Who We Are
The YWCA Glendale & Pasadena is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Our purpose is to ensure the health, safety, and economic empowerment of women, children, and families and to strengthen communities to prevent and break the cycle of domestic violence.
The YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families in our community.
Our local programs and services have furthered the YWCA vision of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people since 1926. Over the past 98 years, programs have evolved and have included shelter for women, health education and wellness classes for women, youth development programs, community dialogue groups to discuss race relations, children’s programs, emergency shelter, and services for survivors of domestic violence.
YWCA MISSION
Our Leadership Team
Debra Suh
CEO
Alejandra Sanchez
Program Director
Jomie Liu
Director of Community Engagement
Erin English
Development & Communications Manager
Leah Inman
Administrative Manager
Debra Suh
Debra Suh, Esq. has dedicated over 30 years to advancing equity and safety through nonprofit leadership. She spent 23 years as Executive Director of the Center for the Pacific Asian Family, addressing domestic and sexual violence in immigrant Asian/Pacific Islander communities. Earlier in her career, she expanded legal access for underserved immigrants at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. Debra serves on multiple boards and advisory councils focused on gender-based violence and community advocacy. A longtime Glendale resident, she is a proud parent, public school advocate, and rescue dog mom.
Alejandra Sanchez
Alejandra is our Program Director overseeing all major initiatives with a strategic focus on community development and outreach. She has over a decade of experience designing impactful programs that uplift underserved populations. Alejandra is known for her collaborative leadership style and passion for social justice.
Jomie Liu
Jomie Liu, Director of Community Engagement, leads violence prevention and community outreach efforts that align closely with the organization’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism. She has been central to expanding the agency’s Girls’ Empowerment & Prevention Programs, leading successful partnerships with local schools and community organizations to deliver year-round, evidence-based programming and community-wide violence prevention efforts. Jomie has collaborated in impactful Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) events in partnership with cities and local allies, raising awareness and deepening community engagement. Her leadership has supported the growth and improvement of violence prevention events and programs through hybrid formats and enhanced volunteer and counselor training in collaboration with subject matter experts. With a background in Human Biology from UC San Diego and prior leadership at YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, Jomie brings a commitment to inclusive, collaborative work that strengthens support systems for families.
Erin English
Erin leads fundraising, donor engagement, grants, and communications at YWCA Glendale and Pasadena. Since joining in 2022, she has managed development operations, CRM systems, fundraising events, and multi-channel campaigns to boost visibility and support. She brings expertise in writing, marketing, and project management, with a strong focus on relationship building and clear communication. Erin holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and will begin her MPA at CSU Northridge in August 2025. She is a member of AFP Greater Los Angeles and believes in storytelling as a tool for connection and impact.
Leah Inman
Leah joined YWCA Glendale and Pasadena in 2022 and plays a vital role in the organization’s daily operations. She manages front desk functions, in-kind donations, internal systems, and supports cross-departmental needs including facilities and HR. Leah successfully coordinated the office move to Glendale, led a computer hardware rollout, and oversees staff onboarding and offboarding. She also handles IT ticketing, donation tracking, and a high volume of public inquiries. Prior to YWCA, Leah worked in hospitality and holds a B.A. in Geography with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Sonoma State University.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for Glendale, Pasadena and beyond
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2024-2025
Board President Wesley Walton Chief Executive Officer Glendale Area Schools Credit Union
VP of External Affairs Committee Amanda Faissal
Deputy Communications Director Assemblymember Nick Schultz's 44th District
Secretary/VP of Governance Committee Jess Skylar
Managing Partner Think of Us
Board Members
Erin Edwards
Director, Marketing & Communications Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
Maggie Lee SVP Director of Commercial Banking East West Bank
Dalia V. Lomeli
Corporate Communications Senior Manager Leidos QTC Health Services
Taline Saad
Executive Vice President Opulent Remodeling & Construction
Dr. Paula Raymond Stamp
CEO/Principal Geaux Consulting Group
Cynthia Vatalaro Bureau Chief California Department of Social Services
Key Dates in YWCA History