BOSTON - s4story -- YW Boston proudly announces the launch of its Women of Color Advisory Council, inaugurated in March 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

The Women of Color Advisory Council brings together a dynamic group of leaders, advocates, and community members who will provide strategic guidance, lived expertise, and critical insight to help shape YW Boston's programs, partnerships, and impact. The Council is designed to ensure that the voices and experiences of women of color remain centered in the organization's work and in broader efforts to advance equity across Boston.

The Inaugural Council Members are as follows: Afsana Alam, Jennifer Barthelemy-Nerestant, MPA, Dr. Inniss, Michi Holmes Foster, Dalinda Ifill-Pressat, Lisa Lazare, Laury Lucien, Esq, Yvonne Montilla, Justine Morgan, Lori Nelson, Ine Ogagan, Koren Phillips, Marcella Raines, Shaquera Robinson, Joyya P. Smith, Emma Talebzadeh, Emily Torres-Cullinane, Lornece Tull, Theresa Wilson.

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Learn More About the Council Members (https://www.ywboston.org/woc-advisory-council/)

"At YW Boston, we know that the most effective and transformative solutions come from those closest to the challenges," said Aba Taylor, President & CEO of YW Boston. "The Women of Color Advisory Council is a powerful step toward deepening our accountability, strengthening our community connections, and ensuring our work is informed by and reflects the realities, wisdom and leadership of women of color."

The Council will play a key role in:

• Informing YW Boston's strategic priorities and program development
• Strengthening connections with communities across Boston
• Elevating issues at the intersection of race, gender, and economic justice
• Supporting leadership development and advocacy efforts

This initiative builds on YW Boston's longstanding leadership in racial and gender equity and reflects the organization's commitment to shared leadership, collaboration, and liberation.

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Members of the Women of Color Advisory Council represent a range of sectors and lived experiences, bringing diverse perspectives that will help guide YW Boston's continued growth and impact.

"The creation of this Council is about more than representation—it's about influence, voice, and power," said Lori Nelson, member of the Women of Color Advisory Council and Senior Advisor in Mayor Michelle Wu's Office of Equity and Inclusion on Racial Justice. "We are excited to partner with YW Boston to help shape a future where women of color are not only included, but centered and leading."

YW Boston looks forward to the Council's contributions as it continues to expand its work across leadership development, workplace equity, and community engagement. For more information, visit https://www.ywboston.org/