Who We Are

women sitting on stairs, promoting peace, YWCA Princeton

The YWCA Princeton is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

We work to bring out the individual strengths of women and youth and to foster resiliency and self-sufficiency. Our philosophy, in keeping with the mission of the YWCA to empower women and families, centers on providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

Our Advocacy and racial justice work is designed to provide ways for our community to learn, discuss, and act upon issues related to racism and systemic inequity. Areas of focus include maternal wellness, accessible childcare, equitable healthcare, food insecurity, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

We are proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families in our community.

Our local programs and services have furthered the YWCA vision of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people since 1922. Over the past 102 years, programs have evolved and have included educational and employment classes for women, community dialogue groups to discuss race relations, child care centers, a breast cancer resource center, and English as a second language course offerings.

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

YWCA MISSION

Senior Team

  • Brigitte Jean-Louis in a blue and white striped shirt, promoting peace, YWCA Princeton

    Brigitte Jean-Louis

    Director of Mission Advancement

  • Melissa White-McMahon, promoting peace, YWCA Princeton

    Melissa White-McMahon

    Director of the Breast Cancer Resource Center

  • Joyce Chase

    Director of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center

  • Heledona Katro in green blazer and blue and green scarf, promoting peace, YWCA Princeton

    Heledona Katro

    Director of English as a Second Language and Literacy Programs

  • Maureen Fernandez

    Director of Human Resources

Breast Cancer Resource Center

The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center

  • Patricia Acosta

    Assistant Director of Afterschool Program

  • Jada Jackson

    Universal Pre-K Childcare Administrative Assistant

Development

English As A Second Language And Literacy Programs

Finance

Marketing

  • Mallory Helmes

    Brand and Communication Coordinator

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 YWCA Princeton.

Directors

Cameshia Caldwell, Governance Committee Chair

Elisabeta Dinca

Reina Fleury

Erin Klebaur

Kendra Lee

2024 – 2025 Officers

Nikki (Etheridge) Jones
President

Laila Wilson-McCoy
Vice President and Mission Committee Co-Chair

Leena Shah
Treasurer

Sheila Nall
Secretary

Dariel Marius

Altagracia Montilla

Alison Reynolds

Ermine Smith, Strategic Plan Committee Chair

Annabel Tierney

Our Values


A Compassionate Community


Respect


A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle


Honesty and Integrity


Non-Violence


Collaboration


Justice and Fairness


The Dignity of All People

Key Dates in YWCA History

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!