YWCA NYC Board of Trustees Members Sought

Save to Favorites

Board of Trustees Position Description

The YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) of the City of New York (YW-NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We are a multiracial social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race, class, and gender. Founded in 1858, the YW-NYC was the first YW in the United States and is part of an international movement of YWs worldwide. We currently serve over 2,500 New York City school children and youth by providing educational, leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs for elementary and middle school students in culturally diverse communities in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Our organization is led by Alba Rodriguez, a dedicated advocate for community growth and development with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management for human services, youth development and educational organizations. Alba was formerly the Chief Strategy and Data Officer of Brooklyn Community Services (BCS), which serves 20,000 residents annually. At BCS, she oversaw data, external relations, fundraising and IT, and led the development and execution of organizational strategy. Prior to joining BCS, Alba served as VP of the Posse Institute at The Posse Foundation, one of the largest youth leadership development and college success organizations in the country. Alba has also managed consulting projects for Firefly Education, LLC, including leading major youth-assessment initiatives serving low-income students for the College Success Foundation; and has provided strategic consulting for selective colleges and other organizations on their diversity programs. Alba holds a B.S. in philosophy and biopsychology from Tufts University and an Ed.M. in human development and psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Our board is comprised of professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds who provide expertise and aid in fundraising efforts that advance the YWCA-NYC’s mission. Members also have the opportunity to network and engage with other purpose-driven individuals.

We pride individuality and understand that every board member brings his/her/their own unique qualities and skills. Ours is a large tent, and we offer many opportunities to support our work.

As recent recipients of a major gift from Mackenzie Scott we will soon conduct a long-range strategic planning process to guide our growth and support of the communities we serve.

Time Commitment

The minimum time commitment is about 2-4 hours per month through a combination of meetings and organizational functions held in virtual and/or live settings. Board meetings are held quarterly, and each board member is asked to serve on one or more committees. These committees include Investment and Finance, Nominating and Governance, Development, Strategic Planning, Programming and Human Resources. Ad-Hoc committees may on occasion be formed.

Financial Commitment

All members commit to providing at least $10,000 in support each year either personally or through outreach. Members are asked to support special events and activities by purchasing tickets and encouraging friends and colleagues to attend. All funds raised will be used to support the YWCA-NYC’s programs and operations.

Requirements

Since board members have a fiduciary obligation, they will be asked to submit to a general background check.

All members will understand the YWCA-NYC’s mission and serve as active ambassadors of the organization.

Opportunities

Members may run for leadership positions, including Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Other volunteer service include:

Serving as a panelist or workshop organizer or presenter at our annual Girls Symposium.

Working on the organizing the first ever Hackathon to create a gaming app to create an on-going revenue stream for Girls Initiatives programs.

Create webinars and in-person sessions for adults to learn about poverty, health, education, and other social and racial justice issues.

To learn more about board service, kindly reach out to Alison Schweizer, Vice Chair at aschweizernyc@gmail.com .