Hemmerlein Confirmed as Board Chair of YWCA Syracuse and Onondaga County, Inc.

Three members of the Syracuse University community have joined the YWCA Syracuse and Onondaga County, Inc. Board of Directors for 2017-19 as volunteers who will help advance the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Ellen Hemmerlein, associate general counsel, was confirmed as the YWCA Board chair for 2017-19; Ellen King, executive director of special events, was named board vice chair; and Jaclyn Grosso, executive director of communications and public relations, will oversee new board member development.

As part of her first leadership initiative, Ellen Hemmerlein, new chair of the board of directors for the YWCA Syracuse and Onondaga County, Inc., stuffs backpacks with school supplies for children currently living at the YWCA’s Syracuse women’s residence.

“These powerful women offer a diverse set of professional skills and keen understanding of the needs of our community,” says YWCA Syracuse & Onondaga County Executive Director Fanny Villarreal. “Their passion for our organization and its mission inspires me. We are truly on a mission to better the lives of women and children.”

Hemmerlein’s first leadership initiative was to spearhead the board’s donation of school supplies, books and backpacks to children currently living at the YWCA’s Syracuse women’s residence, which offers a safe, structured and affordable housing program for women and their children.

“This support is a simple act of kindness from all our board members to demonstrate the importance of an education to these children,” says Hemmerlein. “These families are transitioning to a better life and being prepared for the first day of school is an important step to their success.”