Category: Spotlights

Retirement for some means slowing down to enjoy life without work. For others, like YWCA St. Paul Board Member Barb Tretheway, retirement is just the

Leadership has been a theme throughout board member Anika Ward’s entire life. Her desire to constantly reimagine (and redesign) what is possible is at the core of her work, which is why she started Sankofa Leadership Network. 

After years swimming in YW’s pool, Mara Ascheman joined our board and regularly leads Xcel Energy Day of Service volunteer projects to give back to her community.

A self-described ‘child of St. Paul,’ Tina Grant grew up mere blocks from the YWCA St. Paul. But it wasn’t until a colleague invited her to a YW fundraiser in 2012, that she began to really understand the scope of YW’s work. Having served on the Board since 2013, Tina continues to be impressed by the work YW does.

Timing is everything. Alison Lehman was in the midst of co-founding a women’s group at Securian Financial and seeking volunteer opportunities, when she was connected to YWCA St. Paul.

As a community-oriented professional, Cassandra Yarbrough’s board service is one way she could meaningfully give back and make a real difference.

Julie Guggemos’ mom instilled in her an appreciation for how important family support services like those offered by YWCA St. Paul can be to a

Dr. Yohuru Williams, YWCA St. Paul’s Board Chair takes a straightforward approach to allocating his time. “Part of my calculation is to ask, where is the greatest need and where can I have the greatest impact? Where I allocate my time is influenced by where I can create ripples—ripples that amplify the work that’s already being done.”