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YWCA Central Carolinas’ annual fundraising luncheon, We Believe 2025, took place on March 4, bringing together dedicated supporters who share our commitment to advancing our mission and programs.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our valued partners, including Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. Their continued sponsorship of We Believe 2025 is vital in driving our impact forward. Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas have long empowered equity in our community. Their ongoing support of YWCA Central Carolinas strengthens our mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

With their support of We Believe 2025, Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas have enabled us to broaden our reach and deepen our community impact, ensuring more people benefit from our programs.

“Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are proud to support YWCA Central Carolinas as a We Believe 2025 presenting sponsor. This event highlighted the critical work YWCA does to create lasting change in our community, providing opportunities for the community to contribute to its mission. We recognize YWCA’s commitment to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, and we were honored to stand alongside them in this important work,” Lisa Rhyne, Government and Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas, said.

We sincerely appreciate Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas for their enduring partnership and commitment to advancing equity alongside YWCA Central Carolinas.

Charlotte, NC — DreamKey Partners, in partnership with YWCA Central Carolinas, is excited to break ground on “Grounds for Change,” a transformative affordable housing development located on YWCA’s 10-acre property on Park Road. YWCA is proud to contribute land and significant philanthropic support for this project that advances our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This transformative project will provide 80 affordable housing units reserved for households earning 30%–60% of the area median income (AMI).

These units contribute to alleviating Charlotte’s lack of affordable housing, an urgent need that has grown to crisis proportions in recent years. YWCA Central Carolinas remains committed to fostering equity and stability in our community, and this project represents a major step forward in providing desperately needed housing options for individuals and families. As a natural extension of our long-standing efforts through the Women in Transition and Families Together programs, which provide transitional housing and case management for women and families facing homelessness, Grounds for Change underscores YWCA Central Carolinas’ dedication to addressing the homelessness and housing crisis in our city.

“The visionary women of YWCA Central Carolinas have been dreaming big dreams for well over a century, but realizing THIS particular dream is especially inspiring, given all the delays we’ve faced. Our excitement and commitment to transforming these acres into affordable housing for 80 households has never wavered. That groundbreaking day has arrived, bringing with it the opportunity to make a world of difference for generations to come,” said CEO Kirsten Sikkelee, who will transition into the role of Senior Project Liaison to Grounds for Change on March 3.

Originally announced in 2020 with plans to break ground in 2021, “Grounds for Change” faced significant delays due to the effects of the pandemic including inflation and cost escalations, but our dedication to this initiative has persisted. Despite challenges, YWCA Central Carolinas and DreamKey Partners have worked diligently to bring this vision to life, and today’s groundbreaking signifies the start of construction on a brighter future for countless families and individuals. We anticipate that units from the Grounds for Change development will be move-in ready by early 2027.

“The YWCA in particular… has been an advocate and a champion of affordable housing for decades,” said Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member Dante’ Anderson, highlighting YWCA’s longstanding commitment to housing solutions. She also recognized YWCA’s Families Together and Women In Transition programs as key initiatives supporting individuals and families in need.

“DreamKey Partners is thrilled to collaborate with the YWCA on the development of affordable housing at their Park Road campus. The ambitious vision championed by the YWCA’s board and staff promises not only to build a vibrant community, but also to significantly enhance economic opportunities for low-income families in Charlotte. Through this unique partnership, we hope to inspire others to reimagine what’s possible in creating affordable housing solutions within their own neighborhoods,” Julie Porter, President of DreamKey Partners, said.

The Grounds for Change development exemplifies the power of collaboration and community-focused innovation. As construction begins, YWCA Central Carolinas is proud to celebrate this milestone and its meaningful impact on the Charlotte community.

Charlotte, NC – YWCA Central Carolinas is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Pamela Gibson Senegal as its new Chief Executive Officer. Senegal, who currently serves as President of Piedmont Community College, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

With a proven track record of closing student equity gaps, enhancing programs, and fostering community partnerships, Senegal is well-positioned to lead YWCA Central Carolinas into an exciting new chapter. Having served as the president of Piedmont Community College since 2017, she is now looking forward to returning home to Charlotte, North Carolina.

