YWCA Madison is honored to welcome Vera Lewis as our Chief Development Officer. Vera joins the organization with over 20 years of experience in strategic fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, and organizational leadership. Originally from Chicago, she has a passion and commitment to equity, justice, and liberation that are palpable throughout her professional career. Vera has served in a similar capacity in organizations such as the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), and the National Black MBA Association.

In each of these roles, Vera has supported organizations in building systems to engage donors, expanding major donor and corporate partnerships, and introducing structures that support long-term donor retention and revenue stability. Vera’s work reflects excellence in philanthropic leadership grounded in purpose and relationship-centered donor stewardship. 

“At a time when fundraising is more than ever called to embrace an ethos of solidarity and movement building, we are thrilled to welcome Vera’s leadership, depth of knowledge, and commitment to equity, justice, and liberation,  to strategically strengthen short, mid, and long-term fund development strategies to sustain YWCA Madison’s collective impact in our community”, stated Gery Paredes Vásquez, CEO at YWCA Madison.  

Vera’s leadership is warm, inviting, and insightful.  Her seasoned guidance comes from a place of wisdom, strategy, and care. Lewis is now leading YWCA Madison’s Development and Marketing team, cultivating meaningful partnerships with donors, foundations, and community leaders to grow the resources that sustain our organization’s work. 

“I believe philanthropy is ultimately about possibility—bringing people together to invest in a future where every woman and family has the opportunity, support, and stability to thrive,” said Lewis

Lewis’ vision will be held in collaboration with her dedicated team members: Mya Williams (Donor Relations Manager), Danielle Bassing (Development Manager), and Myxee Thao (Marketing and Communications Manager), as well as YWCA Madison’s CEO, Gery Paredes Vásquez, and Grants & Compliance Director, Andrea Zea.

YWCA Madison invites our beloved community to join us in welcoming Vera Lewis as Chief Development Officer as she helps sustain and expand the ongoing legacy of YWCA Madison’s collective impact in our community and beyond.