Abby Blankenship (she/her)
Administrative Advocate at YWCA South Hampton Roads

My name is Abby Blankenship, and I am the Administrative Advocate at the YWCA in South Hampton Roads. I got my Bachelors in Sociology in May 2021, and am currently in graduate school working towards a Masters of Social Work (a year and a half left!).  I started at the YWCA SHR in 2021 as a Victim Advocate volunteer in the Norfolk Courthouse. I then got a part-time position as a Resident Services Assistant in our emergency shelter, and after 3 months was promoted full-time as the Administrative Advocate at our main office and have been in my current position for a little under 2 years. I have a strong passion for assisting victims of violence, and hope to continue working with this population as long as I can. When I am not at the office, or working on schoolwork, I am most likely outdoors with my dog! I can’t wait to engage with other women of fellow YW’s to continue developing my leadership skills and build connection with those who share a similar mission and passion.

Aliyah Jamaluddin (she/her)
Public Health Coordinator at YWCA Kalamazoo

Aliyah brings years of experience working in both regional and international public health and the nonprofit sector: in Chicago, India, and Uganda. With a Master of Public Health: Concentration in Global Health from Northwestern University, Aliyah’s thesis focused on Intimate Partner Violence in Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Barriers and Recommendations. Aliyah has a robust analysis of social science research and health policy advocacy— with experience in piloting public health research projects focusing on global healthcare and immigrant needs.

Allissa Cornell (she/her)
Donor Relations Officer at YWCA Clark County

Hello there! I've been with YWCA Clark County for three years, originally starting as a domestic violence shelter advocate. Racial equity work and ethical fundraising are my current professional intentions. Crocheting poorly, morning nature walks, and reading are some favorite activities. And being from the Pacific Northwest, I love trying new coffee shops, but I am averse to coffee itself.

Amy Schaefer (she/her)
Director of Empowerment Services at YWCA Clark County

Amy Schaefer has been with YWCA Quad Cities since 2016. Hired to work in Aquatics, Amy has worked in numerous departments at YWCA Quad Cities, but has found passion working at the Empowerment Center with programs and services. She enjoys working to help clients find a pathway to self-sufficiency and making sure every person who walks into a YWCA building feels welcome and worthy. Outside of work, Amy is training for an Ironman Triathlon slated for 2024.

Ashlely Abbey (she/her)
Senior Marketing and Communication Manager at YWCA Tri-County Area

Ashley Abbey is the Senior Marketing and Communication Manager for YWCA Tri-County Area. She is a dedicated professional, with a passion for her community. She has spent the last several years working in economic development in multiple cities, focusing on Marketing for non-profits. Ashley is a passionate planner and a curious creative. She combines insights from analytics and her unique ability to tell stories to create effective and captivating Marketing Plans. Outside of her work, she remains active in her alumni networks, gives back to her community, and enjoys spending time with loved ones.

Brigitte Jean-Louis (she/her)
Director of Mission Advancement at YWCA Princeton

Brigitte Jean-Louis is currently the Director Mission Advancement at YWCA Princeton. In this role she leads the organization in events and programs surrounding their mission to eliminate racism and empower women, as well as supervises all external communication. She joined the team at YWCA Princeton in May 2022 as the Administrative Coordinator before expanding the advocacy and racial justice efforts for the organization. Prior to being employed by YWCA Princeton, Brigitte spent 6 years in early childhood education, most recently as the Assistant Coordinator for the Howell Township Police Athletic League’s Little PALs Preschool. During her employment with YWCA Princeton, Brigitte has attended the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women, served as a voting member for YWCA USA’s delegation to World YWCA‘s World Council, and was named a finalist for New America’s US@250 fellowship. Brigitte has a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Kean University and an associate degree in liberal arts with a concentration in humanities from Ocean County College. In addition to her work at YWCA Princeton, Brigitte coaches a 15U girls' volleyball team for Ocean Volleyball Club.

