YWCA CEO addresses Rotary Club | News, Sports, Jobs

From left: Rotarian Deborah Kathman introduced YWCA Executive Director Amanda Gesing to members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown and President Ruth Lundin.

Amanda Gesing, Executive Director of the YWCA of Jamestown, was recently the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Jamestown’s weekly meeting and spoke about the Chautauqua County IDEA Coalition.

She was introduced by Rotarian Deb Kathman, who noted that she had been Gesing’s mentor when Kathman was executive director of Chautauqua Striders, but that she had also been Gesing’s mentor herself.

Prior to joining the YWCA, Gesing served as a 21st Century Grants Writer for Jamestown Public Schools. Previously, she served as Director of Alumni Relations at Jamestown Community College and Director of Advocacy and Mentoring for Chautauqua Striders. As Executive Director of the YWCA, Gesing is committed to ensuring the organization is committed to its mission internally and externally. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, driving mission, fundraising, operations, and board and community engagement. Gesing exudes a motivational leadership style and has led the implementation of practices that create a work environment that is inclusive for all. She is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University. When she is not working, Ms. Gesing enjoys snowboarding and playing pickleball with her husband, Josh, and their three sons.

Gesing said the YWCA’s main office is located on W. Fourth St. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This mission is implemented through its programs and services throughout Chautauqua County. Some programs include housing for women in need, domestic violence education and prevention efforts, daycare and after-school programs, youth education programs, women’s mentoring and support programs and the annual Women of Achievement award, to name a few.

Gesing then shared details about the IDEA Coalition, which was originally created by the United Way but then became a program of the YWCA in 2023. “IDEA” stands for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility, and the coalition is comprised of a statewide collective of organizations, businesses and community members committed to advancing racial and social justice to make Chautauqua County a place where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive, especially those who have been historically marginalized. She explained that the IDEA Coalition recently created three solutions teams focused on education, community events and activities, and jobs and employment. She also explained that each team works to identify and eliminate barriers to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility found in the community. She also noted that the coalition is comprised of 48 organizations and businesses, and each has pledged to help break down barriers to ensure all residents have a place and feel welcome in Chautauqua County. For more information about the IDEA coalition, visit YWCAJamestown.com/IDEA.