YWCA Promotes Vanessa Helbig Johnson to Senior VP of Community Programs
(NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Jan. 9, 2026) YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is pleased to announce the promotion of Vanessa Helbig Johnson to Senior Vice President of Community Programs & Executive Director of Girls Inc. Nashville. Vanessa brings more than 20 years of experience serving youth, families, and communities across education, nonprofit, ministry, and workforce development settings.
Since joining YWCA in 2015, Johnson has held progressive leadership roles across Girls Inc., AMEND Together, and the Family Learning Center. Under her leadership, Girls Inc. at YWCA Nashville has become an award-winning model for mentorship, leadership development, and gender-based violence prevention. AMEND Together, YWCA’s youth program focusing on building a culture of respect, healthy masculinity, and nonviolence, has delivered programming in more than 20 schools and community centers across the Metro Nashville region.
“During her tenure with the YWCA, Vanessa has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our mission through her innovative ideas and approaches to building and expanding our programs,” said Sharon K. Roberson, YWCA President & CEO. “Participation in the programs has grown every year under her leadership. Last year, over 600 girls and more than 500 boys participated in our youth programs.”
In her new role, Johnson will continue leading Girls Inc., AMEND Together, and the Family Learning Center’s adult education program, while also overseeing Workforce Development programs, including Dress for Success and EmpowerHer, and YWCA’s integrated community programs—strengthening alignment across youth development, education, workforce readiness, and family-centered services.
Johnson’s leadership has been recognized locally and nationally, including the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader Award (NELA), Nashville Cable ATHENA Young Professional Award, and national Girls Inc. honors - Pillar of Inspiration and Community Impact Awards.
For more than 125 years, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has helped women, girls, and families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee build safer, more self-sufficient lives. YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Programs include Domestic Violence Services, Girls Inc. at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, AMEND Together, Dress for Success Nashville, Family Learning Center & Career Services, and Social Justice & Advocacy. For more information, visit https://ywcanashville.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ywcanashville.
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