“I am incredibly honored that the Board of YWCA has selected me to continue this

important legacy of work dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism. I look forward to working with staff, volunteers and donors to create more opportunities for women, children, and families to thrive and fulfill their destinies in the region we serve,” the Charlotte native said.

“The Board of Directors and selection committee were committed to finding a CEO who deeply embodies YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women,” said Board President Brittany Conner. “We are confident that under Senegal’s leadership, YWCA Central Carolinas will continue to drive meaningful change and create lasting opportunities for those we serve.”

Since its founding in 1902, YWCA Central Carolinas has been a cornerstone in the Charlotte community, advocating for equity, stability and opportunity. With Senegal at the helm, the organization will continue to advance its critical work including transitional housing, youth literacy programs and racial justice and advocacy work.

Senegal looks forward to joining the organization on March 3. For more information about YWCA Central Carolinas and its programs, visit https://ywcacentralcarolinas.org.

Dear YWCA Family,

Executive orders issued this week by the new administration have amplified anxiety and fear for so many people across our nation. YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people compels us to have courage, speak the truth and stand with and for those who are most vulnerable in light of such orders.

On the same day that our nation honored the life’s work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose work for justice continues, our country also inaugurated our new president. In the worship service traditionally held as a part of the inaugural events, Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of our nation’s capital, spoke directly.

She reminded our incoming leaders that Americans had placed their trust in them and asked the new president “to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” She asked, “God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love.”

This morning, one of our youth learning center coordinators said to me, “In such fearful, discouraging times, I’m encouraged to be a part of this work at YWCA. It gives me hope.” I couldn’t agree more.

Throughout our history, YWCA Central Carolinas has aspired to serve as a beacon of hope in the face of racism, misogyny, injustice and discrimination. May we all have the courage to hold fast to our values and speak out when faced with injustice. For in our humanity, we are indeed one.

Peace be with each of you,

Kirsten D. Sikkelee

Chief Executive Officer

Dear YWCA Family,

This morning, our country awakened in a democracy that cast its votes for new leaders. Many Americans are celebrating. Many are grieving and afraid. At YWCA Central Carolinas, we will continue to be guided by our anti-racist, anti-sexist mission that upholds peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.

As the first Black and South Asian American woman nominated by a major party to run for the nation’s highest office, Vice President Kamala Harris embodies the mission and vision of YWCA. Her nomination broke barriers and modeled a leadership path for today’s women and girls and future generations to come. Women of color have always fed, led and nurtured this nation, even when this nation has, over centuries, refused to acknowledge even their humanity.

YWCA Central Carolinas does not shy away from the hard work and determination to build a racially equitable nation in which women and girls can thrive. Even in a divided climate, hope remains a powerful, radical act. Today, we recommit to our mission, lead in the way we hope to be led and turn towards justice.

Peace be with each of you,

Kirsten D. Sikkelee, Chief Executive Officer

In May 2022, Latasha, a strong mother of five, had run out of options. After her relationship with the father of her five children ended, she was in need of a path forward. She had been living in a housing program with her family, but due to the breakup, she and her children, aged 4 through 21, had to move out. With nowhere else to go, she moved her family into her mother’s living room. She knew she needed to find a path forward, but didn’t know where to start.

After doing some research, Latasha learned about YWCA’s Families Together program. Through this program, YWCA provides safe, affordable housing and intensive support services for families with minor children facing homelessness. Immediately, Latasha knew it was a fit. She had her social worker write her a referral, and soon, she and her children were approved. Finally, there was a glimmer of light on their path forward.

When Latasha and her four youngest children moved into one of YWCA’s Families Together townhomes, she was overcome with gratitude. “I was grateful that we didn’t just have a place to stay, but we had our own kitchen. I had my own bedroom. And YWCA provided everything we needed: bedding, washcloths, towels and more,” shared Latasha. Although it had been a difficult period of transition, “It felt like a step in the right direction — a stepping stone,” shared Latasha.

Now with a safe roof over their heads, Latasha and her family had the time and energy to set and work
towards goals with the help of YWCA’s Families Together staff. Latasha wanted to achieve financial
stability. She needed to save money, provide support and a stable home for her children. And most importantly, she needed to secure permanent housing — a safe place for her and her young children to grow together as a family.

