Who We Are

Group of Women Sitting Together, Women's Shelter, YWCA Northeast Kansas

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

YWCA Northeast Kansas has been a proud part of the greater Topeka community for over 135 years and is a part of a network of YWCAs which represents one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organizations in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. Locally, we proudly serve over 7,500 individuals and families each year.

More important than the numbers, is our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and stand for social justice for all. We provide safe places for survivors, strengthen families through quality, affordable childcare, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights and civil rights at the local, state, and federal level.

What sets YWCA apart is our commitment to comprehensive social services, combined with our dedication to creating a more just world through advocacy and issue education.

Join the movement today, and join hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and advocates who are building a stronger community and a brighter future for all.

YWCA IS ON A MISSION

Our Team

  • Kathleen Marker

    She, her, hers
    CEO

  • Courtland Davis

    He, him, his
    Director of Operations

  • Alicia VanWalleghem

    She, her, hers
    Director of Community Engagement

  • Linda Aziz

    She, her, hers
    Director of Finance

  • Alex Williams

    She, her, hers
    Volunteer Coordinator

  • Becca Spielman

    She, her, hers
    Program Director, Center for Safety and Empowerment

  • Christina Chavez

    She, her, hers
    Assistant Program Director, Center for Safety and Empowerment

  • Rachel Grollmes

    She, her, hers
    Public Education Coordinator, Center for Safety and Empowerment

  • Shannon Schuh

    She, her, hers
    Rural Project Coordinator, Center for Safety and Empowerment

  • Kelsi Bassler

    She, her, hers
    Director, Youth Services

  • Early Learning Center Director

    Interim: Miss Patricia

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for the greater Topeka community.

2023 – 2024 Officers

Gina Millsap
President, Library Consultant/Executive Coach

Tara James Wallace
Vice President, MSW, LSCSW, CTF-CBT, CATF, CCTP, Lighthouse TCO

Megan Schwerdt Williams
Secretary, Schwerdt Contract Interiors

Theresa Dodson
Treasurer, Evergy

Donna Rae Pearson
Governance Chair, Kansas Museum of History

Directors

Paige Blevins
Security Benefit

Lan Danielson
Prairie Band Casino & Resort

Angela Lewis
Shawnee County

Mallory Lutz
Little Government Relations

Jaclyn Mullins
DL Smith Electric

Todd Payne
OFG Financial Services

Fatima Perez-Luthi
The Grind Coaching & Consulting

Rev. Doreen Rice
St. David’s Episcopal Church

Cortney Streeter
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Jennifer Vance
Envista Credit Union

Key Dates in YWCA History

Annual Reports

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!

FAQs

  • No, YWCA Northeast Kansas does not have a pool or gym. We are a social service agency devoted to our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

  • YWCA Northeast Kansas programs and services are available to people of all gender and sexual identities. All services at the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment are free and confidential.

  • Though the original founders were inspired by principles of Christianity, YWCA has moved toward an inclusive vision of “peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.” Today, the YWCA movement is non-religious and open to people of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation.