Patti Ovalles, Chief Program Officer What sparked your interest in social impact work? College was a big turning point. As a person of color like me on a predominantly white campus, I craved that feeling of belonging, a home away from home. That’s when I started a Latin sorority chapter, not just for myself but to build a community for others like me. I discovered a passion for helping others and fighting for justice, which became super important to me. After graduating, I knew I wanted to pay it forward and be the support system I never had had as … Continue reading New Staff Spotlight: Patti Ovalles, Chief Program Officer

      “I hope this program grows into a team of clinical social workers who really understand coercive control, interpersonal violence, and domestic violence. That any victim, survivor, and thriver of domestic violence have access to therapy; otherwise, this violence will persist in our culture and harm those with the least amount of power to speak out and receive life-saving support.” -Marienelly Vazquez, LICSW (she/her/hers), Director of Clinical Services and Community Outreach Program Spotlight: Domestic Violence Clinical Counseling Program With the Clinical Counseling Program, social workers offer free talk therapy to participants to bridge the gap to formal support. … Continue reading Program Spotlight: Domestic Violence Clinical Counseling Program

YWCA Central Massachusetts, the longest-serving agency by, for, and about women and girls in central Massachusetts elected new directors and officers at its 137th annual meeting in June.

Christienne “Christie” Bik Board President Christie Bik (Shrewsbury) was elected to serve as president of the YWCA’s board of directors. Christie has held various positions on the YWCA’s board of directors for 11 years with increasing roles of responsibility including vice president and president-elect. She also served as a member of the executive committee and chaired the YWCA’s Public Policy Committee. Most recently, Christie served as a tri-chair of the YWCA’s LIVE Capital Campaign, spearheading the fundraising campaign for the YWCA’s $24 million renovations of its Salem Square facility in downtown Worcester. Christie is director of government affairs and public … Continue reading Board President Profile: Christie Bik