Leadership
Maricelis Ortiz
Chief Executive Officer
Education/Certifications
Bachelors in Psychology
Masters in Non-Profit Management and Philanthropy
Maricelis Ortiz brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been with the YWCA for 28 years. Her deep understanding of the organization’s mission, paired with her academic credentials – a bachelor’s in psychology and a Master’s in Non-Profit Management and Philanthropy – uniquely position her to continue driving the YWCA’s vital work in Essex County and the Merrimack Valley.
When asked about her excitement for the new role, Maricelis shared, “I am deeply honored to step into this role and lead an organization I believe in wholeheartedly. As a woman, I am empowered by the opportunity to support other women and families through the work we do at the YWCA. I am particularly proud to be the first Latina to lead the YWCA in its 133-year history. The mission of the YWCA has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am excited to help shape the future of our community programs and continue our work to create lasting change.”
I love the mission of the YWCA; as a woman, I feel empowered to help other women and families through the organization’s work. The YWCA has allowed me to grow professionally, to be creative in implementing programs, and to be part of a movement that promotes change.
I am happy to make an impact on one person at a time. The culture of the YWCA is like being part of a family; the YW has become my second home.
Board of Directors
The YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts is led by an all-woman board of directors who are responsible for governing the organization and setting its policy and direction.
Officers
Juana Naveo-Siekiera
President
Insurance Division Rep – Eastern Bank
perla C. Ortiz
Vice President
Treasurer/Collector for the City of Lawrence, MA
PaM Sintros, CPA
Treasurer
Financial Advisor
Madeline villanueva
Secretary
Vice President, Senior Research Analyst, Institutional Credit Management – Citizens Bank
Members
Emma Campbell
Volunteer
Denise Molina Capers
Attorney
Anne Hemmer
Retired
Loubna Garozzo
Professional
Ellen Small Davis
Entrepreneur
Margaret Crockett
Retired
Katherine Castro Eardley
VP Mortgage Loan Officer – Guaranteed Rate Inc.
Board Members
Margaret Crockett
Retired attorney
Education/Certifications
Duke University, AB
Boston College, JD
Why the YWCA?
I am inspired by the work our amazing YWCA staff does to support women and families in difficult circumstances by providing emergency shelter, housing, and childcare, as well as education about healthy relationships, racism, and social justice.
Emma Campbell
Volunteer
Education/Certifications
Combined BA/MA from the Institut des Etudes Politiques de Paris
Why the YWCA?
Part of the YWCA’s mission is to support survivors of DV and SA, enabling them to recover, get back on their feet, and live independent, fulfilling lives – how could I not support that? Also, the YW provides high-quality preschool and after-school child care at subsidized rates, allowing parents to study or work knowing their kids are in the best hands.
Juana M Naveo Siekiera
Account Executive
Education/Certifications
AINS, CLCS, Certificate in Non-Profit Governance
Why the YWCA?
The YWCA’s is an outstanding organization that supports women, children, families and the community as a whole. I am so proud to support an organization that strives to better the lives of women and families facing many challenges and barriers in their lives so that they can realize their fullest potential.
Anne Hemmer
MS
Education/Certifications
MBA Simmons College
BA University of Michigan
Why the YWCA?
Women need to support other women and lift each other up.
Denise Molina, Esq.
Director ODEI, Executive Office & OCM, Massachusetts Trial Courts
Education/Certifications
Double Bachelor of Arts, Pace University
Juris Doctorate, Massachusetts School of Law
MA Educator License
MA Board of Bar License
Cornell Certified Advanced Diversity Practitioner
Why the YWCA?
I support the YWCA because its mission of empowering women and eliminating racism aligns deeply with my values. I have seen and personally experienced first hand the impact its programs and resources have had on our communities, children and families. I am proud to serve as a board member and stand behind the work the Northeastern YWCA does everyday.
Perla Ortiz
Treasurer/Tax Collector- City of Lawrence
Education/Certifications
Bachelors Business Science Concentration in Accounting/Certified Massachusetts Municipal Collector (CMMC)
Why the YWCA?
The YWCA plays a crucial role in empowering and uplifting women, children, and families all of which I’m strongly passionate about. This amazing organization addresses the diverse needs of our community through over 26 programs, focusing on women’s health, child care, and support of survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, which makes it an invaluable resource for individuals in need.
Supporting the YWCA is an opportunity to directly impact the lives of thousands of individuals in our community. Every day, the organization fosters an environment of safety, education, and empowerment, while offering vital resources to those who may lack access to such services. Supporting this work means contributing to a collective effort to build stronger, healthier communities where everyone regardless of race, age, or gender can thrive.
Madeline Villanueva
Vice President, Senior Research Analyst, Institutional Credit Management at Citizens Bank
Education/Certifications
Bachelors of Science Degree
Why the YWCA?
I am proud to be part of an organization that creates lasting, meaningful change in the lives of families and communities while advocating for the marginalized.
Katherine Castro Eardley
VP of Mortgage Lending, NMLS 1074264
Education/Certifications
Bachelors of Applied Science in Business Administration and Management
Why the YWCA?
As a woman of color I can say that the mission and work of the YWCA are near and dear to my heart. I have seen the impact this organization has made in the communities it serves by providing a wide variety of services. I have made a personal commitment to serve the organization and will continue to do so in different capacities as my time and life allows.
Emily González
Professor Natural Sciences
Education/Certifications
Master of Science – University of Massachusetts Amherst
Why the YWCA?
The mission of the YWCA resonates with the fundamental principles of my family. I believe that the work we do strengthens our communities, and it is a joy to support the YW.
Patty Wilson
Senior Vice President / Regional Commercial Lending Manager at Enterprise Bank
Education/Certifications
Bachelors Degree – Hesser College
Why the YWCA?
I love to support an organization whose mission it is to provide support and to empower women in our communities and help children, especially young girls to become strong and independent women.
Executive Leadership Team
Arelis Huertas
Deputy Director of Survivor Services
Education/Certifications
Masters in Social Work
Why the YWCA?
The YWCA is a place where we work towards assisting survivors in their healing journey. This is done through an array of services and partnerships. We assist with advocacy, navigating systems, counseling, lobbying, education, and prevention efforts.
As an agency, we work to ensure that all human beings, particularly those within marginalized populations, receive equitable and sustainable services from the YWCA. We truly do strive to promote peace, dignity, and respect for all.
Luis Martinez
Deputy Director of Operations & Facilities
Education/Certifications
Why the YWCA?
Sheila Dunne
Chief Financial Officer
Education/Certifications
Graduate degree in Accounting from Indiana University, School of Business, Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management with minors in Business Management and Family Studies; Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Why the YWCA?
I love working with the YWCA because of my passion for human services; I am honored to be part of a women’s organization that has been serving women and families in the Lawrence community since 1899.
Kathy Ruiz
Deputy Director of Children and Family Services
Education/Certifications
Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies
Associates in Early Education
EEC Director 2
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
Certified Pool Operator
ServSafe Certified
Allergens Awareness Certified
Outdoor Training Instructor
Why the YWCA?
Oooh this is a lot!
Staff Members
Jaime Quezada
Site Director of YWCA Enrichment Center @ Arlington Mills
Education/Certifications
Preschool Teacher Certification
Why the YWCA?
The YWCA is more than a job—it’s a mission. For over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how we inspire kids, build confidence, create opportunities, and help families. I work here because I believe every child deserves a safe space and the tools to succeed.
Throughout this journey, we’ve also been able to impact many families in our community. Supporting the YW means making a real difference—one person at a time.
Nicole Sammartino
Director of Advancement
Education/Certifications
Bachelors of Science in Communications from Ithaca College
Why the YWCA?
