YWCA St. Paul, part of the national YWCA movement, continues its vital role in advocating for women’s empowerment and the elimination of racism. For 113 years, the organization has supported the community, focusing on racial justice, women’s health, economic advancement, and educational equity. At the heart of its mission is a commitment to improving the lives of Black women and families in St. Paul and beyond, addressing systemic disparities that persist across various sectors.
Rooted in the historic Rondo neighborhood, YWCA St. Paul has long been dedicated to improving the well-being of its community, with an emphasis on fostering racial and gender equity. The organization’s mission is anchored in the belief that all lives hold inherent value and that an inclusive community is one where individuals of different ethnicities, faiths, economic statuses, and gender identities can access equal opportunities and justice.
In 2023, YWCA St. Paul’s newly appointed CEO, Ashley Booker, took the helm after serving for many years as a member of the organization. She brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Executive Vice President of Learning and Impact at Planned Parenthood. Her return to YWCA was motivated by a desire to positively impact the community she calls home and continue addressing the inequities that have long affected communities of color.
“I’ve always chosen jobs where equity was at the forefront,” Booker says. “My focus is now on the inequities present in housing, education, and economic advancement.” She went on to explain that the issues of health equity, housing, and employment are inextricably linked. The data patterns she observed in these areas echo those seen in sexual and reproductive health, underscoring the interconnectedness of social determinants of health.
Booker’s leadership directly reflects the organization’s commitment to uplifting Black women, whose health and economic outcomes often lag behind those of other groups. “There is no way we can move the needle on the persistent health inequities present in this community in solitude,” she says. YWCA St. Paul works across sectors to address housing instability, education gaps, and economic disparities, recognizing that comprehensive community solutions are needed to create lasting change.
One of the organization’s key initiatives in 2023 was collaborating with Element Gym to co-locate within the same building and take the first step toward creating a comprehensive community health hub. This partnership is designed to improve health outcomes for African American women and their families by offering joint programming, including fitness classes, health screenings, and educational workshops.
This initiative has added 30 new weekly fitness classes, attracting more Black participants. “Now we’re brainstorming about what other complimentary services, programs, or organizations can also come be a part of our collective,” Booker continues. By working together, YWCA and its partners hope to create a network of services that address the needs of local families.
In addition to its partnerships, YWCA St. Paul actively seeks to build a more inclusive and supportive community through its programs, including childcare services, education, and health resources. Their childcare services reach thousands of families annually, offering safe, affordable care that supports parents in their work and contributes to children’s developmental success.
YWCA’s commitment to women’s empowerment extends beyond St. Paul’s borders. Through its national initiative, Women’s Empowerment 360° (WE360°), YWCA provides critical support to women entrepreneurs, particularly those of color, by offering resources and funding opportunities to help them grow their businesses.
The WE360° program culminates in the LevelUP! Pitch Competitions, where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for the chance to win capital to support their ventures. In 2024 alone, grand prizes totaling $200,000 were awarded across 13 competitions. These events give women the tools to improve their pitches, market their businesses, and scale their ventures.
YWCA St. Paul is also a leader in addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. As the largest network of domestic violence service providers in the country, YWCA plays a crucial role in supporting survivors of violence. Each year, the organization serves hundreds of thousands of individuals through its various health and safety programs, ranging from prevention initiatives to providing shelters and resources for victims of violence.
Its commitment to addressing violence is demonstrated annually through the Week Without Violence campaign, which mobilizes communities across the country to take action against all forms of violence. This initiative includes workshops, public awareness events, and community service opportunities designed to educate and engage the public on violence-related issues.
Booker is determined to ensure that despite the changes in Rondo, and the pervasive gentrification that has drastically changed the community, YWCA will continue to advocate for communities of color. “Regardless of the changes happening around us, we are still here, and we aren’t going anywhere,” she says. “I want Black people in this community to know that this is still a safe space for them, and they still belong here on Selby.”