Who We Are

Who we are

The YWCA Monterey County has been at the forefront of the most critical social movements for more than 50 years.

From empowering women and advocating for civil rights to affordable housing to violence prevention, we create change.

We work to bring out the individual strengths of women and youth to foster resiliency and self-sufficiency. Our philosophy, in keeping with the mission of the YWCA to empower women and families, centers on providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

The YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families in our community.

Our local programs and services have furthered the YWCA vision of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people since 1914. Over the past 108 years, programs have evolved and have included educational and employment classes for women, teen clubs, community dialogue groups to discuss race relations, child care centers, a youth resource center, and aquatics programming.

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

Our Team

In an effort to provide the most effective team to implement our mission, we have chosen these YWCA Monterey County staff members.

Domestic Violence Service Staff

  • Veronica Ramirez

    Interim Shelter Services Manager

    Veronica is a first-generation alumna from Cal State University, Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services with a concentration in Social Work and is a current Master of Social Work student at CSUMB. Veronica joined our team as an intern with the YWCA MC’s counseling department providing therapy services to victims of domestic violence before taking on her role as the Lead Domestic Violence Advocate at the confidential Domestic Violence Shelter Program. She enjoys working with families and children in her community. On her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

  • Beatriz Martinez

    Domestic Violence Advocate (Housing Department)

    Beatriz graduated from UC Merced in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After her graduation, she began working for the YWCA of Monterey County. Beatriz was born and raised in Salinas, CA. She attended North Salinas High School, where she dedicated over 200 hours to community service. The experience of giving back made her realize that she wanted to pursue a career in helping others. She is currently pursuing her MSW at CSUMB. Beatriz feels passionate about empowering and assisting individuals. In her role at the YWCA MC, Beatriz utilizes her interpersonal skills to handle crisis calls and meet the needs of clients at the shelter. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with her family.

  • Lupe Birruete

    Domestic Violence Advocate

    Lifelong resident of Monterey County with a BA in Criminology with a Minor in Social Welfare. Lupe has worked as an advocate for children and adults with the challenge of domestic violence for 17 years. Lupe is also a Transdisciplinary Infant Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Practitioner, endorsed by the California Center for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health.

  • Marie Gallegos

    PT DV Advocate (Housing Department)

    Marie is a lifelong resident of Monterey county. She has previous experience in the medical field as a medical assistant and has a passion for helping others in need. She is currently pursuing her degree in nursing and has enjoyed growing and learning with the YWCA.

Mental Health Services

  • Ana Vazquez

    Clinical Supervisor, LMFT

    Ana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As the Direct Services Manager Ana oversees the programs that deal directly with clients, supporting victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes. She works with children, adults, couples, and families. Ana received her Masters in counselling psychology with a focus on mental health and counseling skills to work with the Latino/Hispanic community from John F. Kennedy University. Having been with the YWCA Monterey County for over 10 years, she has become recognized as a key figure in local human service delivery.

  • Angelica Zamora

    AFT, Therapist, King City

    Angelica is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. In collaboration with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Victims’ Services Unit, she works with residents of South Monterey County who are victims of human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence. She offers therapeutic support, positive regard and compassion to families, couples, children and individuals. Using an integrative approach to address the immediate needs of clients, including coping skills, self-esteem development, goal setting, and the development of concrete treatment plans, Angelica is appreciative of the ability to co-locate with peer professionals.

Outreach Team

  • Zusett Godinez

    Intake Specialist

    Zusett recently joined YWCA of Monterey County in February 2021 as our Intake Specialist. She is a first-generation college graduate from California State University, Monterey Bay. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family studies. Zusett comes from an immigrant family and upon her move to Salinas, she knew that she wanted to give back to the community. She enjoys working with families and children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outside in nature, and likes to travel.

Interested in Joining our Team?

Reach out to Learn About Open Postions

Send an email to our offices:

Our Values


A Compassionate Community


Respect


A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle


Honesty and Integrity


Non-Violence


Collaboration


Justice and Fairness


The Dignity of All People

Key Dates in YWCA History

Are you ready to make a change?

Reach out to our crisis line

Questions?

Contact our offices for more information: