Internal Equity Council

The Internal Equity Council is accepting new members! The council accepts new members at the start of the year (we are a little late, I know J) and we would love to have additional folks from all of our various programs join! We need your voice! 

We meet once a month, for two hours. This is a working council: we have rich discussions about issues of equity and inclusion in our organization and make recommendations on actions to address these challenges. Now is a great time to join: this year, our focus is taking action to address some key issues that came out in the organizational equity survey. Our official kickoff meeting for the year will be on March 11, 12:00-2:00 PM. Due to COVID, our meetings will be virtual. 

Follow up with Jillian Olinger, jolinger@ywcacolumbus.org, for more info! 

Updates from Workforce Development

Currently, Workforce Development is working on gaining new partnerships with organizations that will be helpful to YWCA Columbus residents — including those with criminal backgrounds needing extra support to gain employment. New partnerships in the works include the Affordable Housing Alliance Central Ohio. We have been working on a pilot program called Step to Success as well. In Steps for Success, residents are able to look into careers and jobs they have been interested in but did not previously know how to get started.

Since mid-December, we’ve been able to help 26 residents link with the program, and a total of 43 residents are continuing to utilize the employment services they offer. 

Family Center Donation

Xiamen Anta Co LTD donated 100 pairs of athletic men’s shoes!

First, a Farewell

Thanks and best wishes to Gahanna Program Administrator, Justis Davis. Justis’ last day will be Friday, March 11. We thank you for your dedication to the YWCA mission and wish you the best! 

Now Hiring

YWCA Kids Place programs are currently hiring 17+ year olds for seasonal Summer Camp staff. If you know of someone who wants a great part-time job, please reach out to HR, Laura Miller, or Steve Hiller. 

We’re also hiring for a Gahanna District Coordinator! This full-time position will help supervise the day camp program in the summer and support the afterschool programs during the school year. If you know a candidate with a background in youth development who is looking for the next step in their career, reach out to HR, Steve Hiller, or Nichelle Harris.

Education Updates

Working collaboratively, Nichelle Harris and Amber Jacott submitted for the Ohio Department of Education’s Summer Learning and Afterschool grants. Applications were submitted for a summer wraparound program in both Westerville and Gahanna and to expand the United Schools Network programs. 

Hello & Goodbye’s

Mindy Meeker, Event Project Manager, moved on from her official role with YWCA Columbus on January 7^th. We thank Mindy for her work on 2021 Women of Achievement and Activists and Agitators Events (and all of the other things!) and wish her much success is in her future endeavors!

Lea Goldsmith joined the Advancement Team as our new Event Project Manager on March 21^st. Please help us welcome Lea to Team YWCA!!

Sharday Urtarte’s, Project Specialist, last day will be March 11^th. May sure you take a moment to wish her well in her next adventure. We are grateful for everything she has done for our team in her short time with us!

Black History Month Screening

On Friday, February 25, YWCA Columbus’ DE&I team led a 20-minute screening of I Am Not Your Negro, followed by an authentic discussion.

Be Part of Our Women’s History Month Campaign

March is Women’s History Month – and the MarComm team (Mike + Diana) is asking for your help in a social media campaign. If you have a few minutes, can you please answer the following question with a 30-second video or 2-3 written sentences?

Question: Name a woman in history or a woman making history today that influences you and why.

Please upload your videos here to our team Dropbox, or email the 2-3 sentences to dyates@ywcacolumbus.org ASAP to be included.

International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day (and the month of March), Wolf’s Ridge Brewing will be releasing a ‘Ladies Who Brunch’ stout that $1 per draft and 10% of packaged sales will go to YWCA Columbus.

Stand Against Racism Challenge

YWCA Columbus is joining forces with YWCA USA for this year’s Stand Against Racism Challenge. Previously known as the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, the Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

register HERE
( When registering, under “Which YWCA are you participating with?” please be sure to choose Columbus!)

We are also bringing the conversation local during the month of April on these topics in a Facebook Group led by our Leadership and Social Justice team. Join the Group and be part of the discussion here!

Women of Achievement

You’re invited to YWCA Columbus’s 37^th Women of Achievement 2022 Event! The event will take place virtually from 12 pm on Wednesday, April 27. Stay tuned for more details. Feel free to RSVP on Facebook or LinkedIn, too.

Alumni Book Club

Alumni Book Club: May 26th at 5 pm: Get your copy now and join us for a discussion of “You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience” by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown. RSVP today!