YWCA USA Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

YWCA USA has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and board governance.

Driven by a commitment to global progress, YWCA USA advocates for young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development, impacting communities across the nation.

Leadership Roles at YWCA USA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Teresa Tepania-Ashton
  • Chief Executive Officer & Director - Cathy Jones
  • Chief Financial Officer - Taryn Payne
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dalila Cardona
  • YWCA Junior Board of Directors President - Sheridan Nichols
  • President - Lorraine Cole
  • President, Board Development Chair & Board - Nancy Miller
  • President, Human Resources & Executive - Anne Motsenbocker
  • President of the Board of Directors - Patricia Brooks
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Laura Garza
  • Teresa Tepania-Ashton - Chief Executive Officer

    Teresa Tepania-Ashton, the Chief Executive Officer at YWCA USA, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. This leadership position involves guiding YWCA USA's mission to advocate for young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development across the United States. Teresa Tepania-Ashton ensures alignment with the global YWCA objectives, fostering programmatic innovation and community impact. The Chief Executive Officer oversees key departmental functions, driving initiatives that empower women and girls. This role demands a deep understanding of non-profit management and a commitment to advancing social justice. Teresa Tepania-Ashton's strategic vision shapes the organization's direction, focusing on sustainable growth and expanded reach within diverse communities. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization to support YWCA USA's critical work.
    Teresa Tepania-Ashton

    Cathy Jones - Chief Executive Officer & Director

    Cathy Jones, the Chief Executive Officer & Director at YWCA USA, spearheads strategic planning and organizational direction. This executive role involves overseeing the implementation of YWCA USA's core advocacy pillars: young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. Cathy Jones drives initiatives that enhance community engagement and programmatic effectiveness nationwide. The Chief Executive Officer & Director ensures robust governance structures are in place, working closely with the Board of Directors to achieve organizational goals. This position requires a comprehensive grasp of non-profit operations and a dedication to social impact. Cathy Jones's leadership focuses on expanding the organization's influence and ensuring its long-term sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer & Director is pivotal in shaping YWCA USA's public presence and fostering partnerships that amplify its mission.

    Taryn Payne - Chief Financial Officer

    Taryn Payne, the Chief Financial Officer at YWCA USA, directs all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the organization, managing investments, and overseeing financial compliance. Taryn Payne provides strategic financial guidance to support YWCA USA's mission of advancing young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other C-suite leaders to align financial strategies with organizational objectives. This position demands expertise in financial management within the non-profit sector. Taryn Payne's oversight ensures that financial resources are effectively utilized to maximize programmatic impact across the United States. The Chief Financial Officer is instrumental in maintaining transparency and accountability in all financial dealings.

    Dalila Cardona - Chief Operating Officer

    Dalila Cardona, the Chief Operating Officer at YWCA USA, manages the day-to-day operational activities and ensures efficient resource allocation across the organization. This critical role involves overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, optimizing internal processes, and maintaining high standards of service delivery. Dalila Cardona directs departmental operations, focusing on enhancing programmatic impact and organizational efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer plays a key part in developing and implementing operational policies that support YWCA USA's mission of advocating for young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. This position requires strong leadership in managing complex projects and driving continuous improvement. Dalila Cardona's focus is on strengthening the organizational infrastructure to better serve communities nationwide. The Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless coordination between various departments, fostering a collaborative environment.

    Sheridan Nichols - YWCA Junior Board of Directors President

    Sheridan Nichols, the YWCA Junior Board of Directors President at YWCA USA, leads the engagement and strategic input of the junior board. This leadership role involves representing the interests of younger stakeholders and contributing to the organization's governance and programmatic development. Sheridan Nichols facilitates communication between the junior board and the main Board of Directors, ensuring diverse perspectives inform YWCA USA's advocacy for young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. The YWCA Junior Board of Directors President fosters leadership opportunities for emerging professionals within the organization. This position requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Sheridan Nichols's involvement strengthens YWCA USA's connection with future leaders and community needs. The YWCA Junior Board of Directors President champions initiatives that empower youth voices.

