Former Executive Director of YWCA Cambridge

Eva Martin Blythe has devoted her life to advancing equity, justice, and opportunity. For 13 years, she served as Executive Director of YWCA Cambridge (2007–2020), guiding the organization through growth and transition with a steady commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women. Prior to her time in Cambridge, Eva led the YWCA in Durham Region, Ontario for 15 years, following three years as Executive Director of the YWCA Kansas City (1989–1992). Earlier in her career, she worked on both the congressional and campaign staff of a U.S. Representative and served as Director of the Housing Assistance Staff at the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

A proud graduate of the University of Kansas, Eva’s leadership extended far beyond her role at YWCA Cambridge. She served as a trusted voice on the Cambridge City Manager’s Advisory Committee, the Cambridge Citizens Committee on Civic Unity, the Steering Committee of the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition, and the Development Committee for The Cambridge Homes, Inc. Her presence was deeply felt across the city, where she built coalitions, uplifted voices, and inspired the next generation of leaders.

Now retired and living in her home state of Kansas, Eva is the proud mother of two adult sons. Her legacy in Cambridge is one of vision, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice.

Assistant City Manager for Human Services

Ellen Semonoff has served as the Assistant City Manager for Human Services for the City of Cambridge since 2004. Her responsibilities include leadership and day-to-day management of City’s Human Services Department, including child care and family support programs, community and youth programs, services for homeless residents, workforce development programs, adult basic education programs, recreation programs, fuel assistance and summer nutrition programs, services to and programs for seniors and disabled residents. The Department has over 600 full and part time employees and a budget of over 40 million dollars in city, state and federal funds. The Department plays a convening role in numerous community collaborations. Prior to assuming her position as Assistant City Manager, Ms. Semonoff held several other positions for the City of Cambridge. She spent several years in Washington D.C., serving as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, Joseph A. Califano and as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Mayor of the City of Cambridge

E. Denise Simmons, a lifelong resident of Cambridge, is currently serving her 12th term on the City Council and her third term as Mayor of Cambridge. In 2008, she made history as the nation’s first Black, openly lesbian mayor, and the first Black woman to serve as mayor in Massachusetts.

For decades, Mayor Simmons has worked to make Cambridge a more equitable, inclusive, and connected community. She began her career as Executive Director of the Cambridge Civic Unity Committee in the 1980s, later serving on the Cambridge School Committee before joining the City Council in 2002. Throughout her tenure, she has championed affordable housing, wage fairness, small business opportunity, and civic engagement, often creating spaces such as Town Hall-style meetings where residents could speak directly to city leadership.

A passionate advocate for young people, Simmons founded the Girls Only Leadership Development (G.O.L.D.) program, providing 8th and 9th grade girls with tools, mentorship, and confidence to succeed in high school and beyond. She continues to invest in the city’s future by advancing affordable housing initiatives, preserving local history, and ensuring Cambridge remains a place where all residents can thrive.

Joanna Elder , Founder and Secretary of Girls Envisioning More

Jasmine Elder, Founder and President of Girls Envisioning More

Girls Envisioning More (GEM) was founded by sisters Joanna and Jasmine Elder, of Cambridge, who share a deep commitment to equipping young women with the tools to thrive in this ever-evolving world. Growing up in a low-income household, they experienced firsthand the barriers that can make education and career pathways difficult to navigate. Determined to create change, they launched GEM to provide intentional exposure to financial literacy, self-advocacy, and women’s health programs that foster mentorship, sisterhood, and self-empowerment.

Joanna brings over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, while Jasmine contributes more than 5 years in the banking industry. Together, they combine their expertise to design and deliver impactful programs that both educate and inspire.

Passionate about breaking cycles of social and racial inequities, Joanna and Jasmine remain steadfast in their mission to empower young women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in every area of life.