I am amazed daily at the strength and resilience of the women and families we support during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Finding funding or fundraising for the mission of the YWCA simply makes my heart happy.
Maritza Gonzalez
Director of Enrollment for Children and Family Services
Education/Certifications
Bachelors Degree in Psychology
Why the YWCA?
The YWCA provides essential services and support for children and families to build a healthier and more positive future. Every day, we strive to create a welcoming and nurturing culture. I have the privilege of helping families with the enrollment process, obtaining childcare services, and facilitating a smooth transition into our programs.
Our common goal is to treat everyone with dignity, no matter where they come from. I’ve also gained a profound appreciation for fostering a meaningful and respectful relationship with many of our parents.
Knowing that the staff continues to create many positive experiences and unforgettable childhood memories is such an amazing feeling to know that the YW is making a difference in their lives.
Samantha Hernandez
Director of Housing and Stabilization
Education/Certifications
Bachelor of Social Services and Rehabilitation
Why the YWCA?
I feel that the work we do changes lives, and I feel happy to be able to contribute to those changes.
Hannah Gagne
RCC Program Director
Education/Certifications
Bachelors in Social Work
Why the YWCA?
I love working with the YWCA. Here, I can support survivors on many levels. I conduct one-on-one counseling and legal and medical advocacy with survivors while building community partnerships and providing education within school systems.
The YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Every day, we make strides toward this mission.
Lisa Chavez
DV/SA Haverhill Site Director
Education/Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Why the YWCA?
Being able to support our clients during moments when they may feel isolated is profoundly rewarding. Knowing that we have offered a helping hand—and hearing their success stories—reminds me that we are creating meaningful change, even if only in small ways. Providing educational workshops at the schools I once attended, reinforces how much I would have benefited from this information as a student. Seeing children engage with enthusiasm and building rapport with them always brings me joy. We are contributing to the world they will one day inhabit as adults, one student at a time. If I can help even a single student, they may carry that forward in ways they may not immediately realize.
Teresa DeJesus
Director of YWCA NEMA Emergency Shelter
Education/Certifications
Bachelors Degree in Psychology
Why the YWCA?
I am ever grateful for the services and support that the YWCA gives to both Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault survivors. The employees of the YWCA truly live the mission statement, making it an incredible agency to support and work for.
Amy De Simone
Director of Youth Services @ Haverhill Site
Education/Certifications
Bachelors Degree in Human Development
Director 1 & 2
Preschool Lead Teacher
Infant Toddler Teacher
Serv Safe Certified
CPR/First Aid
Why the YWCA?
I enjoy working at the YWCA because it offers a meaningful opportunity to impact families and the community positively. Working at the YWCA provides me a chance to directly and positively impact children’s lives. The joy of helping them learn, grow, and develop new skills is incredibly rewarding.
A Letter from the Board
At the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts, our staff works extremely hard to create an exceptionally positive impact on their communities, as the YW has done since the early 1890s. Our YW was founded by women, for women. Its mission then—like our mission today—was to improve the lives of women new to our country and our community—immigrant women who came to work in Lawrence and Haverhill. For more than 125 years, we have looked to build pathways of hope for future success. We remain true to our mission to empower women as a social change agency.
In all that we do, the YWCA strives to give women the tools to overcome whatever challenges stand between them and realize their fullest potential. In our work, we assist women and families in crisis; providing emergency shelter and counseling to survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence; providing affordable housing to single women and families who have fled domestic violence in their home; linking under or uninsured women to critical health services; and offering high-quality childcare so that women can work to keep their families self-sufficient.
As the current YWCA board, we are proud to continue the tradition started by our founders to deliver a safe haven for at risk women and families in Lawrence and Haverhill. Together with our Women’s Health Services as well as our Youth and Child Services, YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts continues to strive for social justice for the most vulnerable in our communities.
Our ongoing work could not happen without the support of individuals and businesses we partner with. On behalf of the women, children, and families we serve each year, THANK YOU!