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 way for future success through its programs, and a capital campaign to return the Phillis Wheatley YWCA to Atlanta’s Westside.
Knight’s leadership is defined by her deep commitment to YWCA Greater Atlanta’s values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, Inclusivity, Intentionality, Collaboration, and Community Involvement. These values, crafted in partnership with YWCA Greater Atlanta’s staff, are integral to the organization’s culture and the services it provides. Under Knight’s guidance, the organization continues to expand its programs and resources to meet the needs of women across Greater Atlanta.
A Leadership Driven by Purpose
Knight’s passion for positive social impact is deeply personal. She is dedicated to ensuring that others, particularly those who have been marginalized, feel seen, heard, and supported. “I have been blessed to have a supportive network of people who have been focused on my personal and career success over the course of my entire life. I realize that so many people have not received that ‘gift,’” Knight shares. “My goal in this role is to ensure that our team members and program participants are clear about my commitment to their success and understand that our mission, vision, and values includes them.”
Beyond her work with YWCA Greater Atlanta, Knight actively engages with a variety of influential leadership organizations. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Brookhaven Social Justice Race and Equity Commission, Leadership Atlanta Class of 2025, Mayor Dickens’ Women’s Advisory Council, and the International Women’s Forum, Georgia chapter, among other activities. Knight is constantly amplifying the mission of YWCA Greater Atlanta and advocating for women and girls’ empowerment within all her spheres of influence.
Empowering Women and Elevating Thought Leadership
YWCA Greater Atlanta’s mission to empower women is not just a statement—it is an active commitment. “The definition of ‘empowerment’ includes elevating, supporting, seeing,
hearing, and responding to the various needs of the women on our team and participating in our programs—in real time,” says Knight.
YWCA Greater Atlanta builds upon its 123-year-old legacy by curating conversations and partnerships that address critical issues affecting women, girls, and their families. The association’s leadership team consists of experts in Education and Economic Empowerment, Advocacy, and Health and Wellness, and is focused on ensuring that the programmatic approach remains relevant, strategic and impactful. “My team and I are actively convening and collaborating with community partners to bring our mission, vision, and values to life,” says Knight.
Addressing the Pressing Issues Facing Women Today
While progress has been made, many of the challenges women, girls, and their families face remain “foundational, specifically access to safe, affordable housing, quality adult education, childcare and early learning, economic opportunities, and health care. YWCA Greater Atlanta is addressing these issues intentionally and directly through its core programs and partnerships.
“We will continue to expand what we refer to as the ‘whole woman’ service model — defined as a woman and the village of people who support her — when we reopen the Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA in 2026,” Knight explains. The revitalized facility will provide critical resources and services to help women, girls, and their families build a more stable future.
The Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA: A Transformative Project
YWCA Greater Atlanta is completing a $19.5 million capital campaign to revitalize the historic Phillis Wheatley YWCA on the Westside. With more than 90% of funds raised, construction will begin this spring on the historic building that has long been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s Black community. Built in 1951 and located along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, it was once a thriving hub for civic engagement, social gatherings, and empowerment programs for African American women and families, providing critical services and serving as a meeting place for civil rights leaders, educators, and community organizers. However, the facility has been dormant since 2015, leaving a void in the community. “This campaign has been my primary focus since joining the staff two years ago,” said Knight. “I am honored to be part of the legacy that is returning this iconic building—and a safe, supportive space for women, girls, and their families—to the Westside of Atlanta.”
The Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA will serve as a hub for education, wellness, and economic empowerment. 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 who live there, no one is solely focused on empowering low-income women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA will fill that void.”
“The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of campaign chairs Sarah Irvin, Ingrid Saunders Jones, and Board Chair Jennifer Winn,” said Knight. Their commitment, and that of the YWCA Greater Atlanta Board of Directors and the Academy of Women Achievers has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. We are also so grateful for the foundations, corporate partners, and individuals, who have embraced our vision, and stepped up in major ways to lend their support.” In addition to fundraising efforts, YWCA Greater Atlanta has been hosting “social circles” with women on the Westside, to ensure that the revitalization of the Phillis Wheatley building and its programming aligns with their needs.
Collaboration: The Key to Lasting Change
YWCA Greater Atlanta understands that no single organization can address the daily challenges that women, girls, and their families deal with. By collaborating with community organizations and experts, the association will ensure that the “whole woman” receives the care and opportunities needed to thrive.
“The power of collaborations will further ensure that the ‘whole woman’ receives the support she needs,” says Knight. Through strategic collaborations and partnerships with CHRIS 180, Families First, Morehouse School of Medicine, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and our “amplifier” Westside Future Fund, we will provide social service navigation, mental and physical health services to women, girls, and their families. This holistic approach allows YWCA Greater Atlanta to meet women “where they are” and provide tailored support and resources that create lasting impact.
Looking Toward the Future
Knight is particularly optimistic about the future of YWCA Greater Atlanta. “I am excited about the opportunity to expand our already successful core programs to serve more women, girls, and families especially on the Westside of Atlanta, where 50% of families live below the poverty line and 60% of households are headed by women.”
The reopening of the Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA will be a historic moment, restoring a space that also served as a gathering place for Atlanta’s Black community. “Many prominent Black Atlanta families gathered at this YWCA for recreation, education, and social and civil purposes. We look forward to also welcoming our neighbors, past and present, to this YWCA in 2026,” says Knight.
A Legacy of Empowerment
When asked about the legacy she hopes to leave, Knight is clear: “The power of women supporting other women.” She believes that those who have been privileged with opportunities must uplift those who have had less access to resources. “No one should be faced with merely surviving every day. We all should have opportunities to thrive.”
For more than a century, YWCA Greater Atlanta has worked to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Under Knight’s leadership, the organization is well-positioned to continue this legacy and drive meaningful change for generations to come.
