Annie is a member of the Field Marketing and Community Partnerships team at MVP Health Care. With over a decade of marketing and event experience, she currently utilizes her skillset to support the mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities. She has an unwavering passion for uniting people, building high-value relationships, and the transformative power that community can hold. As a native of Troy, she takes great pride in contributing to the mission of Mom Starts Here.

Lauren is a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience working alongside women, children, and families to strengthen communities through service, advocacy, and systems-level change. She currently serves as Chief Development Officer at YWCA Northeastern New York, where she has spent over 12 years advancing the organization’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women throughout the Schenectady community and beyond.

Lauren earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Tampa in 2005, with a strong academic focus on rehabilitation and the reduction of recidivism. Her early work in the mental health and substance abuse field in Tampa and then Boston, laid the foundation for a career rooted in compassion, accountability, and a deep belief in people’s capacity for change.

Since joining YWCA NENY, Lauren has held multiple leadership roles, including Housing Coordinator and Director of Women and Family Services, before being appointed Chief Development Officer in 2021. Throughout her tenure, she has played a central role in community collaboration and systems-building efforts. She has chaired several key initiatives in Schenectady, including the Homelessness Support Services Network, the Domestic Violence Task Force, and the Special Victims Task Force, bringing together partners across sectors to address complex community needs. In addition, Lauren has had the honor to lead the coordination of significant advocacy events like annual Take Back the Night March's. Women's Marches, YWCA's Empowerment Awards Gala and produced three performances of The Vagina Monologues.

Her leadership is deeply informed by her experience supporting hundreds of people over the past 20 years. Now, as a single mother, Lauren brings heightened empathy and perspective to her work, understanding the importance of safe housing, economic stability, and meaningful community connection for families. Lauren is honored to join this board and looks forward to contributing her fundraising expertise, nonprofit leadership experience, and deep commitment to community to support the organization’s continued growth and impact for families across New York State.

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Yolanda Kirby, a dedicated health care professional in Albany, NY, embodies Maya Angelou's wisdom: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Committed to improving health equity and fostering community collaboration, Yolanda's diverse background enhances health care access, education, and equity, making her invaluable. In her role with the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s Community Impact team, she facilitates government grants, ensures efficient data collection, and strengthens multi-sectoral partnerships in the social justice philanthropic space. Past contributions involved facilitating relationships, addressing Social Determinants of Health needs. Yolanda's leadership extends to co-founding an Employee Resource Group, promoting equity and inclusion. Her expertise in data analysis and coordination, combined with a diverse skill set, underscores her commitment to healthcare efficiency and equity. Yolanda's talent for convening and connecting with people, passion for improving women's health care, commitment to diversity and inclusion and her empathetic nature reflect her dedication to making healthcare more equitable. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys nurturing her faith, exploring new adventures and watching sports. Known for her active listening skills, she provides a supportive environment for all.

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