Who We Are

YWCA Mahoning Valley is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

The work that we do at YWCA is mission-focused. Our goal of social justice means we want to ensure all people live with dignity. We work towards eliminating racism and empowering women through our programs, services, community partnerships and events.

We proudly serve the women and families of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties with housing, youth development, childcare, advocacy, and empowerment programs that meet the dynamic, changing needs of our community.

YWCA Mahoning Valley was formed in 2018, the result of the merger of YWCA Warren and YWCA Youngstown. Our merger allows us to bring more than 200 years of combined experience and expertise to doing what we do best: empowering women.

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

YWCA MISSION

Our Values


A Compassionate Community


Respect


A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle


Honesty and Integrity


Non-Violence


Collaboration


Justice and Fairness


The Dignity of All People

Our Team

  • Leah Merritt

    PRESIDENT & CEO

  • Varada Bhide

    CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

  • Anna Marie Barksdale

    CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER

  • Ashley Wilfong

    CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

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 Mahoning Valley.

2024 – 2025 Officers

Sara Daugherty
Chair

Olympia C. Scott-Feagins
First Vice Chair

Dionne Lacey
Second Vice Chair

Alexis Smith
Treasurer

Tanay Hill
Secretary

Kristen Olmi
Past Chair

Directors

Christina Anderson

Shanna Chasebi

Paulette Edington

Sarah Gabrick

Christine Gerst

Kristin Howard

Lauren Mathews

Keitsa Miles

Joy Tang

Annual Reports

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!

Financial Statements

YWCA Audit - 2022

FAQs

  • Becoming a YWCA member means being a Supporting Advocate. Ready to be on a mission with YWCA Mahoning Valley? Visit the Get Involved page to learn more.

  • Yes. You can rent space for your event. Find more information here.

  • YWCA Mahoning Valley offers permanent supportive, transitional and affordable housing in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Call us for general housing information. YWCA Mahoning Valley does not offer rapid rehousing or emergency shelter. If you need immediate assistance, call the help hotline at 211.

  • YWCA Discovery Place Early Learning Center serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. We also offer Y-Girls STEAM Ahead summer camps for middle school girls. Learn more about Youth Development programs on the What We Do page.