A Specialty of Linking Corporate America to Social Issues

0

As the new executive director of the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, Dianne M. Segura is bringing her business savvy to the non-profit sector.


The opportunity arose while Segura ran her marketing and entertainment business consulting firm, Segue Enterprises. She worked with officials in Los Angeles and Pasadena, along with the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, in marketing and publicity.


She had always been active in linking corporate America with social issues. Now she’s heading an entire community program.


“What I found prior to joining the YWCA was that most non-profits are unfamiliar with looking at matters from a business perspective,” she said. “I bring a strong sense of the business acumen.”


Born in Los Angeles but having grown up in Texas and Arizona, Segura returned to her roots after graduating from Arizona State University with a communications degree.


She views Pasadena as a good example of the changing face of L.A., with a 60 percent minority population.


“Being the first Latina to head the organization is significant honor,” she said.


“I was often the only woman or woman of color at the table, whether it was a client or community situation. I never dreamed of running a non-profit but looking at my past, it makes complete sense.”


The main challenge she faces involves keeping the long established organization relevant to a post-feminist society. Keeping with the values the YWCA has represented, Segura plans to create a model for private and public partnerships. She envisions mentorships and funding initiatives with local businesses. On the operational side, she plans to solidify programs across the organization to make them more easily accessible for members who live in Pasadena but work elsewhere.


The YWCA programs are designed to promote healthy living and female empowerment. “Just for Girls” is a lunch and after-school program for girls from 7 to 17. The Racial Justice Committee holds an annual breakfast to honor a woman’s achievement; this past year, Condoleezza Rice was the honoree. The YWCA also organizes the only all-girl sports league in Pasadena.


“The YWCA has been here for over 100 years but we have to keep up with the changing times. It’s important for non-profits to grow and sustain just like any other business.”


Segura lives in Pasadena and just got a cocker spaniel she named Russ. She enjoys Bikram Yoga, swimming, and traveling.

No posts to display