Women’s History Month

March is National Women’s History Month!

This month, we celebrate the countless ways women strengthen communities, lead with vision, and drive meaningful change for the greater good. From our own neighborhoods to communities around the world, women continue to inspire progress through courage, compassion, and leadership.

As we honor their achievements, we also recognize the challenges women have faced over the years—and the resilience they demonstrate every day.

Join us as we celebrate, uplift, and honor the women who make a difference every day.

Early in Y history, women’s auxiliaries were instrumental in raising funds for the YMCA. In 1886, the first known female YMCA employee, Ellen Brown, was hired, and during WWI, a total of 5,145 women served under the YMCA banner. However, though the support of women was of vital importance to the success of the YMCA, they have not always been able to participate fully as a member. The Brooklyn YMCA is the first Y known to work with women which began as early as 1859. However, it was not until 1978 that gender discrimination was banned outright by the YMCA.

Our history shows that we have much to celebrate. Our movement has often been at the vanguard of change. Our history also shows us there is always room for improvement and new communities waiting to receive the benefit of joining the global YMCA community.

Ellen Brown was the first female YMCA employee in 1886 when she was hired to serve as the “boys work secretary.” Brown taught a night class at the Y that grew so rapidly, it eventually became a whole department!

As part of the YMCA’s massive World War I support effort, Addie Hunton was one of only three African American women assigned to serve over 200,000 segregated Black troops stationed in France. Hunton was also the YWCA secretary for Black student work and vice president of the NAACP.

Fighting to improve the status of women in the YMCA, Winifred Colton began her extensive YMCA career as women’s and girls’ work secretary at the YMCA of Metro Chicago. In 1957, the YMCA’s National Council’s statement of purpose no longer applied to “males only,” and Colton became the first woman professional on the national staff.

At 26 years old, Janice Paton was the first woman to be named to the National YMCA Board of Directors in 1962, breaking barriers and paving the way for women’s leadership across the Y movement! Her trailblazing role helped shape a more welcoming YMCA – one that empowers women and girls everywhere to lead, grow, and thrive.

After holding various executive leadership roles in the Newark and Chicago YMCAs, in 1976, Violet P. Henry became the first woman to be named to a top management position at the Y’s national office. She provided leadership for numerous national and international commissions and committees that worked for the rights of women and people of color.

In 2021, Suzanne McCormick became the first woman to serve as President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. A 30-year nonprofit executive, Suzanne is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. In her role, she serves as an inspiration and symbol of what’s possible for future women leaders, including the millions of girls and young women who engage with the Y as members, participants, staff and volunteers.

Explore the YMCA Archives to learn more about women in the YMCA throughout history.
Read the Women in the YMCA Record Book.
Learn more about the world’s most powerful women.