By Holly Marshall
Published July 23, 2025
Margaret Mitchell? Who Is That?
Well, I was told that if I didn’t know, I needed to find out. So here’s my confession to Elaine Carlson, one of the amazing YWCA elders I had the pleasure of meeting on June 12.
While Elaine and the other phenomenal women were singing the praises of Mrs. Margaret Mitchell—sharing story after story of her powerful presence in YWCA USA—my brain was quietly constructing a picture of… a strong, educated, high-powered white woman leading this national organization.
Yep. That’s where my mind went.
I didn’t want to be the only one at the table who didn’t know who this legendary woman was, so I smiled, nodded, and mentally vowed to do my research.
A Message That Changed Everything
Fast forward to June 16—an email lands in my inbox from YWCA USA (which, thanks to Elaine, I had just subscribed to). I open it, and there it is: a message from Margaret Mitchell.
The Margaret Mitchell.
And there she was—not who I imagined—but a brilliant, bold, compassionate, high-powered Black woman leading the charge for racial and gender justice in real time.
I teared up.
My heart swelled.
My soul said, “YES.”
Bridging Generations
To hear white elders speak her name with such pride, honor, respect, and love—and then to see her living, breathing, doing this mission-driven work today—it gave me chills.
I may not know her personally, but now I know her purpose.
Margaret Mitchell isn’t just leading YWCA USA—she’s carrying the torch lit by generations of changemakers before her and lighting the path for all of us to keep pushing forward.
Learn More
Click here to learn more about Margaret Mitchell