Policing Primer

Take a look at the new Policing Primer here, created by Lalitha Pamidigantam, Kyasurina Adhikari, and Jillian Olinger.

And with special thanks to:
Kenza Kamal, Director of Policy, Juvenile Justice Coalition
Claire Decker, Columbus Safety Coalition
Zeb Larson, PhD
Allie Valocchi

Advancement Team Update

The Advancement Team welcomed several new staff members:  

• Joseph Glandorf, Foundations & Corporate Grants Administrator 
• Ruthi Orloski, Consultant, Data Management 
• Diana Yates, Marketing and Communications Coordinator 

We are excited to welcome these new members of our team and head into 2022 with a fully staffed Advancement Team, continuing to add resources to our amazing organization, plan signature events, and showcase the great work happening across YWCA Columbus.

New Partnership Event

The Family Center recently partnered with OSU where residents were able to talk about skin health, hair health, breast and maternity issues and go over cancer screenings. We had 17 families attend this event which is 46 people! We plan on having similar events with this same group of OSU doctors to continue to spread awareness and assist families.  

Events & Updates

On October 28th, the Education Department turned around to celebrate Lights On Afterschool (LOA), a national event to recognize and create awareness around the importance of Out of School Time (OST) programs.

Also on October 28th, at the Ohio Statehouse, the YWCA Education Department administrative team joined legislators, organization leaders, and state experts to discuss how afterschool programs impact lives of Columbus children, families and communities.

The team is also gearing up for an Entrepreneurship Education initiative in our Kids Place programs, thanks to a generous grant from AT&T. Coming in 2022, we will be hosting a “pitch challenge” with local leaders to evaluate students’ shark tank presentations and give them a real-world opportunity to practice their entrepreneurial skills. If you know someone who would make an excellent judge, please email Nichelle at nharris@ywcacolumbus.org. 

The United Schools Network team recently opened our new Kids Place program at UPrep East! Special thanks to Cheryl, Steve Hiller, Helen Tewolde, and our awesome Assistant Teachers for all their hard work to make this happen.

The Education Department leadership team is looking to improve the infrastructure and capacity of our staff. Kaleena is implementing new online curriculum, to use a more rigorous, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate framework to better meet the needs of her children.

Liz Kittner is launching a pilot initiative to help skill up Assistant Teachers in critical technology competencies that support their job function. Launching in mid-November, this project aims to improve digital literacy and equity within our department through hands-on workshops and growth-mindset coaching.

Recently, the team has also begun implementing a recognition program for Employees of the Month to celebrate those unsung everyday heroes, who make the lives of those around them better through their amazing work ethic, flexibility and attitude. For September and October, congratulations to Cheryl Glenn, David Lubin, Helen Widman, and Camille Moultrie!

Not only did each and every program host spook-tacular LOA events, like trunk or treating and fall festivals, but we were so happy to welcome the YWCA Columbus leadership team to tour our programs and see what afterschool is all about. A huge thank you to Christie Angel, Judy Peterson, Sabrina Horton, Jillian Olinger, Melanie Henterly, Jessica Wichtman-Will, Caroline Woliver, Phyl Flanagan, Mike Nicholson, and Diana Yates for graciously giving their time and spending the evening with us; we appreciate your support!   

Booster Shot

As a team, we encourage all of us to continue our vaccination efforts by getting a booster shot. 

Leadership for Social Change Graduation 

Join YWCA Columbus as we celebrate the 2021 Leadership for Social Change Virtual Graduation on Thursday, December 9th from 5:00-6:00pm. Over the past 11 months, participants have been developing their leadership and advocacy skills to enact positive social change in our community. As the program comes to a close, help us celebrate their accomplishments and welcome them into the YWCA Columbus Alumni Family! Click here to RSVP!

Women of Achievement Announcement & Alumni Mixer

Join us virtually on Tuesday, November 16th from 5:00-6:00pm to hear an update from YWCA Columbus President & CEO, Christie Angel, and our announcement of the 2022 class of Women of Achievement! Additionally, we’ll use some of our time together to build community…something I know many of us are missing these days. Our 2021 Leadership for Social Change program participants recently learned about networking and we want to help them practice. For about 30 minutes, we’ll engage in virtual speed-networking in break out rooms where you’ll be able to make connections with our LSC participants and other YWCA alumni! Click here to register to attend!