Liz Owens

Chief Executive Officer

Liz Owens thrives when working with those around her to achieve the grand, beautiful mission of YWCA Utah to eliminate racism and empower women. More than two years as CEO grounds her in the direction of promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity.

Saundra Stokes

Chief Mission Impact Officer

Saundra has worked within the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, and her passion for racial equity, transformational justice, inclusion and belonging is present in all she does. Her goal is to work alongside others to create collective understanding

Jessica Andrews

Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Andrews joined the YWCA Utah as Chief Financial Officer in March of 2021. She has worked in the accounting field for the past 15+ years and feels passionately about quality leadership and anti-oppression practices in the workplace.

Kiki Chmielewski

Chief Development Officer

A recent Utah transplant, Kiki Chmielewski brings 10 years experience to lead fund raising efforts, donor relations, and external communication. She thrives when she is building connections, and enjoys engaging the community in our mission.

Maggie Utgoff

Chief People Officer

Maggie is passionate about challenging systems rooted in white supremecy that have dominated workplace culture. She loves to encourage managers to challenge the things they have learned about management and think of new ways to invest in employees.

Gabriella Archuleta

Director of Public Policy

With an emphasis on race and gender equity, YWCA's advocacy efforts are lead by the Director of Public Policy who works alongside policy makers, coalitions, and commmunity members to promote meaningful policy change.

Cassie Brood

Director of Operations

The Operations Manager oversees YWCA's internal operations focused on systems, technology infrastructure, in-kind donations, logistics, business office, etc.

Evelyn Cervantes

Director of Organizational Transformation & Belonging

The Director of Organizational Transformation and Belonging leads and supports the development and implementation of YWCA Utah’s Race and Gender Equity Initiatives internally and in the community.

Rachael Cervantes

Director of Children's Services

The Director of Children's Services leads YWCA Utah's Lolie Eccles Early Education Center, a community based childcare center serving children from 6 weeks to 6 years - and after school services and teen programming for minors living at YWCA Utah.

Vanessa Colocho

Assistant Director of Residential Services

The Assistant Director of Residential Services co-leads and assists in maintaing resident safety and direct access to campus and community wide resources through managing processes and procedures.

Laura Dalton

Director of Food Services

I began my career as the food services Director at the YWCA in 1997. My why is “ My goal is to help provide the basics of comfort and health with fresh healthy food”

Heather Grauke

Director of Development

Development is the fundraising arm of the organization, and the Director of Development (DoD) supports the frontline fundraisers with data tracking, reports and analysis to raise funding needed to meet the needs of the people we serve.

Mindy Maude

Director of Residential Services

Residential services at YWCA Utah lead by the director includes the 181-bed Women in Jeopardy domestic violence licensed emergency shelter and the 36-Unit Kathleen Robison Huntsman Housing Program for single parents with dependent minor children.

Valeria Sandoval

Volunteer & Intern Programs Coordinator

YWCA Utah engages with the community and uses volunteers in multiple capacities to fulfill the needs of the organization through tabling opportunities, in-kind donation drives and events, and engagements with all local municipalities.

Kami Neves, CMHC

Director of Clinical Services

Clinical services at YWCA Utah include mental health resources for residents living on campus and programming that helps our internal community with trauma recovery. Kami Neves has been at the YWCA for 3+ years and implements trauma-informed help.

Veanna Pau'u

Assistant Director of Clinical Services

The Assistant Director of Clinical Services co-leads and assists in supporting participants, from youth to parents, through a trauma-informed practice, to meet their needs to achieve safety and security and work toward healing.

Ermiya Fanaeian

Marketing & Communications Manager

The Marketing & Communications Manager handles external partnerships for fundraising, campaigning, and media opportunities including interviews and speaking engagements or questions regarding content on the website and social media.

Marcella Viladiu

Assistant Director of Children's Services

The Assistant Director of Children’s Services coordinates in the daily oversight for all programs within the department and assists in all aspects of compliance, program regulation, accreditation, licensing, staffing, and development of curriculum.

Maya Reyna

Director of Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center

This director will implement the systems management work needed to support the further domestic violence resources offered outside of shelter like housing and legal aid, and supervise up to six staff members including hiring at least 2 positions.