YWCA GLA Welcomes Lori Carmona (Gangemi) as CEO
Contact: Glenn Gritzner
ggritzner@actumllc.com
September 26, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA – YWCA Greater Los Angeles (YWCA GLA) is excited to announce Lori Carmona (formerly Gangemi) as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 13. Lori has spent decades leading equity-focused initiatives at community-based organizations, and is deeply committed to expanding YWCA’s affordable child-care, after-school youth, economic empowerment, job training and housing, and sexual assault crisis services programming.
In Lori’s previous role as CEO of 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. Lori’s passion for serving diverse communities and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion aligns seamlessly with YWCA GLA’s core mission, and YWCA GLA’s leadership team is confident Lori will continue to build on our legacy of success.
“I am honored to join YWCA GLA as CEO, having been called to serve the organization’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. YWCA GLA is a pioneer in providing accessible community centers and housing, working tirelessly on behalf of historically underserved communities throughout Los Angeles,” said Lori Carmona. “I am committed to expanding on over 125 years of community-focused program development to amplify YWCA’s impact on youth, families, and seniors—in partnership with the organization’s dedicated team, supporters, and partners. I look forward to leading YWCA GLA toward its vision of transforming lives, building self-reliance, and strengthening communities.”
Lori Carmona will work closely with YWCA’s board of directors, executive team, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to expand the organizations pioneering model of community centers and housing, expanding the availability of “Safe Spaces to Live, Learn, and Grow.” Lori’s experience with community-driven program development and inclusive organizational leadership will be instrumental for YWCA’s next chapter.
“YWCA conducted an extensive, thoughtful search process to identify the right leader for our organization, and Lori Carmona emerged as the standout candidate,” said Alva P. Adams, YWCA’s Board Chairwoman. “Lori has spent two decades empowering people with disabilities through a person-centered approach, breaking down barriers to critical services. As such, the Board is confident Lori’s leadership will expand our organization’s impact, bringing us closer to achieving our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.”
YWCA GLA sincerely thanks interim CEO Sharon Shelton for her contributions over the past year. Sharon’s interim appointment followed the retirement of Faye Washington, who spent 23 years building this organization, and set the foundation for our continued success.
For more information about YWCA GLA, visit ywcagla.org.
Connect with Lori:
instgram.com/YWCAGLACEO
facebook.com/YWCAGLACEO
About 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. The organization extends services to over 100,000 individuals annually through various programs that include job training, affordable child-care, after-school youth programs, economic, housing, and sexual assault crisis services. Additionally, the organization addresses equity empowerment, racial justice, and public policy, which are intertwined through all aspects of programs and service areas. YWCA GLA cares for the Greater Los Angeles communities’ women and their families by providing relevant programs and activities that address today’s needs.
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