Lorraine Cole
National YWCA CEO

LORRAINE COLE, Ph.D., the new national YWCA chief executive officer, plans to rebuild the group’s infrastructure by expanding its membership rolls and connecting with the community through social advocacy and educational programs. “The YWCA has a rich history as a social justice, civil rights and women’s rights organization,’’ says Dr. Cole. “Founded in the United States nearly 150 years ago, the YWCA was one of the first organizations to champion the rights of African-Americans. The longstanding mission of the YWCA, which is boldly emblazoned in its new logo, is ‘eliminating racism and empowering women.’’’

Beyond that, legendary civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Height joined the national staff in 1944 and is credited with establishing the YWCA’s Office of Racial Justice Planning to promote equal opportunity for women of all races. “Through this exciting new role,’’ says Dr. Cole, “I am merely ‘re-upping’ my enlistment on the front line to address the YMCA’s mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.’’

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