Cassia Brennan(she/her)
Women's Opportunity Center Mobility Mentor at YWCA Spokane

I was born and raised in Washington State. I attended Washington State University and graduated with my bachelor’s in human development. After graduating I participated in a program called Camp Adventure, where I traveled around the world for two years and interned on different U.S. Military bases working with their children and youth programs. Upon returning home, I began working with the youth programs at my local Air Force Base and did so for 5 years. During this time, I also completed an online program and earned my master’s degree in management and leadership. After 10+ years of working with youth, I transitioned to non-profit work and began working at the YWCA in April 2022. I am a Mentor within the Women’s Opportunity Center, where my main focus is assisting women with improving their economic mobility.

Chloe Adel (she/they)
Supervisor of Hotline Services, and Clinician at YWCA Northern Jersey

Chloe Adel is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of New Jersey who is passionate about the work she does serving the YWCA mission. Chloe actively supports survivors of sexual violence by managing her County’s 24/7 crisis hotline and working with individual clients in a therapeutic setting at her agency. Chloe has an unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on both individuals and communities, including a heavy focus on fighting disparities within minority populations. Outside of work, you may find Chloe volunteering with local animal rescue groups, spending time with her chihuahuas, enjoying a new cooking/baking recipe, or taking on challenging hiking trails.

Christina Francisco (she/her)
Social Justice Education & Training Coordinator at YWCA Greater Portland

My name is Christina, I use she/her/hers pronouns, and I am the Coordinator for the Social Justice & Education Program at YWCA of Greater Portland. I am originally from the tropical island of Guam located in the South Pacific, and moved to Portland, Oregon about 8 years ago. I identify as multiracial, indigenous CHamoru, and as a woman of color. I like to think of myself as an adventurous homebody. As much as I love spending time outside in nature, going freediving, hiking, or camping, I also love being at home. You can find me either reading, decorating my home, or cooking things from scratch!

Cierra Lewis (she/her)
Equity Coordinator at YWCA South Hampton Roads

Cierra Lewis hails from New Jersey and is a graduate from Rowan University with a degree in journalism and a certificate in African-American Studies. Cierra has been with YWCA SHR for about a year and a half. She is a skilled communicator with a love of justice, culture, faith, and tacos. She has a passion for uplifting communities and encouraging people.

Delaney Eyanson (she/her)
Board Member at YWCA Van Wert County

My name is Delaney Eyanson, and I recently began serving on the YWCA Board of Directors in Van Wert, Ohio. I graduated this year with a bachelor’s in business administration and felt compelled to give my efforts to those who most needed it in my community. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with my family and two dogs. I look forward to broadening my knowledge in how to best serve my community and hope to build strong connections along the way.

Emily Allen (she/her)
Housing Advocate at YWCA Northeast Indiana

I began working at YWCA Northeast Indiana to help my community and be a part of something bigger than myself. I am passionate about working towards solutions for an equitable future for all and helping others recognize their strengths. My goal as a housing advocate is to support our clients in their journey to self-sufficiency, safety, and stability.

Emily McDonald (she/her)
Impact and Data Coordinator at YWCA Evanston/North Shore

Emily McDonald has been working with the YWCA for two years. She is on the data and impact team, where you can almost always find her poring over a spreadsheet and getting excited about program strategy and evaluation. She has a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan. She lives in Chicago, and in her spare time she likes to read, watch trashy TV, and take long runs along the lakeshore.

Gabrielle Anderson (she/her)
Assistant Director of the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center at YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley

My name is Gabrielle Anderson. I was born and raised in Knoxville Tennessee and have been here all my life! I am 22 years old and am married to my best friend (as of one month ago)! Together we have one cat named Nugget (also known as 10-piece) who we consider our child. We both have careers working with children and are very active in our church and community. We are both music lovers and worship leaders, and singing is my passion! I also love to cook, craft, and SHOP! I work for the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center in East Knoxville where we serve inner city youth both after school and during the summer. I have been a part of the YWCA team for almost a year and a half now, and I couldn’t ask to work for a better organization! I am so excited to get to know this community of Emerging Leaders!

