Dianne Segura

The YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley embarks on a new chapter of its 100-year history with its appointment of Dianne M. Segura as the new executive director, making her the first Latina executive to head the local organization.

Segura brings more than 15-years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience to a dynamic organization based in Pasadena with a budget close to $1 million and growing.

 “The leadership and expertise in marketing and event management Dianne has demonstrated throughout her impressive career will bring new strengths to an already strong YWCA services staff,” said Margaret Leong Checca, board president of YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley .  “Our aggressive goal today is to expand our brand and leverage our collective experience and resources locally and across our network of nearly 300 affiliates nationwide.”

Two years ago, the YWCA unveiled a new national brand campaign to educate the public about the YWCA’s dual mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.  Segura plans to revitalize the organization’s commitment to provide vital community programs and assist in the development of an aggressive national, state and local advocacy efforts to focus on issues facing women on racial justice.

Prior to her appointment as executive director Segura founded Segue Enterprises, a marketing and entertainment business-consulting firm where she assists client companies in developing and implementing communication strategies supporting critical business objectives. Some of her clients include the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, the City of Pasadena and City of Los Angeles , Pasadena Playhouse District Association and the U.S Tennis Association.

“With a rich history, dating to the early 1900’s, the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley has emerged as a responsive and strong community agency that continues to address the needs of the local area,” said Segura . “I am extremely honored to lead this organization at this exciting time.”

She received her BA in Communications at Arizona State University and went on to develop a career in various Fortune 500 companies and in 2003 was named one of the top ten Latina entrepreneurs in the country by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LatinaSTYLE Magazine. 

Segura is recognized within multicultural audiences for her work in community empowerment and social justice issues.  Her legacy stems from creating signature events such as the national unveiling of the “Cesar E. Chavez USPS Postage Stamp” and “El Dia de Los Nińos” where she strategized with key officials , including the Cesar Chavez family, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Gloria Molina and others.

Segura has served on numerous boards and commissions in these noted areas and her most current involvement is in the following: California Assembly member Dario Frommer Business Task Force, Past-Co-Chairwoman for HOPE Latina Action Day, Hispanic Heritage Awards Selection Committee, among others. U.S. Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis and former California Governor Gray Davis recognized her leadership and community activism.

About the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley
The YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley was founded in 1905 by a group of women pioneering women’s rights and it has been at the forefront of social change ever since. The YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley is a non-profit organization serving more than 16,000 people annually through programs, classes, support groups and various community initiatives. It has also been credited with shepherding and strategically assisting the growth of other organizations such as “Women at Work” located in Pasadena .  Across the globe, the YWCA has more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2 million members in 300 local associations in the United States . The YWCA strives to achieve racial and gender equality, economic independence of women, respect for diversity, and a vibrant and healthy community.  To learn more about the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley , visit www.ywca-pasadena.org.