Myra Henry
President & CEO, YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County
Years in current role: 4
What role do you see Rochester playing in your organization’s growth over the next few years?
During these times of change and challenge, public and private sectors in Rochester must step up and step in to support the good work of nonprofits. YWCA Rochester works tirelessly to support women as they become self-reliant, through housing stability, workforce development opportunities and community building. We count on strategic collaborations, donations, volunteerism and general support from YW Friends to create sustainable pathways for women and families to live, work and play.
What community initiatives or partnerships are you most excited about engaging with this year?
I am a firm believer that “many hands make light work.” With that in mind, YWCA is working closely with Hope585 to bring Dr. Ashley Cross’ framework of the Science of Hope to more family unification efforts and youth aging out of foster care as well as partnering with the Upstate NY Energy Storage Engine and SUNY Broome to offer “Introduction to Battery Science” workshops to high school girls and boys, Spring 2025. There is much work to be done; for more than a century YWCA Rochester has joined forces with other organizations because we are stronger together.
How do you balance fostering innovation while managing day-to-day business operations?
It is essential for YWCA Rochester to balance innovation while managing day-to-day business operations. Creativity and possibility live in the messy middle of business strategy and the delivery of much-needed human services. Our organizational growth and sustaining community impact is realized through our willingness to engage with new partners, open communication and transparency, and most importantly ensuring YW staff see the value of their individual contributions to our shared mission and strategic priorities.
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This profile is part of our Power 100 list for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |