Author Archives: YWCA

By Elle Knott and Madison Potts-McAdoo, YWCA Greater Atlanta Each March, Women’s History Month reminds us that generations of women have advocated for greater opportunity for women, girls, and families across Georgia. Their perseverance has reshaped workplaces, schools, and communities throughout the state. That legacy is not only something to celebrate — it is a […]

By Danita V. Knight, President & CEO, YWCA Greater Atlanta When we talk about infrastructure in Atlanta, we usually think about roads, transit, and utilities — the systems that keep our economy moving. Rarely do we talk about childcare. But the reality is this: childcare is foundational economic infrastructure — and without it, Atlanta’s workforce, […]

On October 18, YWCA Greater Atlanta hosted its second Pretty Empowered event, a nationwide initiative powered by the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation and YWCA USA. The program brought together more than 100 girls ages 9–14 for a day of learning, leadership, and self-expression — all centered on this year’s theme: “Beauty is Belonging.” The event […]

On September 4, YWCA Greater Atlanta hosted a powerful evening of reflection and celebration at its North Highland Avenue headquarters, unveiling Legacy in Full Color—a new mural honoring more than a century of women who have shaped both the association’s history and Atlanta’s civic life. Created by Atlanta muralist Lacey Longino, the artwork is a […]

Since 1984, YWCA Greater Atlanta has honored extraordinary women whose lives and work embody its enduring mission: to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The Academy of Women Achievers is a living tapestry of leading women dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Atlanta area and helping […]

When the future story of Atlanta’s Westside is told, it will include women who lead, build, organize, and advocate for equity. As John Ahmann, President and CEO of the Westside Future Fund, has stated, “Despite all the work that is being done on the Westside to rebuild the community and provide supportive services to people […]

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, there is no better time to reflect on the incredible work under way at YWCA Greater Atlanta under the leadership of President and CEO Danita V. Knight. With a mission focused on eliminating racism and empowering women, girls, and their families, YWCA Greater Atlanta is transforming lives and paving the […]

YWCA Greater Atlanta has long been a cornerstone of support for women, girls and their families in our community since its founding at Spelman College in 1902. By taking a “whole woman approach”, we acknowledge that women’s lives are multi-dimensional, and that true empowerment requires addressing their physical well-being, mental health, financial security, access to […]

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when communities come together to raise awareness about the disease and advocate for life-saving screenings and treatment. In Georgia, breast cancer remains a serious concern. According to recent data from the American Cancer Society, nearly 9,800 women in the state of Georgia are estimated to be diagnosed […]

This summer, YWCA USA conducted a national survey of women voters to learn about one critical topic: Why Women Vote. This aptly named YWomenVote survey confirmed that women across the country are motivated to make their voices heard this election. Respondents identified that women’s economic security and empowerment, the impact of domestic violence and gender […]

The 2023-2024 school year has finished, and YWCA Greater Atlanta celebrates the achievements and advancements of our Early Learning Academy. At the heart of YWCA Atlanta’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women is ensuring children have access to quality education and childcare while also empowering teachers in our Early Learning Program through professional development […]

YWCA Greater Atlanta is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The association has four core programs, curated to ensure positive change for women and their families in the Atlanta community. One of YWCA Greater Atlanta’s programs is the Digital Skills Academy (DSA), aimed at […]

YWCA Greater Atlanta is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The association has four core programs that have been curated to ensure positive change for women and their families in the Atlanta community. One of these programs is YWCA Greater Atlanta’s Georgia Women’s Policy […]

YWCA of Greater Atlanta has teamed up with key collaborators, including CHRIS 180, Families First, Morehouse School of Medicine,YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and the Westside Future Fund, following focus groups with Westside women to address their specific needs, and community leaders and funders.  After more than seven years of planning, YWCA of Greater Atlanta has […]

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta team is gearing up for its Salute to Women of Achievement ceremony later this week — an annual event recognizing women who excel in their professions, and are committed to the YW’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism. The inductees are honored for their work within corporate, philanthropic, government, […]

By Sharmen Gowens, Former President & CEO of YWCA of Greater Atlanta Being the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA of Greater Atlanta gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. Over my seven+ years as CEO, I learned many lessons. I learned from the people who I worked with every day. I learned from community leaders. […]

By Sharmen M. Gowens, CEO, YWCA of Greater Atlanta More than a century since the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed, giving women the right to vote, women still have concerns about economic security, violence and health care in daily life. The women of Georgia say these issues are top of mind, and they […]

YWCA of Greater Atlanta expresses deep concern, disappointment and outrage regarding the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. While we knew this outcome was a strong possibility, the formal ruling affirms the direction, not only of the Supreme Court, but of our country at this moment in history.  YWCA of Greater Atlanta is committed […]

By Sharmen Gowens YWCA of Greater Atlanta celebrates 120 years this year. Since 1902, we have been a force for change for women and girls in the metropolitan Atlanta community. Founded on the campus of Spelman College, ours is a history of mobilizing resources to identify community problems, advocate for solutions and create more equitable […]

YWCA of Greater Atlanta Continuing to lead Conversations about Race One might wonder why YWCA of Greater Atlanta wishes to become the leading site for Conversations about Race, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The guiding principles of YWCA beckon us to engage in activities that seek to eliminate racism and empower women and promote peace, justice, […]