Who We Are
The YWCA Memphis 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.
The YWCA is 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 1914. Over the past 108 years, programs have evolved and have included educational and employment classes for women, teen clubs, community dialogue groups to discuss race relations, child care centers, a youth resource center, and aquatics programming.
Our Leadership
A letter from the Executive Director, Marqieupta Odom- Williams
YWCA Greater Memphis has created and catalyzed a wide range of services designed to improve the lives and well-being of women and girls across all generations. We will continue to be a beacon of hope and light for women, children, and their families. However, we will also raise our voices louder for changes in policy that adversely affect our community. We continue to provide safety at our domestic violence shelter, providing nontraditional job training to assist our clients in earning a livable wage and encouraging conversations about racial and social injustice that lead to fundamental changes in how we embrace and respect each other as part of the human race.
YWCA Greater Memphis has a devoted staff and Board of Directors who embrace our mission of “Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women.” We also appreciate you for embracing our mission. Your generous financial and in-kind donations have allowed us to help hundreds of vulnerable people in Memphis and the surrounding area. And for that…we thank you. We look forward to strengthening and building new relationships with you and ask that you introduce us to others who may be interested in embracing our mission.
Even though YWCA Greater Memphis is almost 104 years old, we are just beginning our work. So, follow us…join us…and support us as we continue to impact this great community.
Yours in service,
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 Memphis.
Arlender Jones
Director
Pamela Gordon
Director
Dansherryl Knapp
Director
Stephanie Payton, M.D.
Director
Tymika Chambiss-Williams
Director
Jarmila Reed
Director
Nicole Washington
Director
Dr. Karren Todd
Director
Leah Douglas Wooten
Director
Joanitha T. Barnes
Director
Shericka L. Blair
Director
Marissa Hertzog
Director
Tanisha Holliday
Director
Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women, and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom, and Dignity for all.
YWCA MISSION
Key Dates in Our YWCA History
FAQs
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The YWCA brings immense value to our community in several ways. We provide crucial direct services, such as emergency shelter and counseling, to individuals and families in need, particularly victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our empowerment programs offer tools for self-sufficiency, helping people break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures. Beyond these immediate services, we're also committed to challenging structural barriers that hinder equity. We advocate for marginalized groups, especially women and girls of color, amplifying their voices and working towards systemic change. By supporting the YWCA, you're not just helping individuals—you're contributing to a stronger, more inclusive community. Every person we empower, every barrier we break down, benefits us all by creating a safer, more equitable society.
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No, we are completely separate organizations. The YWCA is a social justice organization working to eliminate racism and empower women through programs and advocacy efforts that increase economic security for women and families in our communities, especially women of color.
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The YWCA of Greater Memphis is dedicated to promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We focus on women’s needs and issues, and our programs are inclusive of trans and non-binary people. We also recognize the important role men play in eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA of Greater Memphis welcomes trans and gender-non-conforming people, as well as men, onto our staff.
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Although founded more than 150 years ago by women who shared progressive Christian values, the YWCA USA has not been a religious organization for more than 50 years. We are proud to stand alongside individuals of every religion or non-religion who share a commitment to the mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
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We are an entrepreneurial organization and strive to create programs that are financially sustainable. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we are also supported by our donors, who gift their time and money; by grants and donations from foundations and corporate partners committed to social justice and economic empowerment; and through contracts, we earn from government entities for programs that make a social and/or economic contribution to the community. If you would like to become one of our supporters, click the "Give" button at the top of the page. We truly appreciate every donor!
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YWCA is a national organization with more than 200 local associations across the United States. YWCA USA provides a range of technical assistance and capacity-building services to local associations, safeguards the integrity of the YWCA brand, and maintains a strong national presence that will position the iconic, multi-tiered YWCA organization for increased stability and sustainability in the future.