YWCA Northwest Louisiana Announces Rashida Dawson as New Executive Director

Accomplished Community Leader and Financial Empowerment Advocate to Lead Organization into Its Next Chapter of Impact

SHREVEPORT, La. — YWCA Northwest Louisiana is proud to announce the appointment of Rashida Dawson as its new Executive Director, ushering in a dynamic era of leadership for one of the region’s most impactful organizations dedicated to empowering women, eliminating racism, promoting social justice, and strengthening families throughout Northwest Louisiana.

A respected nonprofit executive and champion for economic mobility, Dawson brings more than a decade of experience in community development, financial empowerment, strategic partnerships, and program innovation. She previously served as Vice President of Financial Stability at the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, where she oversaw transformative initiatives that have improved the financial well-being of thousands of individuals and families across the region.

Her past experience included Dawson leading multiple financial empowerment programs, including the Bank On Northwest Louisiana initiative, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Louisiana’s first Financial Empowerment Center in partnership with the City of Shreveport, and the Shreveport Guaranteed Income Pilot Program. Her work has positioned Northwest Louisiana as a statewide leader in economic mobility and financial inclusion.

 “On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to warmly welcome our new Executive Director Rashida Dawson. We are excited to begin this new chapter with her and look forward to the leadership, vision and dedication she brings to the organization," said Valerie Thomas, Board President of YWCA Northwest Louisiana. “

A graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Dawson is currently pursuing her MBA in Project Management. Her professional journey includes leadership roles with Shreveport Federal Credit Union, ReRez Market Research, the Allie Smiles Foundation, and the City of Shreveport’s Department of Community Development, where she developed and launched the Bank On Shreveport initiative before expanding the program regionally through United Way.

Throughout her career, Dawson has earned a reputation as a collaborative leader dedicated to empowering underserved communities and creating pathways to economic stability. Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. She is the Service Chair and three-time Past President of the Rotary Club of South Shreveport, an alumni member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Community Advisory Council, a past Co-Chair of the Louisiana Asset Funders Network Steering Committee, a member of River Cities Network, and has served various organizations.

Her contributions have earned numerous accolades, including recognition in the Shreveport-Bossier Forty Under 40 Class of 2018, the inaugural Nonprofit Citizen of the Year Award at the 2019 Minority Business Opportunity Awards presented by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, and the 2024 Community Empowerment Award from the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce.

"It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the next Executive Director of YWCA Northwest Louisiana. The YWCA has a proud legacy of empowering women, advocating for equity, and standing beside those who need it most. While the organization has weathered seasons of transition, I see tremendous opportunity ahead. I am committed to building on the strong foundation that has been laid by working collaboratively with our board, staff, community partners, and supporters to strengthen our programs, expand our reach, and deepen our impact.”

“Together, we will reimagine what's possible, revitalize our organization, and ensure the YWCA continues to be a place of hope, empowerment, and transformation for every person we serve across Northwest Louisiana." – Rashida Dawson, Executive Director, YWCA Northwest Louisiana

Under Dawson’s leadership, YWCA Northwest Louisiana will continue advancing its mission through signature programs including free counseling services, the L.E.A.D. teen girls leadership program, senior advocacy initiatives, social justice programming, and the Fab Finds retail shop, while exploring new opportunities to address the evolving needs of women and families throughout the region.

Dawson’s appointment reflects the organization’s continued commitment to strong leadership, innovation, and community impact as YWCA Northwest Louisiana builds upon its longstanding legacy of service.

Rashida lives by the words of the late Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That philosophy has guided her work and leadership throughout her career and will continue to shape her vision for the future of YWCA Northwest Louisiana.

About YWCA Northwest Louisiana

YWCA Northwest Louisiana is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through counseling services, youth leadership development, senior advocacy, social justice initiatives, and community programs, the organization works to create a stronger and more equitable Northwest Louisiana.

Media Contact: Jaleesa McDowell Media & Marketing Coordinator YWCA Northwest Louisiana jmcdowell@ywcanwla.org  

Andrea McKnight PR Committee Lead YWCA Northwest Louisiana Andrea.McKnight@davidraineschc.org