Nation's First YWCA and Oldest Women's Organization Appoints Award Winning Community Leader for a New Era of Leadership

NEW YORK, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the YWCA of the City of New York, after a national search supported by Howe-Lewis International, has appointed Danielle Moss Lee, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the 154 year old non-profit organization. Dr. Moss Lee, a highly respected leader in youth development and community organizing, succeeds Anne Winters-Bishop who retired last July.  Dr. Moss Lee will begin her term on July 16, 2012.

Danielle Moss Lee brings over twenty years of experience working with economically-challenged communities and students of color. In her previous role as President and CEO of the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), her leadership efforts helped evolve the program into a leading-edge out-of-school college preparatory and youth leadership organization.  She was presented with the Neighborhood Builder Award in 2008 by Bank of America's Neighborhood Excellence Initiative in recognition of the work she and HEAF had done for the community.  Prior to her role at HEAF, Moss Lee was Project Director for the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.  Moss Lee received her Ed.D. from Teachers College Columbia University, and her B.A. from Swarthmore College.

In addition to her professional experience, Moss Lee has a first-hand perspective on the power of community-based organizations. "I am honored to be leading the YWCA-NYC, as we work to further our commitment to breaking down the racial and gender-bias barriers facing women across New York City," says Moss Lee. "This is a cause to which I have not only dedicated my professional career, but one in which I am personally invested.  In these tough economic times, the YWCA-NYC is an even more essential resource for our city's most vulnerable communities."

"For over 150 years the YWCA of the City of New York has been combating racism and empowering women.  Methods have changed with the times – but the organization has a pioneering spirit in its DNA that is really exciting," says Marcia Sells, YWCA-NYC Board Chair.  "Today we are focused on helping women at risk return to the workforce and succeed.  We are pioneering high impact curriculum in science, math and technology to help young women achieve and excel.  The strategies may change, but the vision remains constant.  It's all about the W!  It's as relevant and necessary today as it was 154 years ago – and I look forward to working with Danielle as we charter new successes for this historic organization."

About the YWCA of the City of New York

Established in 1858, the YWCA of the City of New York is one of the nation's oldest non-profit organizations dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism. We focus on underserved families through job training, educational child care and after school programs; partnerships with business, government and other not-for-profits; and advocacy on behalf of the clients we serve.

SOURCE YWCA of the City of New York

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