Who We Are
The YWCA Yonkers is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
YWCA Yonkers is a progressive association committed to preparing women and children’s mind, body and soul, to value and accept diversity and to become well-rounded individuals.
YWCA Yonkers History
YWCA Yonkers opened its doors in 1892 using borrowed church rooms in response to the deplorable labor, housing and health conditions facing young women and girls. YWCA Yonkers responded with housing, job training, health and physical education, community activism and social and recreational activities. In 1894, the Yonkers YWCA moved to its own rented quarters at 32 South Broadway, and in 1895 it was granted a charter of incorporation by the State of New York.
With a passionate desire to position YWCA Yonkers to meet the increasing and varied needs of women and girls, the Board of Directors and members conducted the first ever fundraising drive in 1898 and purchased the "Prospect Street House". Our facilitated programs met the needs of a growing city and provide boarding for young women in need of safe and reliable accommodation. In 1912, a decision was made to erect a new facility that would not only meet the immediate needs of the surrounding community but also the needs that our community may face in the future. The land was donated by Alexander Smith Cochran. The ground was broken in 1912, and the building was completed and occupied in 1914. The swimming pool was added in 1932, the children's playground was acquired in 1946, and the parking lot was donated in 1964 by C.W.C Associates.
YWCA Yonkers today continues to be a valued multi-service center providing services to meet the needs of a growing, diverse and dynamic city. When the YWCA opened its doors at 87 South Broadway in 1914, it was said to include "the residence, gymnasium, welcoming lounge, auditorium, class and meeting rooms". The reputation of the YWCA was that of "the friendly place".
Today, the building as mostly the same as it was then, with the exception of the swimming pool, which was added in 1932 but closed in 1999.
Our Team
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To contact us, call (914) 963-0640, and enter ext. below:
Charlie Knight | Chief Executive Officer | Ext. 100
Juanquin Rogers | Director of Programs | Ext. 113
Pricilla Liriano | Executive Assistant | Ext. 114
Destiny Baker | Senior HR & Compliance Administrator | Ext. 115
Tyler Bhola | Assistant HR & Compliance Administrator | Ext. 115
Wilfred Dennis | Director of Child Development Center | Ext. 116
Elizabeth Pacheco | Assistant Director of Child Development Center | Ext. 116
Nicole Dowdy | Program Coordinator | Ext. 120
Jessica Alicea | Program Coordinator | Ext. 120
Tiana Hall | Seniors Program Coordinator | Ext. 107
Koshawn Mcmillan | Program Coordinator | Ext. 120
Tajina Holmes | Front Desk Receptionist | Ext. 100
Rossana Rosario | Front Desk Receptionist | Ext. 101
Louise Hamilton | Director of Housing
Felicia Grifffith - Adams | Housing Manager/Pantry Coordinator | Ext. 102
Tiara Mack | Case Manager (Housing) | Ext. 111
Anequa Lefever | Housing Specialist (EHAP)
Desiree Olivera | Emergency Drop-in Services Manager
Ethel Patrick - Thomas | Finance Manager | Ext. 141
Thomas Dyer | Building Superintendent | Ext. 114
Jose Sanchez | Maintenance Supervisor | Ext. 114
Pierre Mallebranche | Internal IT support | Ext. 109
Our Values
A Compassionate Community
Respect
A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle
Honesty and Integrity
Non-Violence
Collaboration
Justice and Fairness
The Dignity of All People
Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.
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PRESIDENT
Angela Adetola is the President of the YWCA of Yonkers. She has always been committed to the uplifting of the community. She has partnered with many agencies across New York State to provide information regarding adequate care while developing and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships with community leaders. She has worked with multiple organizations to educate seniors about health care and mentors youth about educational choices, resume wring, and job searches. Angela believes that every individual deserves to live a long and fulfilling life, and she is committed to providing the tools and resources they need to make that happen. Angela has also assisted in establishing the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, where she engaged with various regional offices to gain and promote a deeper understanding of the unique issues related to climate change, environmental justice, and health. Angela has enjoyed challenging positions in the private sector, which included postings as a Director with Optum Insight Consulting, Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton, and Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Corporate Affairs for MetroPlus Health Plan. Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Joseph’s College; a Master of Science in Management and Policy, as well as an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Management Information Systems from Stony Brook University; a Certificate in Climate Change and Health Care Practice from Yale University; and a Certificate in Health Care Compliance from Seton Hall University. Angela serves on various community boards and enjoys traveling, roller skating, and spending time with her family.
