About Us

Since 1894, YWCA Greater Los Angeles has strengthened communities by empowering women and girls to live, learn, and grow with confidence.

We accelerate equity through advocacy, skill-building, and economic advancement initiatives to remove barriers and open doors for women and girls across our communities in Los Angeles.  

YWCA IS ON A MISSION

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

YWCA IS ON A MISSION

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all. 

Our Executive Team

  • Lori Carmona

    Lori Carmona

    Chief Executive Officer

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  • Lisa Hirsch Marin

    Lisa Hirsch Marin

    Chief Program Officer

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  • Kwame Dow

    Kwame Dow

    Chief People & Strategy Officer

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  • Joanne Mathews

    Joanne Mathews

    Chief Financial Officer

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Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of leaders who use their passion, insights, and connections in the community to drive real impact for YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

2025–2026 Officers

Kymberly Garrett

Kymberly Garrett
Board Chair
Principal/Managing Director, GarrettSpioni Group, LLC

Karen Miessner

Karen Miessner
Board Vice Chairwoman
Partner, SingerLewak LLP

Corina Casco

Corina Casco
Board Secretary
Chief Program Officer, Children’s Bureau of Southern California

Darcy Wilson-Jones

Darcy Wilson-Jones
Board Treasurer
Partner, RSM

Meet our Board of Directors

Key Dates in YWCA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City.

  • 1894

    YWCA of Los Angeles is incorporated, and the original headquarters on Spring Street is established. The building includes six rooms for programs and a lunchroom for business girls. Classes in cooking, languages, stenography, and elocution were offered.

  • 1912

    Black women’s branch of YWCA of Los Angeles establishes the 12th Street location.

  • 1922

    YWCA of Los Angeles establishes the Magnolia Residence at 615 E. 3rd St, purchased by the Japanese community and deeded to the YWCA as a dormitory for young Japanese women.

  • 1942

    YWCA of Los Angeles extends its services and personnel to Japanese women and girls in 10 relocation centers.

  • 1943

    YWCA of Los Angeles opens the North Valley Center in San Fernando.

  • 1968

    YWCA of Los Angeles opens the East Los Angeles Center at Olympic and Goodrich.

  • 1969

    YWCA of Los Angeles opens the Angeles Mesa branch on Vernon Ave.

  • 1970

    The One Imperative (“To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”) adopted.

  • 1984

    YWCA of Los Angeles – Compton Center is awarded a grant for the Sexual Assault Crisis Services Project through the California Office of Emergency Services.

  • 1989

    YWCA of Los Angeles offers an HIV/AIDS Education Program for teens, funded by the Centers for Disease Control.

  • 1992

    YWCA of Los Angeles officially changes name to YWCA of Greater Los Angeles.

  • 1994

    YWCA Greater Los Angeles celebrates 100 years of service as the National YWCA Convention is hosted in LA.

  • 2008

    YWCA Greater Los Angeles expands Survivor Empowerment Services into the South Bay and South Los Angeles regions, and the Union Pacific Center opens.

  • 2009

    YWCA Greater Los Angeles begins the “Healing Art” workshop to provide alternative ways for survivors to heal and thrive via art.

  • 2014

    7515 Pacific Blvd opened and was renamed the Supervisor Gloria Molina Community Empowerment Center.

  • 2016

    YWCA Greater Los Angeles expands services to include survivors of sex trafficking.

  • 2017

    YWCA Greater Los Angeles expands services to include legal assistance to survivors of sexual assault.

Impact Report

Our Impact Report shows what a year of comprehensive support for women and their families can do for communities across Los Angeles.

Read our impact report
  • 90% of the children in our Youth Empowerment Program demonstrated improvement in homework achievement.

    90% of the children in our Youth Empowerment Program demonstrated improvement in homework achievement.

  • 4,565 survivors were served by the Crisis Intervention team in our Survivor Empowerment Services Program.

    4,565 survivors were served by the Crisis Intervention team in our Survivor Empowerment Services Program.

  • More than 90% of infants and toddlers in our child development centers demonstrated a full level increase in language skills.

    90% of the infants and toddlers in our child development centers demonstrated a full level increase in language skills.

  • More than 300 seniors participated in our Senior Enrichment Programs around Los Angeles.

    More than 300 seniors participated in our Senior Enrichment Programs around Los Angeles.

Financial Statements

We’re committed to accountability and transparency. These documents illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and highlight the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on community members like you to support our mission! 

IRS Form 990

2023

2022

2021

2020