Glory Bea Blankenship (she/her)
VISTA Supervisor at YWCA Northwest Louisiana

Glory Bea Blankenship is a community developer and crisis responder from Tulsa, OK who is interested in collective grief, cultivated resilience, and creative hope. After earning her B.A. in Community Development from Covenant College she completed her M.C. in The Study of the Bible & Ethnicity from The Edmiston Center. She currently serves as the VISTA Supervisor for Northwest Louisiana YWCA, leads poetry workshops for incarcerated women, and hopes to open a community resource center in her neighborhood in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Hannah Shoue (she/her)
Grant Manager at YWCA Northeast Indiana

Hannah joined YWCA Northeast Indiana in 2020 as the Development Coordinator and moved into the Grant Manager role in 2023. Hannah has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Purdue University, West Lafayette, and became a certified Grant Writer through Learn Grant Writing in 2022. Hannah is passionate about using her reading, writing, and editing skills at YWCA Northeast Indiana to craft grant proposals and further YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Harvir Kaur (she/her)
Advocacy Manager at YWCA Berkeley/Oakland

As an Advocacy Manager at the YWCA for the past one and a half years, I have been dedicated to advancing the cause of women's rights. Armed with a degree in economics from UC Berkeley, I bring a unique perspective to my advocacy work, combining analytical skills with a passion for social justice. My commitment to empowering women and creating a more equitable society is not confined to the workplace—I channel my energy into playing basketball in my free time, embodying the spirit of teamwork and resilience. Through my experiences and education, I strive to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing fight for gender equality, advocating for positive change in both policy and societal attitudes.

Iman Woodyard (she/her)
Staff Attorney at YWCA York

Iman Woodyard is a Staff Attorney at YWCA York, serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Family Law matters. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Iman attended Harrisburg High School-SciTech Campus before obtaining a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 2018. Iman graduated from Penn State - Dickinson Law in 2021, with a certificate in Family Law and Children's Advocacy. She was previously employed at MidPenn Legal Services, providing free legal services to low-income individuals and domestic violence survivors. Iman was named a "Rising Star" by the York County Bar Association in October 2022. In April 2023, Iman was honored by Penn State - Dickinson Law's Women's Law Caucus with the "Recent Alumna Award", recognizing a graduate of the school within the past 10 years who is exceptionally dedicated to her work and promotes encouragement of women in the legal field. Iman is a passionate advocate, especially for those who the legal system tends to disproportionately affect. Although she is still early in her career, she has already received achievement and recognition among her legal community and plans to continue to use her knowledge and abilities in the pursuit of true justice.

Isis Benitez (she/her)
Lead Director of Communications, Advocacy, & Outreach at YWCA Ulster County

Isis Pascuala Benitez, a Puerto Rican, born in the Bronx and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY is a woman of many traits. She fosters positive relationships with historically neglected communities resulting in increased awareness of support services. She is an active community liaison amplifying marginalized voices and bridging gaps with local leadership. Ms. Benitez is an organizer for women and people of color, a community booster, and a challenger.

Izzy Sarra (she/they)
Grants & Communications Coordinator, YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts 

Isabelle “Izzy” Sarra (she/they), from Newburyport, Massachusetts, is a community-oriented advocate currently working with YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts. Receiving a double major in Political Science and Social Thought and Political Economy from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in only three years, she seeks to enact positive change and a more sustainable future for all throughout her community via direct action and advocacy. They are particularly interested in finding new paths forward towards equity for all, and she believes strongly in the rights of children and all LGBTQ+ folks, as well as the deconstruction of oppressive systems that hinder our collective quality of life. When they aren’t working, Izzy is likely to be found spending time with her loved ones, listening to her ever-growing vinyl collection, experimenting in the kitchen and eating good food, or relaxing with her cats. She is thrilled to be part of the Emerging Leaders cohort and learning to lead from a space of compassionate, empathetic understanding that is core to the mission of the YWCA.

Jaycee Marceau (she/her)
Family Housing Center Shelter Coordinator at YWCA Missoula 

I am an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. I was born on the Blackfeet Reservation, and I grew up in East Glacier Park Village, Montana. I moved to Missoula, Montana to attend the University of Montana as a non-traditional student, and I began working for the Emergency shelter in town. During my time working for the shelter, I fell in love with advocacy and serving the unhoused population. I wanted to better serve this demographic, so I switched my major to Social Work. While in class I recognized I wanted to work with children, but I wanted to continue working with those experiencing homelessness. I was able to find that connection by working for the YWCA Missoula. In my free time I love to ski, backpack, tend to my 40+ houseplants and spend time with my cat.