The journey to financial stability and permanent housing is not an easy one, but with the support of the Families Together program, Latasha kept putting one foot in front of the other by budgeting, taking classes, and navigating affordable housing waitlists. While seeing the finish line was difficult at first, she gained hope and knowledge by celebrating other families in the Families Together program who had graduated into permanent housing. It opened her mind to what was possible for her and her family, even though she had a long road ahead of her to achieving her goals.

After nearly 18 months of hard work and perseverance, Latasha and her children got to experience that same excitement they witnessed in their Families Together neighbors. They were approved for Section 8 housing, thanks to YWCA’s partnership with Inlivian, and moved out of Families Together this past January — graduating from the program into permanent housing. “This part felt really far away when I first started the program,” shared Latasha, but thanks to the one on-one support she received in the program, “I knew it was reachable.”

Now, a few months later, Latasha and her children have settled into their new home. Her children were able to stay in the same school district, able to avoid the uprooting that happens when young students transfer schools. And as Latasha reflects on her journey, she’s looking forward to the future, too. Today, Latasha is working towards bigger goals — like improving her financial stability and her career. She wants to eventually become a social worker or work in the human services field, and to be able to give back and support others who have walked her same path. She was even able to take classes in human services and case management while in YWCA’s program.

The future is bright for Latasha and her children, and YWCA is so proud to have played a role in their story. Thank you to YWCA’s generous donors who support our transitional housing programs. Latasha’s story is possible because of you.

On a sunny March afternoon in YWCA’s Sunridge Youth Learning Center, students proudly chanted “I am unique, and that’s beautiful,” while designing their own distinctive flowers to be planted in the class’s “diversity garden.” Once complete, the “garden” was full of flowers, all unique in their own individual way. In an effort to celebrate diversity and impart the importance of equity and inclusion, Community Engagement Manager Jamila Green facilitated a class lesson called “The ABC’s of DEI” with Sunridge students.

In order to further YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, it is critical that we sow the seeds of empathy, respect, and understanding in our next generation. YWCA’s Youth Programs provide free, year-round, out-of-school programming for students from low-income communities in eight Youth Learning Centers across Mecklenburg and Union Counties. In addition to developing their literacy skills, YWCA’s Youth Programs aim to empower our students to think critically about the world around them and to develop a holistic sense of self.

Sunridge students learning about equity through an exercise in height differences.

So when Jackie Hubbard, assistant coordinator at Park Road Youth Learning Center, had a student ask her about the upcoming election, their confusion around the concepts of equality and differing perspectives sparked an idea to bring these big ideas of diversity, equity and inclusion to their level as elementary schoolers. “I was thinking, how can we talk about these complex topics differently, and what is ‘fair’ on a kid’s level? How can we help our students understand their own perspectives?” shared Jackie Hubbard.

A student reading All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold aloud to the class.

Born out of a desire to equip students with the knowledge and language to understand the world around them, Jamila Green developed the lesson “The ABC’s of DEI” for YWCA’s students. The lesson led students through what each term means to them and what it looks like in their lives. To celebrate diversity, students learned how diversity does not only include the physical characteristics they see in themselves and their classmates, but also includes thoughts and beliefs. Together, they repeated the mantra, “I am unique, and that’s beautiful,” while showing off their own flowers to the class. By together creating a “diversity garden” and seeing uniquely decorated flowers all together, they saw how their own individual identities make them unique in a beautiful way that deserves to be celebrated.

To help students understand the concept of equity, Jamila picked two students, one short and one tall, and held a piece of candy above their heads at a height only the taller student could reach. Students lamented, “that’s not fair!” until Jamila pulled out a stool, which when the shorter student stood on it, brought them to the same height and in comfortable reach of the candy. Although a second grader can’t quite yet understand the complexities of structural racism in our society, students were able to connect with equity and how it plays into their life by recognizing that each person has different circumstances and we may need to allocate resources and opportunities differently to reach equal outcomes.

Sunridge’s “diversity garden,” complete with flowers designed by each student.

