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Shannon Isom

YWCA CEO Resigns

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YWCA DAYTON announced today that its Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Shannon Isom as CEO, effective January 6, 2023. She has accepted the position as President and CEO of Community Shelter Board in Columbus, Ohio. Ms. Isom has been the CEO of YWCA Dayton since December 2013.

Shannon began her professional career working for the YWCA in Columbus as a manager of a trial program in conjunction with the CDC and YWCA USA to ensure marginalized women had access to breast and cervical screenings. Under Shannon’s leadership, including her time as the Board Chair, the YWCA Dayton has become the region’s driving force for the critical work of eliminating racism and empowering women.

During her tenure as CEO, Shannon has received numerous awards including, Antioch College Coretta Scott King Justice Award, DBJ Forty under 40, Leadership Dayton, DBJ 50 Most Powerful Women, WIBN Top 25 Women to Watch, and DBJ Forty Under 40 Alumni Hall of Fame. Also, the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton, and the National Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

In the community, Shannon’s work included serving on numerous boards and committees including board member for the Dayton Downtown Partnership, Co-Op Dayton, Community Appeals Board for the City of Dayton, and Miami Valley Regional Planning Committee. She served on the Executive Advisory Committee for the Human Rights Center at the University of Dayton and as co-chair of Racism is a Public Health Crisis Task Force. Shannon also served as a TEDx coach for TEDx Dayton.

YWCA Board Chair, Jennifer Heapy shared, “Shannon’s commitment to the core values of eliminating racism and empowering women cannot be overstated. We are grateful for Shannon’s strategic vision and tireless advocacy. Her vision and leadership will leave the YWCA Dayton well-positioned to continue the work of fighting for women and racial justice. The Board is working closely with the YWCA USA to identify an interim CEO.”

Panelists to Discuss Racial Justice Issues

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Layla F. Saad’s book Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor offers a lot to think about, and plenty to discuss. Dayton Metro Library presents an online, recorded Panel Discussion on Wednesday, July 8, 5 – 6 p.m.  View the discussion live at www.BigRead.org. The recorded conversation will be posted online for later viewing.

Amelia Robinson, Dayton Daily News Community Impact Editor, will moderate the discussion. The panelists are:

Debbie Feldman, President and CEO, Dayton Children’s Hospital

Shannon Isom, President & CEO, YWCA Dayton

Kevin M. Kelly, Executive Director, Dayton International Peace Museum

Brian O. Martin, AICP, Executive Director, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission

Questions or comments for the panelists to consider should be submitted in advance at the Facebook event page or online here.

“This will surely be an important conversation for our community as we all work to push Dayton forward,” Amelia Robinson said.

“We have no doubt that hearing from these respected community leaders will help all of us better understand racism locally, and feel more knowledgeable and confident discussing ways we can move our community forward as a result,” said Tim Kambitsch, Library Executive Director.

Me and White Supremacy takes readers on a 28-day journey to dismantle the privilege within themselves so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on people of color, and in turn, help other white people to do better, too. It is available for unlimited borrowing in eBook and Audiobook formats through OverDriveat DaytonMetroLibrary.org through July 31, meaning an unlimited number of readers can borrow and read the book at the same time.

“I was motivated to become involved in this project because it is only through honest and often painful dialogue can we ever hope to make progress,” said Kevin Kelly of the Dayton International Peace Museum. “We have a long-overdue opportunity and a responsibility to find permanent solutions and fresh ideas on how to finally end the timeless scourge of racism and inequity in this country.”

“I feel it is important to participate in this project because this movement is so very painful for everyone,” said MVRPC’s Brian Martin. “We feel like we need to do something. I’m hopeful that this Big Read will lead to more discussions across the area, Ohio, and the Nation.”

View the discussion live at www.BigRead.org. The recorded conversation will be posted online for later viewing. For more information about the book, the author, or other ways to continue the conversation, visit The Big Read website.