Lynda Gonzales-Chavez

Dr. Lynda Gonzales-Chavez leads the Diversity, Inclusion, Global and Multicultural Development portfolio. She is responsible for leading the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) strategic priority to ensure that all segments of society have access to and feel welcome at the Y. A key priority of this work is promoting an inclusive, anti-racist organizational culture that values equity, embraces multiculturalism and fosters community and global bridge-building. Lynda and her team are focused on organizationally embedding and operationalizing equity practices, building staff and volunteer cultural competencies to engage the most underserved communities and promoting collaborative strategies to ensure that Y leadership mirrors the communities they serve.

Prior to her current role, Lynda held other key leadership roles at Y-USA, including Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion and Senior Associate Director with the Y-USA International Group. Lynda began her career as Youth Director at the YMCA of Central New Mexico and later focused on gang intervention for Youth Development, Inc., in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Lynda holds a holds a doctorate in business administration and a master’s degree in public service and nonprofit management, both from DePaul University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico.