Connections Newsletter July 2026
Welcome to the July issue of Connections.
This month, I have the privilege of sharing some personal news. Beginning August 3, I'll have the honor of serving as YWCA Dayton's next President & CEO.
Stepping into this role feels like both an incredible honor and a homecoming. Throughout my time at YWCA Dayton, I've seen firsthand the strength of our staff, the resilience of the survivors and families we serve, and the extraordinary generosity of supporters like you. Because of this community, women and children find safety, hope, and new opportunities every day.
As we look ahead, I'm excited to build on that momentum and continue ensuring that safety, opportunity, and dignity remain within reach for every person who turns to YWCA Dayton.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of this journey. I hope you'll take a moment to read the full announcement below and learn more about this exciting new chapter for YWCA Dayton.
With gratitude,
Barbara Ward
Incoming President & CEO
Barbara Ward Named President & CEO of YWCA Dayton
YWCA Dayton today announced that Barbara Ward will become its next President and CEO, effective August 3, 2026. Ward, who currently serves as the organization's Chief Development Officer, succeeds Teresa Sanders, who is retiring after leading YWCA Dayton to a position of renewed strength and stability. Ward's appointment continues a season of momentum for one of the Miami Valley's most enduring institutions, founded in 1870, in service to women, children, and families.
Ward brings more than a decade of philanthropic leadership to the role, along with a career built on cultivating transformational giving and lasting community partnerships. As Chief Development Officer, she has guided YWCA Dayton's fundraising strategy across major gifts, foundation grants, annual giving, and signature events.
Ward's connection to YWCA Dayton spans multiple chapters of service. She previously served the organization as Director of Development and Communications, where she advanced advocacy initiatives and built a comprehensive fundraising strategy in support of racial equity, women's rights, and economic opportunity. She returned to YWCA Dayton as Chief Development Officer in December 2025, stepping into a central leadership role during a pivotal moment for the organization.
YWCA Dayton operates Montgomery County's only emergency shelter for individuals fleeing domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence, offering 20 private rooms for individuals and families. In 2025, the shelter served 186 individuals, provided 13,330 total bed nights of safety, and prepared 730 hot meals, while the organization's Rapid Rehousing program helped 97 individuals move toward stable, permanent housing.
"Leading YWCA Dayton is a profound honor and a homecoming," said Ward. "This organization centers survivors, elevates women, and confronts inequity with courage. I have seen firsthand the strength of our staff, the generosity of our community, and the resilience of the families we serve. Together, we will build on that momentum and ensure that safety, opportunity, and dignity remain within reach for every woman and child who turns to us."
"Barbara is exactly the leader YWCA Dayton needs for this moment," said Rachel Jessup, Board Chair of YWCA Dayton. "She combines deep philanthropic expertise with an unwavering commitment to our mission and a genuine love for this community. Barbara has already helped strengthen our foundation, and the Board is confident she will lead YWCA Dayton to even greater impact in the years ahead. We are thrilled to welcome her into this role."
Ward is a graduate of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She was named a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2024 and is a member of the 2025 Class of Leadership Dayton.
Beyond her professional career, she serves as First Lady of Omega Baptist Church, where she is active in the church's outreach and community initiatives. She also serves in board leadership roles with Human Race Theater Board, African American Community Fund at the Dayton Foundation, Dayton Art Institute Associate Board, and Foundations Chair of Dayton Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Community Partner Spotlight
A heartfelt thank you to Jewish Family Services of Dayton for their generous "Meet the Need" donation. Community partners like JFS help ensure that women and children in our domestic violence shelter and housing programs have access to the everyday essentials they need to feel safe, supported, and cared for.
Want to help meet the need? Donations of essential items make a meaningful difference for the thousands of women and children YWCA Dayton serves each year. If your organization is interested in hosting a donation drive or you'd like to learn more, email volunteers@ywcadayton.org or visit our wish list.
Join the YWCA Dayton Team
YWCA Dayton is seeking an Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. We're looking for a strategic partner who can help drive our mission forward through executive support, board engagement, project coordination, and relationship building. If you're a service-driven professional who's ready to make an impact across the Dayton region, we encourage you to apply.
Women of Influence
Nominations Due August 3
Nominations are now open for Women of Influence 2027! Since 1998, YWCA Dayton has set aside one special day to recognize and honor women in our community. We celebrate Dayton’s most influential women, all of whom have made a difference in our community through their dedication to the YWCA mission of empowering women, eliminating racism and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Welcome New Board Members
Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Members, Emily Broughton, Chief Growth Officer at Universal 1 Credit Union, and Dr. Nancy McHugh, Executive Director of the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dayton.
Our board members play a vital role in advancing YWCA Dayton's mission, and we're excited to welcome Emily and Nancy's leadership, expertise, and passion as we continue building a more equitable community together.
Emily Broughton
Chief Growth Officer
Universal 1 Credit Union
Dr. Nancy McHugh
Executive Director of the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community and Professor of Philosophy, University of Dayton
Leading with Purpose
Investing in strong leadership helps us better serve the Dayton community.
Barbara Ward, Chief Development Officer, and Rachel Jessup, Board Chair, recently participated in the Course for Nonprofit Leaders at Aileron, offered through the Mathile Family Foundation.
The program equips nonprofit leaders with professional management practices that strengthen organizations and deepen their impact. By continuing to learn, grow, and lead with purpose, YWCA Dayton is building our capacity to advance our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women
Imagine Circle Brings Together Champions for Change
YWCA Dayton recently welcomed Women of Influence honorees, community leaders, and dedicated supporters for a special Imagine Circle gathering. Hosted by Dr. Sharon Brommer, the evening offered an opportunity to reconnect, share meaningful conversations, and celebrate our shared commitment to creating more opportunities for women and families throughout the Dayton community.
The gathering also highlighted the many ways supporters can make an impact, from joining the Imagine Circle through leadership giving to becoming a recurring monthly donor or hosting an Imagine Circle Salon to introduce others to YWCA Dayton's mission.
Thank you to everyone who attended, invested, and continues to stand alongside us!
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're looking to volunteer, complete an internship or practicum, fulfill service-learning hours, or explore another way to get involved, we'd love to connect with you. Complete our updated interest form to tell us more about yourself and your interests, and our team will follow up about opportunities that match your skills and availability.
Every volunteer helps advance YWCA Dayton's mission of empowering women, eliminating racism, and creating lasting change in our community.
