.
Mrs. Weimer-Bacorn is engrained in the Alliance community being President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Alliance, Past-President of the Womens Division of Alliance Chamber of Commerce, member of Alliance Kiwanis Club, as well as being honored as a 2021 20 under 40 Stark County Young Professional.
Stephanie Stevens (she/her)
Executive Director at YWCA Westfield
Stephanie is the President of the YWCA’s of New York State (3 terms now) as well as the Executive Director of the YWCA Westfield (5.5 years). There are 19 YWCAs throughout New York State, making up 10% of our network.
Stephanie has 2 kids, Carter (18) and Sophie (24) and her puppy, Frank The Tank (10).
Tiffany Hamilton (she/her)
CEO at YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester
Tiffany S.W. Hamilton, CEO of YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester, is a distinguished leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her work at Pace University and Westchester Community College underscores her unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Pace, she meticulously developed a comprehensive DEI blueprint, established key initiatives, and played a pivotal role in creating the Center for Equity and Inclusion. In her role at Westchester Community College, Tiffany implemented a strategic plan to address equity gaps, refined hiring practices, and actively engaged with the community. As a thought leader, she supports nonprofits, and as First Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she excels in vision communication and consensus-building. Tiffany's life philosophy centers on leading by serving and gaining by giving, and she treasures her roles as a devoted mother and wife.