Who We Are
YWCA South Florida walks alongside individuals and families to break barriers and create opportunity.
We work to bring out individual strengths and to foster resiliency and self-sufficiency. Our philosophy, in keeping with the mission of the YWCA, centers on providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for individuals and families in our community.
Our local programs and services have furthered the YWCA vision of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people since 1919. Over the past 107 years, programs have evolved and have included educational and employment classes for women, teen clubs, community dialogue groups and civic engagement, childcare centers, and a youth resource center. Our charter was officially filed on September 29, 1919.
Strengthening communities
one opportunity at a time
YWCA is committed
Our Values
A Compassionate Community
Respect
A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle
Honesty and Integrity
Non-Violence
Collaboration
Justice and Fairness
The Dignity of All People
Our Team
-
Kerry-Ann Royes
PRESIDENT & CEO
-
Veronica Brown
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
-
Angeline Evans
CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together a group of dynamic leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for YWCA South Florida.
2026-2027 Officers
Stacy-Ann Smith, Chair
Nikki Packer, Vice Chair
Jackie Bravo, Treasurer
Barbara Martinez, Secretary
2026-2027 Directors
Diane Amado-Tate
Johanna Cervone
Vania Laguerre
Rodrick Miller
Mildred Riscigno
Ceci Rivas-Gonzalez
Mayela Rojas Sanchez
Fred Tan
Emeritus Board
These distinguished former board members have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to YWCA South Florida’s mission. As candidates for Emeritus status, they continue to offer their expertise and support as champions for empowerment, and community impact.
Adriene McCoy
Kelly-Ann Cartwright
Caroline Iovino
Teresa Ragatz
Lisa Shim
Angela Deggs
Vernita Nelson
Glenn Davis
Honorable Carroll J. Kelly
Robbie Bell
Ann Machado
Karen Gilmore
Key Dates in YWCA History
Annual Reports
YWCA is 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!
View our IRS 990 Forms.
FAQs
-
YWCA South Florida serves Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
-
YWCA South Florida is headquartered in Overtown, Miami, at our Marta Sutton Weeks Center, and our Intergenerational Center is located in Miami Gardens. We also operate two other early education centers, (downtown Miami and Miami Gardens) and four courthouse childcare services (Miami-Dade and Broward Counties) and provide afterschool programs on various school sites throughout Miami-Dade County. Additional programming is provided at partner sites from Homestead up to Broward County, as well as virtually.
-
We offer several programs and services in languages other than English, including our Community Justice Challenge (Spanish), Circles of Support (Spanish and Haitian Creole) and several offerings in our Economic Prosperity area (Spanish). In addition, our children and youth programming staff are able to support our families in several languages.
-
From their respective inceptions, the YWCA and YMCA have always been separate and independent organizations, with differing missions. YWCA was founded with a core focus on the empowerment of women and girls. Since 1858, YWCA has played a leading role in the women’s rights movements through to modern times. Unlike YWCA, YMCA’s mission is centered around youth development, health and fitness and social responsibility.
-
In 2015 we formally changed our corporate name from the “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.” Our name change reflects YWCA’s diverse and inclusive nature. In our early years it was “a Christian sisterhood” that drove our work. Today, our organization is driven by a commitment to social justice, no matter someone’s religion. Our updated name provides YWCA with the opportunity to engage a broader spectrum of individuals.