Meet Our Team

Get to know us! We are proud of the leadership our Board of Directors provides to ensure that we are a preeminent community service agency in Phoenix that promotes women’s economic empowerment and the elimination of racism across Maricopa County. Our team is dedicated to creating a community that is equitable and inclusive for all.

Board of Directors

Leanna Taylor

Co- Chair
Chief Executive Officer
The Arizona Pet Project

Giselle Leyva Corella

Co- Chair
VP/Commercial Portfolio Manager
Bell Bank

Roxanne Wingate

Treasurer
Senior Community Relations Specialist
Cox Communications

Bianca Vargas

Secretary
Staff Accountant
St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance

Dr. Tara Nkrumah

Scientist/STEM Educator, Assistant Professor
Arizona State University

Tonya Dawn Recla

Executive Director
Super Power Experts

JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

YWCA Team

Debbie Esparza, CEO

Debbie’s commitment to YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women began more than 20 years ago as a donor, volunteer, and national YWCA board member. She is thrilled to come full circle as CEO.

Debbie brings a diverse leadership perspective to this role with experiences in banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, and 20 years in non-profit executive leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Finance and MBA emphasizing Entrepreneurship and Venture Management from the University of Southern California.

Her personal philanthropy supports LGBTQ+ issues, female empowerment, and leadership endeavors. She is active in Latina Giving Circle and is on the board of North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association.

Imelda Aguilera

Advancement Coordinator

602.258.0990, ext. 207

Olivia Bartholomaei

Program Coordinator

602.258.0990, ext. 204

Matthew Cooper

Associate Director – Senior Programs

602.258.0990, ext. 201

Joni Dinges

Home-Delivered Meals Program Assistant

623.931.7436, ext. 101

Katy Engels

Human Resources Manager

602.258.0990, ext. 212

Mayra
Estrella

Multicultural Community Partnerships Director

602.258.0990, ext. 221

Alexis Hermosillo

Impact & Evaluation Manager

623.931.7436, ext. 103

Alexis Hernandez

Food Services Manager

623.931.7436, ext. 206

Shomari Jackson

Project Director – Systems Change Initiative

623.931.7436, ext. 203

Lona
Lee

Executive Liaison

602.258.0990, ext. 213

Beatrice Lopez-Parra

Senior Center Program Assistant

623.931.7436, ext. 102

Angela Salazar

Equity Programs Director

602.258.0990, ext. 105

Yvonne Sanchez

Program Manager – Meals on Wheels

623.931.7436, ext 214

Kathy Saunders

Senior Center Director

623.931.7436, ext. 104

Georgia Simmering

Administrative Coordinator

602.258.70990, ext. 220

Stephanie Spearman

Office Coordinator

602.258.0990, ext. 100

Genevieve Villegas

Advancement Director

602.258.0990,ext. 208

Natalie Washington

Equity Coordinator

602.258.0990, ext. 202

Khaliah Williams

Community Engagement Coordinator

602.258.0990, ext. 215

SENIOR PROGRAMS TEAM

Home-Delivered Meals Drivers

Delaney Brandon

Victoria Draper

Arnold Davis

Bonnie Kovnesky

Martina Lopez

Judy Pikop

Ralph Pikop

Peter Schuler

Robert de la Vara

Robert Bitah (Volunteer)

Dan Boyle (Volunteer)

Mary Katz (Volunteer)

John Knoll (Volunteer)

Starlean Marsh (Volunteer)

Anita Smull (Volunteer)

Food Service Assistants

Ginger Cabrera

Lupe Cataldo

Johnny Garza

Fadwa Hamdan

Branden Mason

Primrose Moone

Rich Rushing

Kay Seibel

Doris Thomas

JOIN OUR TEAM

There are many ways to get involved with YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix

Your voice matters as we stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. Whether you have time, talents, or treasures to contribute, learn how you can plug in to the YWCA community.

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