Meet Our Team

CEO Debbie Pope

Debbie brings over 20 years of non-profit management experience to her role as CEO of YWCA Boulder County. Her leadership focuses on promoting equity and justice for women, people of color, and individuals with physical challenges. Currently, under her guidance, the YWCA serves over 7,000 community members by offering affordable, high-quality childcare, afterschool STEM programs tailored for girls, racial justice initiatives, and advocacy efforts aimed at advancing equity, health, safety, and a sense of belonging for all women and girls in Colorado.

The YWCA Boulder has played a pivotal role in advancing racial and gender justice through its comprehensive training, programs, and advocacy in local school districts, reaching over 4,000 children, teachers, parents, and community members.

Pope, serving as Chair of the Women’s Collaborative, has been instrumental in advocating for the economic advancement, health, and safety of women and girls. Her leadership has led to the championing of over 15 bills, such as SB23-296 Preventing Harassment and Discrimination in Schools, directly benefiting women and girls.

She has been honored as a community leader, receiving both the Rotary Service Above Self and Zonta Woman of the Year award.

Before assuming the role of CEO at the YWCA, Debbie served as the National Executive Vice President of Development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In this capacity, she spearheaded a diversified revenue strategy, effectively engaging donors, communities, and corporate partners to raise an impressive $172 million in annual contributions. Her leadership was instrumental in expanding and strengthening revenue development, strategic marketing, community engagement, advocacy, and service offerings aimed at bolstering support for families facing the social and physical challenges of multiple sclerosis.

Throughout her career, Debbie has been a passionate advocate and dedicated supporter of crucial social justice causes, including combatting racism, empowering women, and addressing other injustices such as poverty and homelessness among women and children. During her tenure as a broadcast journalist for all three major network affiliates from 1994 to 2000, Debbie gained recognition for fearlessly addressing challenging community issues and raising awareness about the growing number of homeless women and children, the rights of impoverished families, and unjust laws and policies.

Alongside her professional endeavors, Debbie is a mother to four dynamic and energetic teenagers. In her free time, she enjoys painting, exploring the picturesque landscapes of Colorado through hiking, and cooking alongside her husband, Chris.