Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D. is CEO of YWCA USA, one of the Nation’s oldest and largest multicultural organizations promoting solutions to empower women, girls, families and communities in December 2012. Richardson-Heron has more than 20 years of leadership and management excellence in the healthcare, corporate and nonprofit sectors. Recently featured in The New York Times as one of four female chief executives discussing female voices in leadership, Richardson-Heron is using her voice to lead the YWCA USA and 226 YWCA local associations across the country in building a national movement for the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women.

Richardson-Heron oversees the overall operations of the national organization, leading mission impact, member services, advocacy, communications, finance, development teams and field directors from around the country. Together with her exceptional YWCA leadership team, she works to develop and implement innovative value added solutions and supports for YWCA local associations offering lifechanging community-based services in 47 states throughout the country and the District of Columbia.

Richardson-Heron represents the organization on Capitol Hill, at the White House and in the media. She meets regularly with key stakeholders, including elected officials, coalition partners, corporations and donors and speaks at events across the nation.

Because of her many accomplishments, she has been honored with numerous awards, including the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers, Woman of Excellence in Philanthropy and “25 Influential Black Women in Business.” In May 2013, she was named one of the “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” by Women’s eNews and in August 2013 and 2014, she was recognized on The Nonprofit Times “Power & Influence Top 50” list. In March 2015, she was included on the Ideagen Impact 100 list for her leadership, impact and focused commitment to the empowerment of women.

Dr. Richardson-Heron, a physician by trade and advocate by choice, holds a Doctorate in Medicine from New York University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Barnard College
of Columbia University. She also completed an Executive Human Resources Program at the University of Michigan.