Meet Our Team

  • Beth Burt

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Beth is a long time women’s advocate and feminist activist with over 30 years in nonprofit work. She is currently strategizing with her colleagues to create a powerful organization that lifts up the voices of women in Duluth and takes on issues important to them. Beth works on public policy education and advocacy, leadership development and creating meaningful programs and initiatives that empower women and girls and eliminate racism.


    Contact Beth

  • Lindsey Jacobson

    COMMUNICATIONS & FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR

    Lindsey was a Twin Ports resident during her college years and is not quite ready to give up her connections to this community! With the mind of an entrepreneur and the heart of a social activist, she is a self-taught creative interested in developing and sustaining nonprofit communication and development strategies as well as crafting engaging visual and written content. When she is not in front of her computer, you can find her either in the Colorado mountains with her two kids or at a live concert dancing with her friends.

    Contact Lindsey

  • Rumbidzai Masawi

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    Rumbidzai Masawi is a sustainability and climate equity leader with more than 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning government, nonprofit, and international development. Her work sits at the intersection of environmental policy, community health, and social justice; advancing equity, resilience, and wellbeing for women, families, and historically excluded communities. She joins YWCA Duluth as Program Director, where she will guide emerging initiatives that strengthen leadership pathways, bolster support for diverse families and working communities, and deepen the organization’s partnership development, community assessment efforts, and social enterprise strategy.  

    Email Rumbi

  • Mariah McKechnie

    BOARD PRESIDENT

    Mariah is a creative entrepreneur and business owner with a passion for women's rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the fight against inequality and racism - aligning perfectly with the mission and values of the YWCA! Mariah spends her days overseeing multiple businesses within the wedding and event industry and is always looking for the next opportunity to expand her reach as an entrepreneur. At home, Mariah is married to her best friend and smartest person she knows, Nick, and the mother to identical twins Lily & Josie (16). She is obsessed with her doggos - Cheech & Whiskey Business and if she is not working or traveling, she can likely be found at home, in the sunroom, snuggling with the pups and watching reality television.

  • Jackie Webb

    BOARD TREASURER

    Jackie Webb is the Director of Business Banking Operations at North Shore Bank of Commerce, where she oversees key aspects of commercial lending operations and business deposit services. With a career rooted in business banking, Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a collaborative spirit to her work. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and believes in the importance of ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. Jackie joined the board to empower women and contribute to building a stronger, more connected community. She is excited to be part of an organization that aligns with her values and creates space for women to lead, thrive, and support one another. Outside of work, you can find Jackie reading a good book, spending time with her husband, Steven, and cat, Maci, or exploring the beauty of the North Shore.

  • Emma Grover

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Emma Grover comes to us as a local Northlander who is passionate about women’s rights, creating safe spaces for women to speak up, and sharing stories.  Emma has experience in leading groups of young women as well as sharing tools to teach and empower those around her.  Emma is also extremely passionate about eliminating racism and the fight against inequality.  Emma works in the insurance industry and cares deeply about those with whom she serves.  She enjoys spending a lot of time with her family and her two pups, Chester and Honey,  traveling and experiencing new places, and  participating in and watching sports.  She also loves to be on a Minnesota lake in the summertime and a good BBQ. 

  • Liza Williamson

    BOARD MEMBER

    Liza, a passionate birth doula with Doulas of Duluth, has immersed herself in the world of maternal support for the past three years. Her journey into doula work began after the birth of her son, when she became acutely aware of the needs and challenges faced by expecting mothers in her community. This experience ignited a desire to empower others during one of the most transformative times in their lives. 

    In her spare time, Liza is dedicated to expanding her knowledge in complementary therapies, particularly in herbal medicine. This pursuit of learning reflects her holistic approach to maternal care, as she seeks to provide well-rounded support to her clients. Additionally, Liza treasures the playful moments she shares with her son, often embarking on whimsical alphabet hunts that turn everyday outings into educational adventures. This balance of professional dedication and personal joy highlights Liza’s commitment not just to her work as a doula, but also to her role as a mother, blending her passions seamlessly to create a fulfilling life for both herself and her family.

  • Emily Kuenstler

    BOARD MEMBER

    Emily joined the YWCA board driven by her dedication to empowering women and fostering a thriving, inclusive community. As Director of Community Health at Essentia Health, with a background in public health and healthcare administration, she brings experience in community outreach, collaboration, community based programming and advancing health equity. Emily is also a proud mother to a two-year-old daughter and is excited to be part of building a community that uplifts young women and mothers. Outside of work, she enjoys getting lost in a good book or exploring the woods with her dog.

  • Laura Greensmith

    BOARD MEMBER

    Laura has worked as a public health nurse in the Duluth community for the past 15 years.  Much of that time was spent supporting families during pregnancy, postpartum and the transition to parenthood.  The experiences of journeying alongside families during this incredible yet challenging time ignited Laura’s passion for supporting women & children and working towards equity for all.  Outside of work Laura enjoys trail running, folk dancing, reading and camping with her husband and two children. 

  • Halima Amiri

    BOARD MEMBER

    Halima Amiri, a graduate of The College of St.. Scholastica with a degree in Computer Information Systems, is an artist and technologist working as a System Administrator at ALLETE, Inc. She is passionate about women’s advocacy and community development, using her creativity and technical skills to foster inclusion, inspire others, and create opportunities. Halima believes small actions can make positive change, and she believes creativity, technology, and dedication can open doors, inspire growth, and create meaningful change.

  • BOARD MEMBER

    Carmella works with children and families as the Early Literacy Coordinator at the Duluth Public Library. As a librarian, Carmella believes in the power of stories to lift up marginalized voices, teach empathy and create community connections. As the leader of the Every Child Ready Duluth initiative, she has learned a lot about fostering community and supporting families with young children. She is excited to use her experiences and skills as a board member to support justice for women, communities of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ folks, and families—the issues that get her the most fired up! Carmella also loves both spending time outside with her partner and her dogs—hiking, camping, and gardening—or inside with her cat dabbling in arts and crafts or getting lost in a good book. 

Interested in joining us?