Not what you think - Anonymous employee YWCA Employee Review

3.0
Mar 10, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I loved working with the families at the Y. I was an instructor for one of the children's programs and the people and children were truly enjoyable.

Cons

The slogan, "Eliminating racism, empowering women" is a joke. I am a white woman, who was teaching ballet to children, and I was completely discriminated against by the slew of caucasian male program directors who came and went during my 7 years at the facility. They tried to squeeze out my program and hire someone from Ballet Hispanico to take my time slots and offer me lesser times. They squeezed me and my students into linoleum tiled classrooms that were completely inappropriate for dance training, and caused injuries, instead of putting me in the dance studio. The dance studio would sometimes be empty or only contain one student taking a karate lesson. They would tell the parents that my classes were closed out when they weren't. The only reason I remained there for so long was because the parents petitioned and complained at the start of each year to have me continue teaching, since they favored me and the quality program I was providing.

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5.0
Jul 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great staff to work with and the students were a joy to be around.

Cons

Salary was too low for the position and expectations.

1.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Co workers were great and very respectful.

Cons

This organization's treatment of its staff did not reflect the values of the mission it promotes. During my time there, I experienced a management style that felt overly controlling and dehumanizing. Staff were frequently micromanaged to the point where even casual conversations with coworkers were discouraged. We were restricted in where we could go within the building,often received the silent treatment from management, and witnessed unprofessional gossip. The high turnover rate speaks for itself. In my experience, it was driven by ongoing staff mistreatment, ineffective leadership, and a culture where authority seemed to take priority over supporting employees. Although my experience was disappointing and often demoralizing, I did leave with valuable skills, meaningful friendships, and greater confidence in standing up for myself. I am grateful the organization gave me the opportunity to work there, but I sincerely hope its leadership takes time to reflect on how they treat employees who consistently go above and beyond their job responsibilities. An organization's mission should be reflected not only in the people it serves but also in the way it treats its own staff.

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