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SECRETARY
V. Lisa E-Pittman is a long-time resident of Yonkers. She was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt HS on Fordham Road. She received her degree in Business Administration and Modern Business Skills from the State University of NY. From an early age, V. Lisa was interested in the betterment of her neighborhood. She would get involved and help with various community charity events or activities such as fundraising, neighborhood cleanup projects, block party projects, etc. Also, at an early age, V. Lisa was taught administrative, organizational, and operational skills by her late grandmother who was a trailblazer of her time in her own right. V. Lisa has a passion for giving voices to children and families who are victims of domestic violence. She is also a Wellness Coach focused on antiaging by way of nutritional supplements. Her motto is… if your body is well, your immune system can handle and fight off sickness more effectively. V. Lisa continues to make a difference by giving back to the community with charity and fundraising events and serving on several boards throughout the community, including but not limited to: Secretary on the YWCA Board of Directors; Board of Directors member at the Harrigan Dance Academy; partnering with Veterans Action Team Services (VATS) with their philanthropy work; and Financial Secretary-Trustee at the church where she is a member, to name a few. Besides leading a very active community life, V. Lisa also has a successful professional career in the New York City corporate world.
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TREASURER
Yadilsa Fernandez joined BNY Mellon in 2018 as an Insurance and Asset Manager Client Portfolio Manager in the Credit Risk team. Following a planned transition, she went on to become a Director under the Institutional Lending Group, servicing the firm’s clients, primarily in the insurance and asset management sector. Prior to joining BNY Mellon, she served as a Senior Vice President in the Market Information group at Marsh & McLennan. In all, Yadi has more than 20 years’ experience in the Insurance Sector as well as in Counterparty Credit Risk Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Fordham University.
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BOARD MEMBER
Originally from the Bronx but is a longtime resident of Yonkers. Attended Mercy College for Organizational Management. The proud daughter of a Jamaican mother and a Cuban father. Worked for over 20 years in social services providing housing for adults living with AIDS and mental disabilities, life counselor to underserved parents and children living with autism. In addition, to being a Board Member with YWCA, Yonkers, I am member of the following organizations:
• Appointed by Mayor Spano as the City of Yonkers’ new Community Advancement & Recruitment Officer
• Current President and Life Member of National Council of Negro Women-Hudson Valley Section and former Financial Secretary for NCNW- HVS
• Board member with Youth Theatre Interactions, Yonkers
• Former Vice President of Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus- Yonkers Chapter
• Former Corresponding Secretary and current Board of Directors member with Aquehung Women's Democratic Club
• Member of Yonkers African American Heritage Committee
• Life Member of NAACP-Yonkers Branch
• 3rd Vice President of The Black Democrats of Westchester County
• Member of Sister to Sister International
• Shop Steward and Delegate with CSEA Unit 9200
• Member of Women United of Westchester
• District Leader and Ward 3 secretary, Yonkers
• Secretary with the Yonkers Democratic Committee
• Co-Chair of the Voter Outreach Committee with the Westchester County Democratic Committee
• Hudson River Community Association of Northeast Yonkers There are very few things in life today that people are truly committed to that don't offer a financial gain or big recognition. I am very proud of my commitment to the YWCA, Yonkers and the community we serve.
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Shara brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the world of financial advisory, with a 13-year career dedicated to serving high net worth clients, businesses and small business owners. Her journey through esteemed financial institutions like MassMutual, Merrill Lynch, and Fidelity Investments has equipped her with an invaluable skill set in Finance.
Shara is a proud alumna of St. John’s University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, with a minor in Marketing. She holds a few financial licenses and a certificate in Financial management from Cornell University. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in both the analytical and client relationship aspects of the financial world. Throughout her professional journey, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. Shara’s clients can rely on her for insightful financial guidance and a personalized approach to wealth management.
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A proud Brooklynite, Riedolia is the founder and owner of a personal development coaching and consulting firm, where she helps individuals and organizations achieve transformational growth. With a career spanning multiple industries—including quick-service restaurants (QSR), higher education, and the semiconductor sector—she brings deep expertise in operations, learning and development, and strategic program execution.
A passionate advocate for strategy and program development, operational excellence, and community building, she thrives on creating sustainable solutions that drive impact. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh and a MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management.
Beyond her professional work, she has dedicated over 15 years to the National Society of Black Engineers, serving in multiple leadership roles, from chapter president to Special Interest Group (SIG) deputy director. Through her commitment to leadership development and continuous improvement, Riedolia works to empower others and build thriving communities.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for Yonkers. Our Board of Directors plays a vital role here at the YWCA of Yonkers in guiding and overseeing our strategic direction, budgeting, guidelines, and policies, and helping us make decisions that impact the vision of our community organization. Aligned with the mission of the YWCA of eliminating racism and empowering women, they help us in serving and promoting different programs which help us serve our community of women and families in Yonkers.
Key Dates in YWCA History