Who We Are

Kate Slater, Ph.D. is the CEO of YWCA Greater Newburyport, where she leads the organization’s work to eliminate racism, empower women, and expand access to affordable housing, high-quality childcare, health and wellness, and racial justice programming. A nonprofit executive, educator, and organizational strategist, Kate has dedicated her career to building equitable systems and helping mission-driven organizations create lasting social change. Before joining the YWCA, she served as the Executive Director of The Teacher Collaborative, the National Director of College & Career Success at BUILD.org, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Brandeis University, and Associate Director and Manager of Programs at the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers. She also teaches in the Department of Education at the University of New Hampshire, where she has taught courses including Teaching Race, Critical Social Justice in Education, and Issues in Education, and she consults with organizations across the country on creating equitable, liberatory workplaces. Kate is the co-creator of the Anti-Racist Roadmap and a frequent speaker on equity, leadership, and organizational change. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of New Hampshire, where her research focused on improving pathways to higher education for historically marginalized students and examining how racism operates at the individual, organizational, and systemic levels.

I started with the YWCA in 2003. I have worked in youth programming, state-licensed childcare, and direct service for the past 25 years, though I unofficially started at the tender age of 10 when I opened up a lucrative babysitting business that allowed me to work towards financial independence and put myself through college.  My educational background is in law with a focus on children’s advocacy and child psychology. My passion for connecting with and empowering young people as well as supporting families and communities has made me the director I am today. I am driven by the difference that I can make.

When I’m not playing with my young friends, I am creating memories with my own family (my husband and daughter).   We are a fun-loving family that loves to get outside and travel, especially to the beach. Nothing feeds my soul like a day at the beach with my feet in the sand and an iced coffee in my hand!

Hi there, my name is Nicole Brennan, the Early Education Director, for the YWCA Children’s Center. I have been in the early education field for over 20 years. All my experience has been in non-profit organizations. I love the passion that evolves around organizations that believe in the strength of their community. I love coming to the center every day to see the children, staff, and families interact, discover, and learn together. The center is built on community, kindness, and play.

My name is Ilene Harnch-Grady and I am the Health & Wellness/Encore Director. A native of Newburyport, I have had roots in the YWCA since the early ’80s where I was a group exercise instructor teaching high-impact aerobics in what is now our Fitness Center. I returned to the YWCA in my current role in 2007 after doing fundraising for various nonprofit health organizations while moonlighting as a fitness instructor/personal trainer since I acquired my first certification in 1980. In my present role, I am blessed to continue in a directorial and programming capacity alongside my wonderful fitness staff and co-facilitating the YWCA Encore program. A “townie” by nature, it is a distinct privilege to work in my hometown community for an organization that remains near and dear to my heart. When not working you can find me hanging with my daughter Ava and husband Tom, walking my rescue pups, and volunteering at a rescue barn.

Bio to follow

In her role as Fiscal Director, Sara’s purpose is to support the many programs we provide through fiscal responsiblity.  In her spare time, Sara is an avid Red Sox fan!

My name is Diane Sagaser. I graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Health Fitness Bachelor of Science. I have worked for nonprofit organizations my entire professional career. I have been an Aquatics Director for three different associations.

I swam competitively starting at the age of 6 through High School, College, and Masters until 2000. I am currently the Aquatics, Membership, and Marketing Director at the YWCA Greater Newburyport.