Passion AND Purpose: YWCA’S Board Evolution

The mission of YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley (YWCA-GGSV) has always been clear, bold, and declarative: eliminate racism and empower women. In an era where these fundamental values are increasingly under threat, Adriana Caldera, Chief Executive Officer, and Aime McClane, Chief Operating Officer of YWCA-GGSV, are steadfast in their commitment to leading the charge.

Recently, YWCA-GGSV partnered with ALF Insights to reshape the experience and function of its board of directors—an effort rooted in the organization's broader commitment to social justice and equity.

Navigating Change

In 2019, YWCA-GGSV Silicon Valley merged with San Francisco & Marin, forming a larger, more robust organization. However, the timing proved challenging, as the merger was quickly followed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a leadership transition, with Adriana stepping into the CEO role. Amidst these shifts, the boards of both organizations also merged, creating a 28-member "super-board."

As the pandemic continued and some board members transitioned out, YWCA-GGSV intensified its focus on advancing social justice. Leadership recognized that meaningful change couldn't be confined to programming alone—it had to be embedded at every level of the organization, including governance.

"During the pandemic, we made a strong commitment as an organization—and as a board—to advancing social and racial justice," Adriana explained. "We knew this work couldn't just live on the programmatic side; it needed to be reflected in our governance and leadership as well."

Having worked with ALF Insights faculty member Jenny Niklaus before, Adriana and Aime knew ALFI was the right partner to guide them through this transition. The organization's approach was pivotal in helping the board reframe its role and responsibilities.

"ALF Insights has been instrumental in helping us navigate these conversations, particularly by introducing the Purpose-Driven Board Leadership framework," Adriana shared. "This has really helped shift our board's perspective beyond traditional governance concerns—like financials and service numbers—to a broader understanding of how our decisions impact the communities we serve. We've been working to ensure our board has not just the language but also the autonomy and tools to lead with racial and social justice at the forefront."

For Aime, this board development work represents a critical turning point for YWCA-GGSV.

"From 2019 through the pandemic, we've taken step after step toward real, structural change. We developed a Race Equity Plan with concrete strategies and tactics. We then went further, weaving racial equity into our strategic plan—not just internally but externally—ensuring it shapes our programs and impact," she explained.

"That's why this current work with the board feels like a tipping point. We don't want the board to feel disconnected from the conversations and struggles we've been engaging in as an organization. The Purpose-Driven Board Leadership framework has really challenged them—asking them to reconsider what it means to center community and movement over the organization itself."

Centering Lived Experience

A crucial part of ensuring the board remains connected to YWCA-GGSV's mission is the development of a Lived Experience Advisory Board. This group will be composed of individuals who have directly experienced gender-based violence or received services from the YWCA-GGSV.

For Adriana, establishing this advisory board is a natural step in the organization's evolution.

"We've long prioritized amplifying the voices of the individuals and communities we serve, ensuring that our programs and services are truly responsive to their needs. Now, we're ready to take it further—creating a space where those with lived experience have a formal role in shaping our direction," she said.

"Looking ahead, I envision an organization where community voices don't just inform service delivery but also help guide our advocacy priorities. I want us to be in a place where the people directly impacted by these issues are helping to define what we stand for and what policies we champion."

Aime echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that this approach is not just symbolic but about meaningful inclusion.

"There's a difference between simply having representation and truly centering those perspectives in a meaningful way," she explained. "What we're aiming for is a structure where lived experience isn't just present—it's driving conversations and influencing the direction of our work."

Resilience and the Road Ahead

As the YWCA-GGSV continues this journey of board development and structural transformation, resilience remains a key theme. Adriana and Aime recognize the challenges ahead but are prepared to navigate them together."  

It's really about collective resilience," Aime reflected. "It's not just about individual strength; it's about the relationships we have within the organization and with our external partners. I've been in this work for 15 years, and I've had the privilege of working with Adriana for over a decade. My resilience comes from knowing that I'm not in this alone. There's a collective energy—whether it's our senior leadership team, the board, or our broader networks—that provides strength. That's where I'm drawing my resilience from, especially in the last couple of weeks."

With a clear mission, strong leadership, and a commitment to centering lived experience, YWCA-GGSV Golden Gate Silicon Valley is paving the way for a new era of governance that prioritizes equity, justice, and the communities it serves.