TO: YWCA Leaders
FROM: Sylvia Fields, YWCA USA Board Chair
DATE: August 28, 2017
SUBJECT: New CEO
Dear Local Association Leader,
The National Board of Directors of YWCA USA is delighted to announce the selection of Alejandra Y. Castillo as YWCA USA's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 18, 2017.
We are excited to have found such a passionate and experienced leader who shares our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, and who believes in the power of partnerships to drive systemic social change. Her vast experience in policy making and advocating for communities of color, along with her proven track record for securing resources for organizations aligns directly with the priorities of YWCA USA.
Alejandra is a change-agent who brings over two decades of expertise in federal government relations, public policy, public-private partnerships and business management, along with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Her connections in the corporate community, government, and bilingual media will help YWCA elevate our level of influence and position our brand as a leader in social justice and institutional change.
This selection is the result of a thorough and rigorous process employed by the YWCA USA Board of Directors. We were thrilled to have an abundance of talent to consider for our next leader. For more information on the extensive search process, please see the background Q&A document.
Based on initial input gathered from across YWCA, including local association leaders, national board members and national office senior staff, four key areas emerged as critical for our next leader: fundraising acumen, advocacy specific to shaping public policy and creating institutional change, and external affairs. We have found a unique leader in Alejandra who not only has a demonstrated record of success in these areas, but also one who has dedicated her career to serving communities of color and living the values of our organization. As such we are confident that she is the right leader at this time in our history. She can connect and unite YWCA, expand our influence and drive our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women forward.
Finally, we are sincerely appreciative of the incredible stewardship of Casey Harden as interim CEO. Casey's leadership and know-how allowed the organization to continue marching forward in delivering our bold mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, while our nation, associations, and clients adjusted to a new national landscape. She will continue in her position as senior vice president of strategic initiatives and membership for YWCA USA.
We hope you will join us in thanking Casey and welcoming Alejandra to our YWCA movement. We look forward to you meeting Alejandra through an online town hall meeting on her first day, September 18, 2017. Sign up here to join the meeting.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Fields
#NationalCommunications