Expanding the Missi
TRACY WILLIAMS is leading the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin into a new chapter. Since being named the organization's president and CEO in January, Williams has spearheaded a reimagining of what the YWCA can do.
She is planning to launch a capital campaign in January to fund a major renovation of the YWCA's 70,000-square-foot headquarters in Milwaukee's Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District. While continuing the organization's work providing employment services, personal finance management, education and more to women and families in southeastern Wisconsin, this renovation will allow the YWCA to offer intergenerational performing arts and athletics programming, as well.
“Everything we do is mission-focused,” Williams says. “Our mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We're enhancing that mission and that vision, but we're not changing it. We want to use the assets that we have to best help the people we serve.”
The YWCA will partner with dance, athletic and musical talent – including world-renowned choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. and track and field Olympian Carl Lewis – to provide services to southeastern Wisconsinites, including workshops and career expos in creative fields, along with performance opportunities at the headquarters' new studio space.
“Our goal is not only to give our community something positive, but also to remove the barriers that create injustice,” Williams says. “I envision our youth and families finding opportunities here that they normally would not have because of the strong partnerships we're building. Ultimately, this will help bring health and wellness to our community.”
Williams' goal is to complete the renovation project by 2024. The YWCA currently serves about 10,000 people, and she anticipates that number will at least double after the renovation and programming expansion.
“The updated facility will be a women's empowerment hub,” she says. “We're reimagining the great work the YWCA can do and creating this new, dynamic space that will spark innovation, empower women and promote racial justice.”
What We Do:
YWCA Southeast Wisconsin serves individuals and families. Its mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
YWCA programs include personal financial management, adult education, women's professional development and racial and gender equity programming.
The YWCA's headquarters renovation will update its space to include a performing arts studio. YWCA will also introduce athletics opportunities and programs.
Where Your Money Goes:
Donations to the YWCA's new capital campaign will help fund the renovation of the organization's Bronzeville headquarters, as well as established and new programs.
1915 N. Martin Luther King Dr. 414-374-1800 ywcasew.org