Who We Are
YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
YWCA Northeast Kansas has been a proud part of the greater Topeka community for over 135 years and is a part of a network of YWCAs which represents one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organizations in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. Locally, we proudly serve over 7,500 individuals and families each year.
More important than the numbers, is our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and stand for social justice for all. We provide safe places for survivors, strengthen families through quality, affordable childcare, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights and civil rights at the local, state, and federal level.
What sets YWCA apart is our commitment to comprehensive social services, combined with our dedication to creating a more just world through advocacy and issue education.
Join the movement today, and join hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and advocates who are building a stronger community and a brighter future for all.
YWCA IS ON A MISSION
Our Team
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Cheri Faunce
She, her, hers
CEO -
Courtland Davis
He, him, his
Director of Operations -
Alicia VanWalleghem
She, her, hers
Director of Community Engagement -
Linda Aziz
She, her, hers
Director of Finance -
Becca Spielman
She, her, hers
Program Director, Center for Safety and Empowerment -
Christina Chavez
She, her, hers
Assistant Program Director, Center for Safety and Empowerment -
Rachel Grollmes
She, her, hers
Public Education Coordinator, Center for Safety and Empowerment -
Shannon Schuh
She, her, hers
Rural Project Coordinator, Center for Safety and Empowerment -
Felecia Cunningham
Director of Youth Services
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Kristin Hammer
She, her, hers
Community Engagement Coordinator
Photos courtesy of Memory Makers Photography, Topeka
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 the greater Topeka community.
2023 – 2024 Officers
Gina Millsap
President, Library Consultant/Executive Coach
Kate Duncan Butler
Vice President, Office of the Deputy Disciplinary Administrator
Angela Lewis
Secretary, Shawnee County
Theresa Dodson
Treasurer, Evergy
Jennifer Vance
Governance Chair, Envista Credit Union
Directors
Lan Danielson
Prairie Band Casino & Resort
Mallory Lutz
Little Government Relations
Jaclyn Mullins
DL Smith Electric
LeTiffany Obozele
Kansas National Education Association
Todd Payne
OFG Financial Services
Bassima Schbley, PhD
Washburn University
Cortney Streeter
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Scott Teeter, MD
Retired Physician
Lauren Wolf
Aetna Better Health of Kansas
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!
FAQs
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No, YWCA Northeast Kansas does not have a pool or gym. We are a social service agency devoted to our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
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YWCA Northeast Kansas programs and services are available to people of all gender and sexual identities. All services at the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment are free and confidential.
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Though the original founders were inspired by principles of Christianity, YWCA has moved toward an inclusive vision of “peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.” Today, the YWCA movement is non-religious and open to people of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation.