Executive Leadership Team

  • Cherese R. Ledet

    (she/her/hers)

    President & CEO

    Cherese Ledet has served as President/CEO since early 2023. Prior to joining YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Cherese served in leadership positions with YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago for 19 years, where she implemented new initiatives, secured resources, built partnerships, and developed innovative programs that address the community’s needs.

  • Kimberly Clark-Jackson

    (she/her/hers)

    Vice President, Human Resources

    Kimberly Clark-Jackson started as YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s new Vice President of Human Resources in November 2024. With over 20 years of experience across Real Estate, Technology, and Education sectors, Kim brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to nurturing a strong organizational culture. Most recently, Kim served as VP of People and Culture at Right at School in Evanston, leading impactful HR strategies.

  • Laura Moorehead

    (she/her/hers)

    Vice President, Finance & Operations

    Since 2018, Laura Moorehead has been a key member of YWCA Evanston/North Shore, now serving as Vice President of Finance and Operations. Laura brings a wealth of experience from diverse industries and an extensive background in accounting and finance at organzations including Rand McNally, Sodexo Dining Services-Northwestern University, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.

  • Mindy Scott

    (she/her/hers)

    Chief Development Officer

    Mindy Scott joined the YWCA in 2024. Her knowledge includes more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has worked with organizations like CARE, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Inclusivv, and Allstate. She most recently served as the Director of Development at Marwen, supporting young artists.

  • Erin Venable

    (she/her/hers)

    Vice President, Marketing and Communications

    Erin Venable, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, joined YWCA Evanston/North Shore in early 2022. Her experience brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications focused on brand identity, building awareness, and enacting change. Prior to joining YWCA, she worked in strategic marketing roles for the University of Chicago’s Arts + Public Life (APL) initiative, Black Enterprise, Blackbaud, HBO and CompTIA.

  • Kristen White

    (she/her/hers)

    Chief Program Officer

    Kristen White joined YWCA in 2014. Her experience includes more than 18 years in the nonprofit sector working on issues of educational equity and family educational supports nationally, regionally, and in Chicago. Before joining YWCA Evanston/North Shore, she launched a business serving families with young children. Prior to that, Ms. White held a leadership position at Children’s Home & Aid, building a nationally recognized community schools program serving schools.

Directors

  • Peter Caragher

    (he/him/his)

    Director, Flying Fish Aquatics

  • Blair DeHaan

    (she/her/hers)

    Director, Individual Giving

  • Hillary Douin

    (she/her/hers)

    Director, Domestic Violence

  • Kristin Drake

    (she/her/hers)

    Director, Economic Advancement

  • Sherri Farris

    (she/her/hers)

    Director, Impact & Data Strategy

  • Michele Lacy

    (she/her/hers)

    Director, Grants and Corporate Relations

  • Roger Moreano

    (he/him/his)

    Director, Equity Institute

  • Jordan Rucker

    (he/him/his)

    Director, Operations