Kerry-Ann Royes
Staff Report
MIAMI – The YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade announced Kerry-Ann Royes will begin her tenure as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer on June 5.
Royes, a 20-year veteran of the social sector founded Arrow Consulting through which she worked with organizations on corporate social citizenship, nonprofit strategy and collaborative community development issues, all with a passion for improving the lives of families and children in South Florida.
“Becoming a part of the legacy of women who have unlocked change through the YWCA mission is an honor,” said Royes. “It is our time to step forward into the future, championing the full prosperity of our diverse South Florida communities, and for all our women and girls. I look forward to effecting real change in this exciting new chapter of the YWCA.”
Prior to launching Arrow Consulting, Royes served as Executive Director of Community Advancement for the YMCA of South Florida, where she was responsible for leading the strategic direction of its Children’s Advocacy Center.
Her work resulted in strong, multi-sector alliances that created extended learning opportunities to address academic achievement gaps, graduation disparities and summer learning loss for thousands of children.
“Kerry-Ann is a visionary who brings a wealth of expertise in social innovation, strategic alliances and program management,” said Ana Corrales, YWCA Board President. “She will work with our excellent staff to refine current programs, create new initiatives and deliver the social services our community has come to expect from the YWCA.”
Interim CEO Leonor Romero said, “We need women leaders like Kerry-Ann in our community to be the voice for change, having her as our leader is a privilege.”
The CEO search committee was led by the current YWCA Miami Board Executive Team and included former YWCA Miami Board Presidents. The diverse group of business and community leaders represent over 50 years of service and dedication to the YWCA Miami chapter.
“Kerry-Ann will be a strong driver to reengage the YW brand in Miami. She leads with great presence,” said Karen Gilmore.
Shirlyon McWhorter echoed Gilmore’s sentiments.
“Kerry-Ann is going to take the YWCA to the next level. Her strong track record in leadership, her passion for women and children and her authentic team player attitude makes her an extraordinary fit for the YWCA. She is the right person to lead the YW to the next stage of growth,” McWhorter said.
The search committee worked alongside McAleer Gray, a nationally recognized executive search firm with a specialized team focused on non-profit leadership placements.
In total, the group reviewed more than 400 resumes from both local and national applicants and conducted face-to-face meetings with more than 60 candidates.
Royes is an active advocate for PACE Center for Girls, Women United and is a 2015 alumnus and 2017 Co-Chair of Leadership Broward’s Women Leading Broward. She also serves as an advisory board member on the National Nautilus Advisory Board-Ocean Exploration Trust, bringing the voice of minority women to various sectors of the STEM field.
She was recognized as a “Champion of Change” in 2015 by the United Nations Association-USA. Royes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/Sociology from Florida International University and an Executive M.B.A. from Florida Atlantic University.
“It’s an exciting time for the YWCA and we could not ask for a candidate more suited than Kerry-Ann. Her passion for issues affecting women, particularly women’s leadership development, rings clear. Her experience in building strategic social programming and scaling nonprofit organizations is exactly what we need to lead the YWCA,” said Cristina Martinho, YWCA Miami Board Secretary.
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