New Leadership at YWCA
We are pleased to announce that the YWCA's Board of Directors have named Dr. Martha Buchanan as interim CEO. Rachel Haverkamp will be resigning from her position as CEO effective October 14 as she steps back to spend more time with her family. Rachel has worked closely with the board and staff over the past six weeks to ensure a successful transition of leadership.
  • Dr. Buchanan is a former board member of the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley and previously served as the director of the Knox County Health Department (KCHD).
  • Her expertise in public health and social services, proven leadership experience and knowledge and advocacy of the YWCA position her well to work with the staff and board as interim CEO
  • Dr. Buchanan will serve in this role, working hand-in-hand with staff and the board of directors, while the organization participates in a local and nationwide search for a permanent chief executive officer. 
  • The search is expected to launch over the next few months.
 “We are pleased to have Dr. Buchanan step in to provide thoughtful, proven leadership, empowering our board and staff to continue delivering the programs and impact that YWCA clients and the community rely on, as we engage in a search for the next CEO,” said Susan Edwards, chair of the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley board of directors. “We are grateful to Rachel for her five years dedicated to the YWCA, including the past two as CEO, in which she has continued to advance the mission and execute and grow the programming in meaningful and successful ways. She always will be a part of the YWCA.”
To learn more about the transition, the recent achievements of the YWCA under Rachel’s leadership and Dr. Buchanan’s role as interim CEO, click here to review the announcement on our website.


37th Annual Tribute to Women Gala this Week 

YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley's 37th Annual Tribute to Women Gala takes place this Thursday, October 6th, at The Mill & Mine. These awards honor East Tennessee Women across all industries for their accomplishments and impact in the community. Follow us on social @YWCAKnoxville to find out this year's honorees in each of the seven categories: arts and culture, business and industry, community enhancement, education, emerging leader, racial and social justice, and science, technology, and environment. Click here to view the complete list of all 21 finalists.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

YWCA's Domestic Violence Awareness Month Advocacy Committee has been hard at work planning this year's events to raise awareness around domestic violence. Mark your calendar to join us for the following percentage night opportunities to benefit the YWCA's life-saving victim advocacy services:

Wear Purple With the YW!

Join YWCA in wearing a "We Believe You" shirt all year long in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Add purple to your wardrobe with these tees available for purchase here! Over 30% of the proceeds are donated back to YWCA's domestic violence support services.

Painting the Town Purple

Be on the lookout for purple ribbons hanging throughout downtown Knoxville and in Jackson Square in Oak Ridge throughout the month! 
The City of Knoxville joins in support by lighting the Convention Center Pedestrian Street Bridge Purple from October 10th-October 16th! Snap a picture in front of the bridge, upload it to your social media and tag us to show your support!

Facebook: @ywcaknoxville
Instagram: @ywcaknoxville

League of Women Voters Election Events

Join YWCA as we partner with the League of Women Voters of Knoxville-Knox County for their upcoming Candidate Forum events.  These events will include a forums for the State Senate Candidates, as well as the Tennessee State House of Representatives for Districts 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 89, and 90. Click here to find learn more!

Meet our Newest Members of the YWCA Team!

Rachel Baker
GameChangers Program Coordinator
Megha Chitturi
Front Desk Clerk
Hannah Mendoza
Reentry Program Coordinator
Natalia Perry
Phyllis Wheatley Center

Front Desk Clerk

We Are Hiring!

YWCA is seeking energetic individuals to join our team. Some of our open positions include:  
  • Director of Development (Downtown)
  • GameChangers Paid Internship (Part-Time, Downtown)
  • Front Desk Clerk - (PRN & Part-Time Downtown YWCA)
  • Night/Weekend Rental Coordinator: (Part-Time, Phyllis Wheatley Center)
  • Lifeguard: (Part-Time, Downtown YWCA)
  • After-School Counselor (Phyllis Wheatley Center)
    See the descriptions and applications on our Careers Page.
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.