YWCA Minneapolis Welcomes Six New Board Members
YWCA Minneapolis today announced the election of six new members to its Board of Directors. This accomplished group of leaders will help guide the organization's strategic direction and support its mission through June 2029. Board members may serve a second consecutive term.
"Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping the strategic priorities that advance our mission to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice and dignity for all," said Shelley Carthen Watson, president and CEO of YWCA Minneapolis. "We are excited to welcome these talented leaders and look forward to working together to strengthen our impact and expand opportunities for the thousands of individuals and families we serve across the Twin Cities each year."
New Board Members
Debbie Estes
Debbie Estes serves as Executive Vice President of Minnesota Sports & Events (MNSE) and Ancillary Events. After more than 30 years as a retail marketing executive, she has found an exciting encore career helping create welcoming experiences that bring people together. She is passionate about ensuring visitors and local residents alike can share in major events while generating economic and community benefits for Minnesota.
Dr. Janine Sanders Jones
Dr. Janine Sanders Jones is associate dean for faculty excellence at the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, where she leads faculty development, accreditation and strategic initiatives. An accomplished researcher, her work focuses on quality and process management, with current research exploring how identity shapes service expectations.
Melisa López Franzen
Melisa López Franzen is director of government affairs at Starkey. An experienced government affairs and community relations executive, she brings more than 20 years of leadership in policy advocacy, strategic communications and reputation management. She oversees strategies that strengthen relationships with government entities, industry partners and community stakeholders while enhancing organizational visibility and impact.
Quyen Ngo
Quyen Ngo serves as executive director at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, where she leads the organization's research and clinical data initiatives. She plays a key role in advancing strategic innovation, establishing evidence-based practices and integrating implementation science into program development and quality improvement efforts.
Kathy Timm
Kathy Timm is a retired attorney with 40 years of legal experience, most of it spent with the Anoka County Attorney's Office. During her career, she served in multiple departments, including juvenile delinquency and child protection. She has also contributed her expertise through service on numerous public and nonprofit boards.
Ivan Torres
Ivan Torres is founder and project manager of Hue-Voice, where he leads community-centered infrastructure, planning and construction projects across Minnesota. He is passionate about building equitable and resilient communities through thoughtful planning, cross-sector collaboration and meaningful public engagement.
Board Members Completing Their Terms
YWCA Minneapolis thanks the following board members for their dedicated service:
Sara Ahluwalia, community volunteer and retired attorney
Stephanie Leonard Crosby, retired executive director of human resources, Robbinsdale Area Schools
Josefina Landrieu, vice president of human resources and employee experiences, Metropolitan State University
Kim Skanson, senior vice president, Global Business Services, Cencora Business Services
Nominations for the YWCA Minneapolis Board of Directors may be submitted to President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson. A complete list of current board members is available at ywcampls.org/about-us/governance. Photos are available upon request.
About YWCA Minneapolis
YWCA Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women and girls. For more than 130 years, YWCA Minneapolis has led initiatives to challenge social injustices, particularly at the intersections of race and gender. Each year, the organization serves more than 15,000 people through high-quality programs and advocacy focused on racial justice, early learning, youth development and wellness.