And lastly, to break down “inclusivity” in kid-friendly terms, students took turns reading aloud All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, a book that celebrates diversity in a school setting where everyone is welcomed with open arms. Inclusivity, as Jamila shared, means making sure there is room for everyone to play, live and exist, where no one feels left out or excluded. All students had the opportunity to contribute, no matter their reading level, making for a fun, interactive read-along experience.

At a time when the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” are divisive, YWCA stands strong in our mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. As we grapple with these complex terms ourselves as adults in society, it is imperative we help provide the tools for our young students to be well-rounded citizens and critical thinkers. By nurturing empathy and understanding in our youth, we pave the way for a future where everyone is celebrated for who they are, and where equity and inclusion thrive.

Partnerships like the one YWCA Central Carolinas shares with Bank of America serve to bolster our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Bank of America has been a steadfast supporter of YWCA’s transitional housing programs, Women In Transition and Families Together, for years, providing both financial backing and volunteer assistance. This year, Bank of America Private Bank has continued this commitment by sponsoring our We Believe event as the Empower Equity presenting sponsor.

For many years, Bank of America volunteers have led numerous workshops for YWCA Women In Transition participants, covering topics ranging from personal finance and budgeting to arts and crafts. Groups like Bank of America LEAD for Women have truly gone above and beyond, not only organizing holiday meals for our transitional housing residents but also spearheading wish list drives to supply essential items for women in our programs and our Youth Programs students.

Additionally, YWCA Central Carolinas is grateful for the invaluable contributions and leadership of three Bank of America team members—Frenchie Wilson Brown, Soamoya Rankins, and Christie Gragnani-Woods—serving on our board of directors.

We are grateful to Bank of America for being a long-standing supporter and partner of YWCA Central Carolinas.

YWCA’s annual fundraiser, We Believe 2023, was on March 7. It was so wonderful to share community with all of our supporters in celebration of and support of our mission and programs.

YWCA is so proud of the support that we have received from amazing partners and individuals. One of those impactful supporters is our empower equity event sponsor Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas.

For years, Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas have supported our Youth Programs and various events through funding and sponsorships. This support empowers our educators in their work with students K-5 in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. YWCA’s Youth Learning Centers provide spaces for our students to focus on their literacy skills, to learn about individuals that have had an impact in our history and to keep families connected to needed resources.

With Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas’ additional support of YWCA’s We Believe 2023 event, YWCA has been able to reach more individuals, growing our community.

We are grateful to Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas for being a long-standing supporter and partner of YWCA Central Carolinas.

YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all is strengthened by partnerships like the one we have with Bank of America.

For years, Bank of America has supported our transitional housing programs, Women In Transition and Families Together, through funding and volunteer support. And for the fourth year in a row, Bank of America has sponsored our We Believe event at the highest level – our Empower Equity presenting sponsor. Year after year, Bank of America makes an incredible impact on our community by supporting YWCA’s mission and programs.

Throughout 2022, Bank of America volunteers facilitated multiple workshops to YWCA Women In Transition participants focused on personal finance and budgeting as well as arts and crafts. Volunteers from groups like Bank of America LEAD for Women have continued to make an impact: they have not only purchased and delivered holiday meals for our transitional housing participants, but also have held multiple wish list drives, providing needed items for women in our programs and our Youth Programs students.

“Bank of America Lead has continued to support YWCA families, participants, and students with great vigor. From workshops on personal finance to delivering hot meals to our Women in Transition participants around the holidays, every effort has been immensely appreciated! We are thankful to have connected with a group who truly understands how important service to others is.”
Jamila Green, YWCA Central Carolinas’ Community Engagement Manager

Bank of America doesn’t just support our housing programs. Their funding supports all aspects of YWCA’s mission. In 2018, Bank of America announced a $20 million investment in Charlotte-area Charlotte’s racial equity fund to drive local economic mobility. YWCA was selected as one of the nonprofits benefiting from this substantial commitment. This is because at YWCA, we focus on key factors that positively impact economic mobility like early child care and education, college and career readiness and family stability fostering healthy child development. We continue to receive support from this 2018 investment!

Finally, YWCA Central Carolinas appreciates the contributions and leadership of two Bank of America team members on our board of directors: Frenchie Wilson Brown and Christie Gragnani-Woods.

We are grateful to Bank of America for being a long-standing supporter and partner of YWCA Central Carolinas.