YWCA of Asheville and WNC

Safety and belonging should not be barriers to access. They should be the baseline. We’re proud to share that our CEO, Diana Sierra, was recently featured in a conversation highlighting what it takes to build more accessible, inclusive communities across Western North Carolina. At YWCA of Asheville, this work shows up in tangible ways, from improving on-site safety to expanding access and creating spaces where people can fully participate and feel a sense of belonging. Diana brings a depth of experience across direct service, county government, and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on expanding opportunity and strengthening community wellbeing. We’re grateful to Dogwood Health Trust and Tzedek Social Justice Fund for investing in community-centered solutions and supporting this work. 🎧 Listen to the full episode below. #Leadership #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #Belonging #Accessibility #WesternNorthCarolina #YWCA https://lnkd.in/eqmPFNay

Safety should feel ordinary.
Belonging should, too. 💛 That’s the kind of future the YWCA of Asheville and WNC is helping build, and why they were selected as a community resource hub as part of our 2025 Community-Led Grantmaking process. Listen in as the YWCA shares how they’re expanding access through practical, people-centered improvements, including an all-gender locker room to increase accessibility and inclusion, improved digital access, stronger on-site safety measures, and continued investment in spaces where community members can move, learn, heal, and connect. ABOUT DIANA: Diana Sierra is the CEO of YWCA of Asheville and its first Latina and openly gay leader. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she brings experience across direct service, county government, and nonprofit leadership focused on empowerment, access, and community wellbeing. Sometimes justice simply looks like removing barriers, increasing safety, and making sure more people can show up fully and still belong. 🫶🏽 Special thanks to Dogwood Health Trust for partnering with us to invest in safer, more accessible, community-centered futures across Western North Carolina. 🎧 Tune in or livestream now to hear what community made possible! 🔗 Link in comments below! 🌐 Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ef9DHBU4 #tzedeksocialjusticefund #theuplift #socialjustice #philanthropy #asheville

Leadership requires understanding the history of the community you serve. Recently, our team at the YWCA of Asheville spent an afternoon with Hood Huggers International on a guided tour of Black Asheville. Hood Huggers centers Affrilachia, the culture and lived experiences of Black communities in Appalachia, highlighting African American contributions to this region. The tour offered powerful context about resilience, displacement, entrepreneurship, and community strength. As an organization committed to eliminating racism, experiences like this are not extracurricular. They are essential. We are grateful for community leaders like DeWayne Barton and the Hood Huggers team who continue to preserve and share this history. The work of justice begins with understanding. Read the full reflection here: https://lnkd.in/eBKghggN... #ywcaisonamission #advancingracialjustice #hoodhuggerstour

Join us Saturday, February 21, for a day dedicated to BIPOC Wellness. This free event is from 9 am until 1 pm. Bring a friend and focus on your whole body wellbeing. There will be a free movement class, Grounded & Powerful: Moving in a Body that Belongs, with instructor Pierre-Andre, along with additional wellness opportunities throughout the morning. As part of the day, we are hosting a community blood drive with The Blood Connection. You can schedule your donation in advance here: https://lnkd.in/ee5aQDDt Use sponsor code: 24YW Highlights: • Free movement class • Community blood drive • Refreshments • Connection in a welcoming and inclusive space Enjoy refreshments and connect with a welcoming and inclusive community. We hope to see you there.

In 1976, February was officially dedicated to a month-long celebration of "the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." This year we are celebrating Black History Month at YWCA of Asheville honoring the legacy of the YW as an important resource in the community, and a leader for social justice. Join us throughout the month as we highlight the YW and stories that honor Black resilience, achievements, and hope. #BlackHistoryMonth #ywcaofasheville #elliminatingracism #empoweringwomen

✨ We’re Hiring at YWCA of Asheville! ✨ Looking for meaningful work that supports children, families, and our community? We’re currently hiring for several roles across our programs, and we’d love to invite you to apply or help spread the word. Open Positions: Early Learning Program • Early Learning Program Teacher • NC Pre-K Assistant Teacher • Substitute Teacher Empowerment Childcare • Empowerment Childcare Teacher Health & Wellness • Front Desk Associate (Part-Time) Nutrition • Kitchen Assistant (Part-Time) 📍 Location: Asheville, NC 👉 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eJM5TpFm Please note: applications are accepted through the link above (not through LinkedIn). If you’re passionate about serving the community and want to be part of a supportive, mission-driven workplace, we’d love to connect. Feel free to share this post with anyone who might be interested! #NowHiring #YWCAAsheville #NonprofitJobs #AshevilleJobs #EarlyChildhoodEducation #CommunityCare

At the YWCA of Asheville, our mission calls us to show up for our community with compassion and equity. On January 30, we act in solidarity with the people of Minnesota while remaining open and continuing our essential community programs and services. Our commitment to dignity and opportunity for all is reflected not just in what we say, but in the work we do. To support community voice and civic engagement, we are hosting a drop-in, nonpartisan letter-writing space where community members can easily contact their elected representatives. 🕚 Until 5:00 PM 📍 YWCA Asheville 185 S. French Broad Ave. During this time, members of the public, YWCA members, and staff are invited to stop by to: -Use a QR code to find your representative based on your address -Review and sign a pre-written letter -Allow us to mail your letter on your behalf If you’re unable to join us in person, you can still take action by finding your representative and learning more here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eue8nQm7