The Foundation provides financial support to Fort Worth ISD’s only single-gender school for girls, which focuses on STEM and visual arts and empowers young women typically from low socioeconomic households to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Fort Worth, Texas (August 16, 2021) — The Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth (YWLA) welcomes Lynn Hammer to her new role as executive director. Hammer most recently served as the vice president of development for the American Heart Association of Fort Worth, where she created and implemented annual fundraising strategies and led a team of development directors and support staff.
“Lynn’s extensive experience in fundraising and sales bodes well for the Foundation as we continue to grow our programs in support of all-girls STEAM education and leadership,” said Lauren Cockerell, incoming 2021-22 chair of the Foundation board of directors and chair of the search/hiring committee. “Lynn is the ideal person to lead our fundraising organization, cultivating and nurturing meaningful relationships with our donors and stakeholders, as well as connecting with our all-girls educational mission.”
Hammer will work closely with the organization’s 25-member board of directors, which consists of 20 community members and 5 members representing the Foundation’s partners (YWLA, Fort Worth ISD and Young Women’s Preparatory Network), to further the organization’s college-bound mission.
“As we begin this new chapter, I am confident that Lynn’s solid nonprofit experience combined with her great entrepreneurial spirit will serve our organization well and take us to the next level as we serve the educational and career dreams of the more than 700 students and alumnae of YWLA,” said current Foundation Board Chair, Tracey Amaya.
Prior to working at the American Heart Association, Hammer dedicated much of her career to cultivation and sales, including nearly 15 years at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Hammer has also served on several local and educational boards: Keller Independent School District Education Foundation, the Young Men’s Service League, Light House for the Blind Fort Worth and the Junior League of Fort Worth, among others.
About the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth
The Foundation supports the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth (YWLA), the first and only single-gender school for girls in Fort Worth ISD. The school was founded in 2010 and made possible through a public-private partnership between FWISD and Young Women’s Preparatory Network. YWLA’s core curriculum focuses on STEM and visual arts and empowers young women typically from low socioeconomic households to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.
In 2014, the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth was formed as a 501(c)(3) to financially support and secure resources for YWLA and its students and teachers. The nonprofit provides funding for programs that enhance academic achievement and offers leadership opportunities that promote the success of every student in college, career and life. To learn more, visit our website or Facebook page.