    Lorraine Cole - President

    Lorraine Cole, the President at YWCA USA, provides strategic leadership and guidance to the organization's board and executive team. This role involves overseeing the overall direction and effectiveness of YWCA USA's operations, ensuring alignment with its mission to advocate for young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. Lorraine Cole works to strengthen the organization's impact and reach across the United States. The President plays a crucial part in fostering key relationships with stakeholders and partners. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of non-profit governance and strategic planning. Lorraine Cole's leadership focuses on advancing the organization's goals and ensuring its continued success. The President is dedicated to empowering women and girls through YWCA USA's vital programs.

    Nancy Miller - President, Board Development Chair & Board

    Nancy Miller, the President, Board Development Chair & Board at YWCA USA, leads critical board governance and strategic development initiatives. This multifaceted role involves enhancing board effectiveness, recruiting and orienting new board members, and ensuring robust oversight of organizational strategy. Nancy Miller champions the mission of YWCA USA, focusing on young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. The President, Board Development Chair & Board works to strengthen the organization's leadership capacity and strategic planning processes. This position requires expertise in governance best practices and a commitment to organizational growth. Nancy Miller's efforts are crucial for maintaining a high-performing board that effectively guides YWCA USA's operations nationwide. The President, Board Development Chair & Board ensures the board is well-equipped to support the organization's mission.

    Anne Motsenbocker - President, Human Resources & Executive

    Anne Motsenbocker, the President, Human Resources & Executive at YWCA USA, directs strategic oversight of human resources functions and executive leadership support. This role involves ensuring that HR practices align with YWCA USA's mission to advance young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. Anne Motsenbocker focuses on cultivating a supportive and effective organizational culture. The President, Human Resources & Executive plays a key part in talent management and organizational development initiatives. This position requires a strong understanding of HR strategy and executive leadership dynamics. Anne Motsenbocker's contributions are vital for building and maintaining a high-performing team dedicated to YWCA USA's goals. The President, Human Resources & Executive ensures that human capital strategies effectively support the organization's mission.

    Patricia Brooks - President of the Board of Directors

    Patricia Brooks, the President of the Board of Directors at YWCA USA, provides leadership and strategic direction to the governing board. This executive role involves overseeing board operations, ensuring fiduciary responsibility, and guiding the organization's mission to advocate for young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. Patricia Brooks works to uphold the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct. The President of the Board of Directors collaborates closely with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure effective implementation of organizational strategies. This position requires extensive experience in non-profit governance and strategic oversight. Patricia Brooks's leadership is essential for maintaining the integrity and impact of YWCA USA across the nation. The President of the Board of Directors champions the organization's vision and long-term sustainability.

    Laura Garza - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Laura Garza, the Chief Human Resources Officer at YWCA USA, leads all human capital management strategies and initiatives. This executive position involves overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Laura Garza ensures that HR policies align with YWCA USA's mission to promote young women's leadership, peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a vital role in supporting the workforce that drives the organization's success nationwide. This role requires a deep understanding of HR best practices and employment law. Laura Garza focuses on building a skilled and engaged team, essential for achieving YWCA USA's ambitious goals. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions employee well-being and professional growth, contributing to the organization's overall effectiveness.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding YWCA USA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads YWCA USA?
    YWCA USA is led by Teresa Tepania-Ashton (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cathy Jones (Chief Executive Officer & Director) and Taryn Payne (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of YWCA USA’s executive team?
    The executive team of YWCA USA includes leaders such as Teresa Tepania-Ashton (Chief Executive Officer), Cathy Jones (Chief Executive Officer & Director), Taryn Payne (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does YWCA USA have?
    YWCA USA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in YWCA USA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of YWCA USA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, YWCA Junior Board of Directors President.