MEDIA CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sylvia Chinn July 30, 2018
(818) 242-4155 ext. 213
YWCA Glendale Appoints New Board Members and Launches New Strategic Plan
Glendale, CA —YWCA Glendale welcomes Jessica McConnell First, Armine Petrosyan, Ayana Rose, and Taline Saad to the Board of Directors, effective July 2018. These new directors join Board President, Suzonne Slaughter, and board members Ani Adjemian, Richard Bennett, Clare Ceplecha, Jade Dhatchayangkul, Jerome French, T.C. Kim, Seda Khojayan and Valerie Merritt at the launch of a new five-year strategic plan with Executive Director, Tara Peterson.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these four remarkable women to the board,” says Executive Director, Tara Peterson. “With their deep professional backgrounds and nonprofit experience, we’re confident our new directors will provide valuable perspectives as YWCA Glendale continues to address issues of importance to local women, girls and families. We look forward to working with our board to carry out our new strategic plan, and we’re so excited our new directors have chosen to dedicate their time, talent and financial support to YWCA Glendale.”
Jessica McConnell First is CEO and Chief Strategist of design agency Kilter. First was inspired to get further involved with YWCA Glendale after hearing the domestic violence survivor stories at the organization’s Annual Legacy Luncheon. First will serve as VP of External Affairs on the YWCA Glendale board. First has been a voice for women’s rights and equal opportunity for years. Recognized as one of five Authentic Female Leaders at Mattel, she is an experienced mentor of women and girls. First also volunteers for organizations serving disadvantaged youth and homeless youth, including Crown Jewel Club, Catchafire and Dare to Care.
Armine Petrosyan is VP of Commercial Banking with California Bank & Trust. Petrosyan is a champion for financial literacy and empowerment for women and youth. A Glendale resident and parent of two children in the Glendale Unified School District, Petrosyan is a vocal supporter of YWCA Glendale and, through her board service, seeks to help YWCA participants realize their full potential. Petrosyan has volunteered for Junior Achievement of Southern California which teaches young people financial literacy and workforce readiness.
Ayana Rose, LMFT, is Director of Community Based Programs at Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services. Rose first became acquainted with YWCA Glendale after taking the 40-Hour Domestic Violence Counselor Training, and, as Program Director at YWCA Pasadena, Rose introduced and coordinated programs to increase community involvement in the areas of racial justice and women’s economic empowerment. An advocate for domestic violence survivors, Rose says, “It has always been my passion to empower women so they can live their best lives, and tip the scale of equality in the workforce and in society.”
Taline Saad is Executive Vice President of Glendale-based Opulent Modeling & Construction. Saad first learned of YWCA Glendale and its legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence when she volunteered at the Van Nuys Courthouse in 1991. Saad recently served as a panelist at the first-ever YWCA Glendale EmpowHER Women’s Leadership Panel & Networking Brunch, sharing her experience and insight into entrepreneurship, relationship-building and navigating toward corporate success. Saad is an active volunteer and fundraiser for organizations such as the Cultural Forum of Southern California, Lycee International de Los Angeles and more.
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About YWCA Glendale
Founded in 1926, YWCA Glendale 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. To learn more about YWCA Glendale and opportunities to volunteer, visit www.ywcagp.org. For help, call YWCA Glendale’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at (888) 999-7511.