About Us

Women Posing Together, Empowering Women, YWCA Greater Los Angeles

Founded in 1894, the YWCA Greater Los Angeles (YWCA GLA) mission is the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women. 

Our Vision

As a YWCA, we advocate for justice and dignity for all people. For over a century, the YWCA Greater Los Angeles has provided housing and supportive services. YWCA GLA is pioneering a model of community centers and housing – co-created with diverse stakeholders – to transform lives, build self-reliance and, ultimately, strengthen communities.

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

YWCA MISSION

Our Team

  • Lori Carmon

    Lori Carmona

    Chief Executive Officer

  • Donna Crowder

    Donna Crowder

    Chief Administrative Officer

  • Ruby Yuen

    Chief Financial Officer

Meet other members of our team

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

2023 – 2024 Officers

Alva P. Adams
Board Chairwoman
Dir. Multicultural Relations & Strategy, Toyota Motor North America

Kymberly Garrett
Board Vice Chairwoman
Principal/Managing Director, GarrettSpioni Group, LLC

Karen Miessner
Board Treasurer
Partner, SingerLewak LLP

Margaret Leong Checca
Board Secretary
Community Advocate

Directors

Ilyana Benson, CEO, NeoSol Marketing Agency

Corina Casco, LCSW, Chief Program Officer, Children’s Bureau of Southern California

Jaron P. Hamlett Sr. (J.P.), President & CEO Retirement Choices of California

Ronda Jackson, Serial Entrepreneur and Small Business Advocate

Stella Jiang, Senior Manager, Audit, Armanino LLP

Cynthia Kim, SVP, Sr. Director of Consumer Analytics, First Citizens Bank

Jennifer Lahoda, CEO, Pacific Resource Recovery

Caron Ng, CEO NuSet Inc.

Nicole Harper Rawlins, McDonald’s Owner/Operator

Taylor McKenzie Rectenwald, CISCO

Felix Whittaker, VP Senior Relationship Manager, JP Morgan Chase

Darcy Wilson-Jones, Partner and RSM US LLP Board Member

Key Dates in YWCA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City

  • 1946

    Interracial Charter adopted, starting the process of desegregation

  • 1960s

    Membership and leadership positions opened to non-Christians

  • 1963

    Direct Action Program begun to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs

  • 1970

    The One Imperative (“To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”) adopted

  • 2015

    Corporate name changed from “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.”

Financial Statements

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!

Form 990

2021

2020