Lorraine Cole: National YWCA CEO

LORRAINE COLE, Ph.D., the new national YWCA chief executive officer, plans to rebuild the group's infrastructure by expanding its membership rolls and connecting with the community through social advocacy and educational programs. "The YWCA has a rich history as a social justice, civil rights and women's fights organization," says Dr. Cole. "Founded in the United States nearly 150 years ago, the YWCA was one of the first organizations to champion the fights of African-Americans. The longstanding mission of the YWCA, which is boldly emblazoned in its new logo, is 'eliminating racism and empowering women.'"

Beyond that, legendary civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Height joined the national staff in 1944 and is credited with establishing the YWCA's Office of Racial Justice Planning to promote equal opportunity for women of all races. "Through this exciting new role," says Dr. Cole, "I am merely 're-upping' my enlistment on the front line to address the YMCA's mission of empowering women and eliminating racism."

Dr. Cole, previously president and CEO at the Black Women's Health Imperative, has been known as an outspoken leader and organizer on issues of racial and gender disparities in health. During her tenure, Imperative members benefited from an expanded education, advocacy and research platform. Additionally, she led the re-branding effort to change the name from the National Black Women's Health Project to the Black Women's Health Imperative to convey a greater sense of urgency about the health status of Black women. "Collectively, we can thank [Dr. Cole] for her strong leadership, insight and countless contributions," says Byllye Avery, founder of the Imperative. "We appreciate [Dr. Cole] for her leadership. The quest to obtain health and wellness for African-American women is a long-term struggle. We applaud her contributions in this phase of our growth."

Dr. Cole says she is excited about assuming leadership of the national YWCA. One of the nation's 20 largest membership associations with nearly 300 local affiliates and assets of more than $600 million, she says the YWCA can be a powerful women-led force for change to benefit women across America. She plans to expand membership by inviting women of all ages to become a part of the YWCA's "Sisterforce." She also plans to launch a nationwide, multicultural effort to "start a new conversation" on the subjects of racism and sexism.

A native of Chicago, Dr. Cole earned a doctorate in human communication science and disorders, and master's and bachelor's degrees in speech-language pathology from Northern Illinois University. She is married to writer/composer Vincent Stovall, and they have a teenage daughter.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
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