Who We Are
The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world.
Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2 million members in 300 local associations in the United States. More important than the numbers, is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women’s rights and civil rights in Congress.
Social Action and Advocacy are the cornerstones of the YWCA. Since our inception almost 150 years ago, “service” has been linked to “action.” In communities across the United States, YWCAs continue to work to improve social and economic conditions for all people. As the nation’s oldest and largest national movement, the YWCA is comprised of over 300 local associations, regional leadership and a national office in Washington D.C. – – who all work together, across the nation work to strengthen our voices in the nation’s capital and in state and local governments. The YWCA brings first hand knowledge of how federal level policies and programs affect women, girls and their families in communities across the country. Historically the YWCA has fought for issues such as the abolition of child labor, the 8-hour workday and desegregation. Today, the YWCA carries on their long tradition in social action and advocacy to meet the twin goals of women and girl’s empowerment and social, gender and racial justice.
Women come to us in times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic violence. They come for job training and career counseling. They come for childcare. They come for health and fitness. They come for a variety of reasons. But they come. And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.
YWCA associations are the bedrock of the organization. They are in almost every community nationwide, and their services range from Childcare and Job Training, to Violence Prevention and Leadership Training. YWCA staffers, volunteers and friends are your neighbors, family members, and co-workers. To find out how you can help your community contact: YWCA Watsonville
Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.
YWCA MISSION
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for Watsonville.
We welcome your comments: board@www.ywcawatsonville.org
2023 – 2024 Officers
Board Chair - Diane Munoz
Board Secretary - Ana Goena
Cole Board Treasurer - Ana Goena
Board Member - Maria Eugenia Matute-Bianchi, PhD
Board Member - Debra Crawford