On June first, YWCA Tri-County Area (YW3CA) welcomed Elise Chesson as its new Chief Advancement Officer. Chesson is a results-oriented professional experienced in nonprofit management & public administration, with unique perspectives and multilingual proficiencies that have contributed to achievements as an innovative advocate for diverse sectors. She is skilled in building collaborative partnerships, critical decision making and cross-cultural communication with a proven record of successful relationship building, project management, strategic planning, development and advocacy. Her flexible and transformational leadership style and ability to develop opportunities that further establish organizational goals will help propel and advance YW3CA through a period of growth.
“Championing for social & racial justice is not always popular but always needed. For those who take on the challenge it is rewarding. YW3CA’s mission is something I have been passionate about my whole life. I finally feel like I am in the right place at the right time, where the quest for equity is celebrated. I am truly excited to see all we can do and look forward to working with you to create meaningful change!” ~Elise Chesson, Chief Advancement Officer
Elise’s department is poised to carry out its goals of supporting needed change in the community and to drive forward the mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Supporting YW3CA’s marketing and development efforts are the following staff members:
Jennifer Rojas, Development Director, joined YW3CA in January 2021. She oversees the implementation of corporate and individual fundraising, marketing, and communications strategies. Her background includes 25+ years of corporate operational, editorial, digital marketing, and general management experience – leading programs and teams, and keeping businesses running around the globe. As a conflict analyst and DEI consultant, Jennifer has helped people in community, corporate, educational, and federal & municipal government organizations assess what they need in order to feel welcome in their workplaces. “YW3CA’s mission feels like home to me! I am delighted for the opportunity to combine the breadth of my experiences into this exciting and impactful role.”
Jean Kowalski, Manager of Institutional Giving, joined YW3CA in 2017. An experienced fundraiser and former journalist, she oversees foundation and government grant projects, and contributes to other fundraising, marketing, and public relations initiatives.
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Sitkowski, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, joined YW3CA in February 2021. Liz oversees YW3CA’s marketing efforts, media relations and outreach, and supports special projects and events. She has three years of marketing experience that she has brought over from her previous non-profit role.
YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Tri-County Area serves more than 1,500 women, girls, and families annually through early childhood education, youth empowerment programming, adult education, and Foster Grandparents Program.
