Our History
In 1889, seventeen women started the YWCA at UC Berkeley to serve the needs of women and girls and as the decades passed the YWCA expanded its focus to encompass many significant social issues. The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland has a 115-year tradition of dedication to the empowerment of girls and women and to racial and social justice for ALL people. Our programs and services reach out to the diverse populations of our city including students, immigrants, foreign students, at-risk youth and the unemployed. The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland is the only organization in Berkeley through which you can reach this breath of population.
Board and Staff Composition
The Board and volunteers of the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland represent a great variety of employment fields, academic majors, and interests. The diversity of the Board of Directors, volunteers and staff reflects that of our community. The 30 board members range in age from the 20s to the 70s, with many religions and most ethnic, racial, and socio-economic groups represented. This diversity in all areas is reflected in our volunteer and staff groups as well.
Staff
The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland staff is hard working, well educated and extremely committed to social service and the goals outlined in our mission. Each staff member is uniquely qualified for her position and all of our programs benefit from the diversity of our staff.
Jane Abraham – English In Action Director
Sharon Bettinelli – Executive Director
Jenny DeRuntz – Associate Director
Nicole Ferris – Program Director
Jana Hiraga – Program Director Youth Development
Anne Levine – Scribble Time
Bobbi Poulton – Accounts Manager
Ana Rivas – Housekeeper
Felix Tsai – Caretaker
Charlene Van Ness – Program Director Dance and Fitness
