Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.
YWCA Madison News

News
The latest updates from YWCA Madison
Gery Paredes Vásquez, Executive Director of YWCA Madison, shares a reflection as she prepares to attend a national gathering of YWCA executive directors in Phoenix. Drawing inspiration from a story she heard in Teotihuacan, Mexico—from an elder named Toñita—Gery recounts the tale of Coatlicue, the Earth Goddess, who, despite vulnerability, births a powerful warrior to protect the world. This story becomes a metaphor for resilience, transformation, and hidden strength during uncertain times.
We’re thrilled to share that YWCA Madison will be featured in Target Circle’s community giving program this October through December! We will be featured at your local Target stores in Madison and online.
For two years, YWCA Madison’s staff engaged in deep reflection, collaboration, and action to define the values that would guide their work. These values—humanity, community, growth, and restoration—emerged from a collective effort to align their mission with meaningful, lived principles that could shape every interaction and decision. And now, as they launch a billboard campaign in partnership with Adams Outdoors, YWCA Madison views this initiative as the capstone of their collective work—a powerful public affirmation of the values they have built together.
Madison, Wisconsin – July 15, 2024 – After completing a national search and selection process, the YWCA Madison Board of Directors and Selection Committee has unanimously decided to name Gery Paredes Vásquez as the permanent CEO of the organization. YWCA Madison’s Board President Angela Arrington and Vice President Monica Mims together stated, “Gery Paredes Vasquez has displayed a deep commitment to YWCA Madison and its mission for many years. Gery's commitment deepened over the last four months as Interim CEO in which she has brought refreshing leadership that will continue the advancement of the organization’s ideals and the communities it serves.”
MADISON, Wisconsin – March 12, 2024 – YWCA Madison proudly announces the appointment of Gery Paredes Vásquez as the Interim CEO, effective February 17, 2024. With a profound commitment to intersectional justice, collective healing and liberation, Gery brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this role. YWCA Madison’s Board President Angela Arrington stated “Gery Paredes Vásquez's appointment as Interim CEO marks a new chapter for YWCA Madison as it continues its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization looks forward to the leadership and vision that Gery will bring to this role”.
Monday, January 22, 2024
A Farewell Message from Vanessa McDowell-Atlas, CEO of YWCA Madison MADISON, Wisconsin, January 22, 2024, – A Farewell Message from Vanessa McDowell-Atlas, CEO of YWCA Madison. Dear Madison Community, I hope this message finds you well. It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you of my departure from YWCA Madison as its… Continue Reading Press Release: A Farewell Message from Vanessa McDowell-Atlas, CEO of YWCA Madison

Press Releases
The latest updates from YWCA Madison
Gery Paredes Vásquez, Executive Director of YWCA Madison, shares a reflection as she prepares to attend a national gathering of YWCA executive directors in Phoenix. Drawing inspiration from a story she heard in Teotihuacan, Mexico—from an elder named Toñita—Gery recounts the tale of Coatlicue, the Earth Goddess, who, despite vulnerability, births a powerful warrior to protect the world. This story becomes a metaphor for resilience, transformation, and hidden strength during uncertain times.
We’re thrilled to share that YWCA Madison will be featured in Target Circle’s community giving program this October through December! We will be featured at your local Target stores in Madison and online.
For two years, YWCA Madison’s staff engaged in deep reflection, collaboration, and action to define the values that would guide their work. These values—humanity, community, growth, and restoration—emerged from a collective effort to align their mission with meaningful, lived principles that could shape every interaction and decision. And now, as they launch a billboard campaign in partnership with Adams Outdoors, YWCA Madison views this initiative as the capstone of their collective work—a powerful public affirmation of the values they have built together.
Madison, Wisconsin – July 15, 2024 – After completing a national search and selection process, the YWCA Madison Board of Directors and Selection Committee has unanimously decided to name Gery Paredes Vásquez as the permanent CEO of the organization. YWCA Madison’s Board President Angela Arrington and Vice President Monica Mims together stated, “Gery Paredes Vasquez has displayed a deep commitment to YWCA Madison and its mission for many years. Gery's commitment deepened over the last four months as Interim CEO in which she has brought refreshing leadership that will continue the advancement of the organization’s ideals and the communities it serves.”
MADISON, Wisconsin – March 12, 2024 – YWCA Madison proudly announces the appointment of Gery Paredes Vásquez as the Interim CEO, effective February 17, 2024. With a profound commitment to intersectional justice, collective healing and liberation, Gery brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this role. YWCA Madison’s Board President Angela Arrington stated “Gery Paredes Vásquez's appointment as Interim CEO marks a new chapter for YWCA Madison as it continues its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization looks forward to the leadership and vision that Gery will bring to this role”.
Monday, January 22, 2024
A Farewell Message from Vanessa McDowell-Atlas, CEO of YWCA Madison MADISON, Wisconsin, January 22, 2024, – A Farewell Message from Vanessa McDowell-Atlas, CEO of YWCA Madison. Dear Madison Community, I hope this message finds you well. It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you of my departure from YWCA Madison as its… Continue Reading Press Release: A Farewell Message from Vanessa McDowell-Atlas, CEO of YWCA Madison