Amanda Hatch

As Chief Program and Impact Officer at YWCA Central Maine, Amanda Hatch is responsible for strategic development and management of a significant portfolio of YWCA programs including Health and Wellness, Childcare, Racial Justice & Equity programming. Amanda’s leadership ensures the goal to eliminate racism and empower women is highly evident in all YWCA interactions, service delivery, and community relations. Amanda is highly collaborative and represents the YWCA and her role through a variety of community and state collaboratives including (MIRC) Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition and the New Mainer Community Collaborative. Under Amanda’s leadership, the YWCA leads Stand Against Racism signature campaign in order to highlight YWCAs work to root our inequity in the communities we serve and the institutions that compose our society to demand justice and equity. This past year, Amanda has been very active in the local Lewiston-Auburn community offering workshops and facilitation on (DEI&I) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Intersectionality with local businesses and community partners in order to shift behaviors, attitudes and practices among individuals and business practices right here in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Amanda also provides Organizational Equity Consulting services on behalf of the YWCA to help businesses move beyond diversity & equity statements to create meaningful cultural shifts that will truly support and sustain inclusive policies and practices. Amanda also was highly engaged this past legislative session advocating on behalf of the YWCA with bills and legislative action around the passing of the Childcare Omnibus Bill and Maine Paid Family Leave. Amanda uses her unique skill set and leadership qualities to meet the bold mission of the YWCA by eliminating racism and empowering women and promoting peace, justice, and freedom for all by making positive impacts in the Lewiston-Auburn community. It is my absolute pleasure to nominate such a deserving individual for Best in Mission-Based Organizations.