Joanna Otero-Cruz will lead the 45+ year old domestic violence service provider, beginning in November
The Women Against Abuse Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Joanna Otero-Cruz will take the helm as the organization’s Executive Director and President.
Joanna was selected through a rigorous nearly six-month recruitment process led by Bridge Partners in concert with the Board of Directors Search Committee. Joanna will join Women Against Abuse in her new role on Monday, Nov. 8th.
Joanna has a rich history of serving children, families and survivors of intimate partner violence. She is also a seasoned nonprofit leader with deep roots in the Philadelphia area:
- Mostly recently, Joanna was appointed by Mayor Kenney and is currently in the role of Deputy Managing Director of Community Services for the City of Philadelphia, where she oversees eight city departments and a $23million budget.
- Joanna served as Executive Director at Concilio (Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations) for six years, during which she reinvigorated the organization by ushering in a new strategic plan, rebranding, relocation, restructure, and Board development.
- Joanna directed Behavioral and Family Health Services for Congreso de Latinos Unidos, which included the organization’s bilingual domestic violence program – one of Women Against Abuse’s community partners.
Women Against Abuse is excited to welcome Joanna and begin this new chapter.
“We are thrilled to have selected Joanna, and are excited by the opportunity to benefit from her experience and leadership,” said Leslie Miller Greenspan, Board Chair of Women Against Abuse. “Not only does Joanna bring a strong network of partners and the know-how to get things done as a nonprofit executive in Philadelphia; she is also passionately committed to Women Against Abuse’s mission and an inspiring leader.”
“I am both humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve as Executive Director and President of Women Against Abuse” said Joanna Otero-Cruz. “I look forward to working with its board, staff, and stakeholders, building upon its foundation of excellence to further strengthen and grow the organization to optimize outcomes for the benefit of our clients and community. Intimate partner violence can happen to anyone, and we stand ready to support survivors in Philadelphia.”
“I congratulate the Women Against Abuse Board of Directors on their selection of Joanna Otero Cruz as Executive Director and President. As both a colleague of Joanna’s and as former Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, I’m thrilled that the Women Against Abuse legacy is in good hands and that its future will be guided by her expert leadership,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, Deputy Mayor, City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families.
About Women Against Abuse
Women Against Abuse, Inc., is Philadelphia’s largest domestic violence service provider and advocate, and provides crucial support to thousands of people each year through emergency safe haven, transitional housing, community-based supportive services, behavioral health therapy, legal services, hotline counseling, community education, advocacy and technical assistance. For more information, visit www.womenagainstabuse.org.
