Our Staff
Tali (they/them)
Co-Executive Director, Programming
Tali Economy started working at the YWCA in 2018 as a Youth Coordinator and has been an integral part of the organization ever since, serving in various roles. With 16 years of experience in advocacy and humanitarian work, Tali Economy now holds the position of the YWCA of Olympia's first transgender Chief Executive Officer. Tali Economy is a proud graduate of San Diego State University.
Alli (she/her)
Co-Executive Director, Community Engagement
Alli Ewing joined the YWCA Olympia team in 2023. From working as a facilitator and trainer for the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute, to supporting youth and staff in a residential treatment facility for youth in foster care, Alli orients towards ways of being that bring people together in healing and community. She graduated from the University of Kansas. Alli is also a proud parent to two young kids.
Marisa(she/her)
Program Manager
Marisa Caughlan (She/her) comes to us with a lot of knowledge of working with nonprofits. Before the YWCA Marisa was the Operations and Outreach Program manager at CARE Olympia. She also has served as the Equity and Outreach program manager at Thurston Climate Action Team. Marisa earned her bachelor's degree in History from Saint Martin’s University. She is committed to anti-racism education as well as empowering and supporting those most affected by social and economic injustice. When she is not at work you can find Marisa in her garden or spending time with her kiddo, husband and dog.
Nikki (she/they)
Facilitator
Nikki Jimenez joined the YWCA Olympia Team in 2024 as a Facilitator. From being in the Running Start program in Mason County, to being a graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder (2022) and the University of North Florida (2019), she is passionate that learning should be included in all aspects of our community. A tutor and teacher, Nikki is dedicated to creating safe moments and spaces for youth..
Kaiden (they/them)
Facilitator
Kaiden joined the YWCA of Olympia team in 2024 as a Youth Program Facilitator. They have worn many hats in life but have found the most joy and passion working with underserved adults and youth in the community. Having graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelors in Psychology and worked multiple years as an advocate, they are especially thrilled working in a role that allows them to support youth through education and empathy. They believe that knowledge and compassion are the key to current and future generations thriving. Kaiden loves rainy weather, reading in their free time, and being the proud parent of one adorable, silly cat named Lacey Swiss Cheese..
Our Board of Directors
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Amelia Watson (She/Her)
Board Chair
Amelia is the board chair for the YWCA Olympia Board of Directors. She is a Co-Supervising Attorney with the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program (PRP) since 2006. Amelia received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Women Studies and her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. She is a founding member and Co-Chair of the National Alliance for Parent Representation of the ABA Center of Children and the Law, an executive team member for the Family Justice Initiative, and a founding participant advisor for the Washington State Parent Ally Committee. Amelia’s article Family Is in a Child’s Best Interest was published in the Fall 2022 Volume of the Family, Integrity and Justice Quarterly.
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Jay Banks (He/They)
Secretary
Jay Banks joined the YWCA board in Fall 2023 and is passionate about making spaces for marginalized people to feel hopeful and empowered in their own advocacy. They work as the Director of Equity Programs and People Projects at Accelerate Change.
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Angela Jefferson (She/Her)
Board Member
Angela Jefferson is a combat veteran and retired Army Commissioned Officer, who served 25 years on active duty. She is a fearless advocate for Justice, Social Justice, Equality, democracy, and the pursuit of liberty and freedom for all people. Angela was re-elected in November of 2023 and currently serves Council Member for the city of Tumwater, WA. They hold an MBA in Human Resources from SUNY.