From Surviving to Thriving: A Journey of Empowerment
When I first came to the MFIP program, I was in a place of survival—fleeing domestic violence and trying to rebuild my life from the
June 17, 2025
Category: Spotlights
Board Spotlight: Kristin Beckmann
Moving to St. Paul from Nebraska in the late 80s, Deputy Chief of Staff at Office of Governor Tim Walz, and YWCA board member Kristin
May 16, 2022
Board Spotlight: Barb Tretheway
Retirement for some means slowing down to enjoy life without work. For others, like YWCA St. Paul Board Member Barb Tretheway, retirement is just the
April 15, 2022
YW Board Spotlight: Angela Burns Finney
Creating opportunities and shaping communities where people can thrive is the mantra Angela Burns Finney lives by daily. A St. Paul native, Finney was raised
March 16, 2022
Anika Ward – Board Spotlight
Leadership has been a theme throughout board member Anika Ward’s entire life. Her desire to constantly reimagine (and redesign) what is possible is at the core of her work, which is why she started Sankofa Leadership Network.
February 11, 2022
Mara Ascheman – Board Spotlight
After years swimming in YW’s pool, Mara Ascheman joined our board and regularly leads Xcel Energy Day of Service volunteer projects to give back to her community.
January 11, 2022
Tina Grant – YW Spotlight Profile
A self-described ‘child of St. Paul,’ Tina Grant grew up mere blocks from the YWCA St. Paul. But it wasn’t until a colleague invited her to a YW fundraiser in 2012, that she began to really understand the scope of YW’s work. Having served on the Board since 2013, Tina continues to be impressed by the work YW does.
December 13, 2021
Alison Lehman – Spotlight Profile
Timing is everything. Alison Lehman was in the midst of co-founding a women’s group at Securian Financial and seeking volunteer opportunities, when she was connected to YWCA St. Paul.
November 22, 2021
Cassandra Yarbrough – YWCA St. Paul Spotlight Profile
As a community-oriented professional, Cassandra Yarbrough’s board service is one way she could meaningfully give back and make a real difference.
October 5, 2021
Julie Guggemos – Targeting Ways to Help the Community
Julie Guggemos’ mom instilled in her an appreciation for how important family support services like those offered by YWCA St. Paul can be to a
August 30, 2021