YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Executive Named President & CEO of YWCA Evanston/North Shore
CHICAGO, February 9, 2023 — Earlier today, the YWCA of Evanston/North Shore announced that Cherese Ledet has been named President & CEO of the agency, effective March 6, 2023. Ledet will transition to the YWCA from her role as Chief Community Development and Equity Officer for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. At the YMCA, she has been at the forefront of leading programs and outreach to foster strong communities; reduce disparities that impact the health, social, and financial well-being of the individuals the YMCA of Metro Chicago serves; and advance equity and holistically healthy communities.
“We are proud of all Cherese has accomplished at the YMCA and excited to see her channel her skills and expertise as she steps into the role of President & CEO at the YWCA Evanston/North Shore,” said Dorri McWhorter, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “She has long been an effective advocate for the unique needs of communities across the region and will be a strong leader who can tackle the specific challenges that women — especially women of color — face, including violence, economic insecurity, and racism.”
Ledet, who joined the YMCA in 2004, managed the successful reopening of the Association after the pandemic, provided strategic oversight for a housing relocation partnership that involved securing and providing alternative housing for 100+ residents, and led shelter operations as part of the Y’s Emergency COVID-19 response plan, among other significant operational endeavors. She also led the Y through the development of its equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy and continual progress toward becoming an anti-ractist, multicultural organization.
“At a pivotal moment when the rights of women, families, people of color, and other marginalized populations are under ever greater threat, I am ready to harness the power of the YWCA and its community of partners and supporters to lead the organization into its next chapter as President & CEO,” Ledet said.
In addition to her professional leadership, Ledet is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. — Will County Black Diamond Chapter, the National Housing Network, and the sponsor of the Y's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team, which furthers her passion for uplifting communities in an equitable and sustainable way. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Chicago State University, where she also received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Community/Public Service.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is the leader in accessible, inclusive programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year, strengthening community by connecting people to their purpose, potential, and each other. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is evolving to become a 21st-century social enterprise for the region, through an association of 14 centers, 5 overnight camps, and 100 extension sites throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. Learn more about the Y's locations and our programming at ymcachicago.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katy Broom
Director, Public Relations & Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-932-1171
[email protected]