May 13, 2026
YW Boston Launches Women of Color Advisory Council to Advance Equity and Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2026
Boston, MA — YW Boston proudly announces the launch of its Women of Color Advisory Council, inaugurated in March 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
The Women of Color Advisory Council brings together a dynamic group of leaders, advocates, and community members who will provide strategic guidance, lived expertise, and critical insight to help shape YW Boston’s programs, partnerships, and impact. The Council is designed to ensure that the voices and experiences of women of color remain centered in the organization’s work and in broader efforts to advance equity across Boston.
The Inaugural Council Members are as follows: Afsana Alam, Jennifer Barthelemy-Nerestant, MPA, Dr. Inniss, Michi Holmes Foster, Dalinda Ifill-Pressat, Lisa Lazare, Laury Lucien, Esq, Yvonne Montilla, Justine Morgan, Lori Nelson, Ine Ogagan, Koren Phillips, Marcella Raines, Shaquera Robinson, Joyya P. Smith, Emma Talebzadeh, Emily Torres-Cullinane, Lornece Tull, Theresa Wilson.
“At YW Boston, we know that the most effective and transformative solutions come from those closest to the challenges,” said Aba Taylor, President & CEO of YW Boston. “The Women of Color Advisory Council is a powerful step toward deepening our accountability, strengthening our community connections, and ensuring our work reflects the realities and leadership of women of color.”
The Council will play a key role in:
- Informing YW Boston’s strategic priorities and program development
- Strengthening connections with communities across Boston
- Elevating issues at the intersection of race, gender, and economic justice
- Supporting leadership development and advocacy efforts
This initiative builds on YW Boston’s longstanding leadership in racial and gender equity and reflects the organization’s commitment to shared leadership, collaboration, and liberation.
Members of the Women of Color Advisory Council represent a range of sectors and lived experiences, bringing diverse perspectives that will help guide YW Boston’s continued growth and impact.
“The creation of this Council is about more than representation—it’s about influence, voice, and power,” said Lori Nelson, member of the Women of Color Advisory Council and Senior Advisor in Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office of Equity and Inclusion on Racial Justice. “We are excited to partner with YW Boston to help shape a future where women of color are not only included, but centered and leading.”
YW Boston looks forward to the Council’s contributions as it continues to expand its work across leadership development, workplace equity, and community engagement.
About YW Boston
YW Boston is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. As the first YWCA in the nation, this year YW Boston marks 160 years of advancing equity and opportunity across Greater Boston. Through its programs and partnerships including DEI Services such as InclusionBoston, LeadBoston, and the newly launched WE360 alongside its advocacy efforts and F.Y.R.E. Initiative, YW Boston equips individuals and organizations to transform policies, practices, and systems. Together, this work advances racial equity and social justice, ensuring that all people, especially women of color, can thrive. For more information, visit www.ywboston.org
Media Contact:
Nancy Rachel Rousseau
Chief External Relations Officer
nrousseau@ywboston.org
