Join YWCA St. Paul as we celebrate a remarkable year under the leadership of Ashley Booker, CEO! In just one year, Ashley has elevated the work and mission of YWCA St. Paul, forged critical and strategic partnerships, improved operational efficiency, identified the need to focus on health equity, and increased community impact. We are excited about what the future holds with Ashley at the helm. Cheers to many more years of impacting our community in life-changing ways!
Under Ashley’s leadership this past year, YWCA St. Paul has:
#1: Strengthened YWCA St. Paul’s focus on Health Equity
Under Ashley’s leadership, we are focusing on the social determinants of health for BIPOC people in St, Paul and prioritizing improving the outcomes of St. Paul’s Black residents, with a targeted emphasis on those living in or near the historic Rondo neighborhood. YWCA St. Paul is being transformed into a health equity organization!
#2: Transformed YWCA St. Paul as a Hub for Community Engagement
Under Ashley’s leadership, YWCA St. Paul has transformed into an organization that not only addresses immediate community needs but also serves as a hub for community engagement. By fostering deeper connections and collaborations with local organizations we amplify our collective impact. Over the past year, we have hosted celebration events, a family fair, and educational workshops to promote healthier lifestyles and build a stronger community. Our focus is on being a cornerstone of the Rondo community and beyond, and on maintaining the role YWCA St. Paul plays as an integral part of the community.
#3: Launched A New Partnership with Element Gym to Promote Health Equity
YWCA St. Paul and Element Boxing Gym joined forces in April 2024! Our two organizations are mission-aligned, share a commitment to health equity, possess complementary strengths, and hold a common vision for the future. We are beyond excited to work together to maximize our impact in the community!
#4: Secured Legislative Wins to support our Housing and Career Development Program Areas!
We are happy to share that the MN Legislature approved $200,000 for our career development programming and $2.3 million for capital improvements. Ashley engaged with many elected officials this past year, and we extend our heartfelt thank you to all who helped make this incredible investment in YWCA St. Paul happen. Special thanks to Senator Sandy Pappas, Senator Erin Murphy, State Representative Maria Isa Perez-Vega, Representative Jay Xiong, Representative Hodan Hassan, Representative Kaohly Vang Her, and Senator Bobby Joe Champion for advocating for this much-needed funding.
#5: Held the Most Successful Sweet Success Gala Yet!
YWCA St. Paul was thrilled to introduce Ashley as our new CEO to over 350 guests at our Sweet Success gala! The event was a celebration of strong women, including Ashley’s mother, Pamela Booker; her predecessor, Gaye Adams Massey; and her friend, Dr. Robin P. Hickman-Winfield, our 2024 Changemaker of the Year.
We also honored many other remarkable, legacy-building women and men and celebrated the outstanding achievements of our Sweet Success honorees. It was a sold-out event filled with energy and enthusiasm – we hope you all plan to join us next year!
#6: Staff Promotions!
Ashley recognized the talents and leadership qualities within YWCA St. Paul and promoted many staff members who have demonstrated a deep commitment to our work and mission. Through these promotions, YWCA St. Paul has strengthened our capacity to develop our current programs while building new ones to address community needs, enhance community outreach and engagement, and build stronger partnerships.
#7: Community Events and Community Engagement!
We have been out and about in the community! YWCA St. Paul is committed to social impact and we spent time connecting with people directly impacted by our programs, fostering trust, and building relationships. It has been so much fun! From Selby Avenue Jazz Fest to Sterling Club’s Freedom Celebration commemorating Juneteenth, it was a great year getting YWCA St. Paul back together with the community, in the community.
#8: A 2024-2027 Strategic Plan to Provide a Clear Roadmap for Achieving YWCA St. Paul’s Mission and Goals
Together, with members from various departments, Ashley led an effort to craft a new strategic plan for YWCA St. Paul to identify and respond to opportunities and challenges, set measurable objectives and define the steps to reach them.
Our guiding statement is YWCA St. Paul promotes health equity, racial justice, and opportunities for women and their families to thrive through programming that centers African American realities, values, and strengths.
Our core organizational values are Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; Health and Wellbeing; Social Innovation; Community Engagement and Collaboration; and Accountability.
#9: Initiated New Programs
Given the recent success of our longstanding social enterprise operation, the Health & Fitness Center, we are exploring three new social enterprise concepts that center on health equity a youth-led community gardening program, a healthy food café and juice bar staffed by teens and young adults, and a fitness career pathways program to increase the racial diversity of young people entering health and wellness professions.
#10: Received Community Awards and Recognition
Ashley has been recognized for her leadership and featured multiple times throughout the media for her impactful work for YWCA St. Paul. She has been recognized for her dedication to improving health outcomes for BIPOC communities. We are so grateful for Ashley and her focus on health equity and community engagement and her relentless passion for our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, fostering improved health outcomes for communities of color.
