Staff Profiles

WaTasha Barnes Griffin, Chief Executive Officer

WaTasha Barnes Griffin has led YWCA Central Indiana since 2015. As CEO, she is responsible for being the advocate for the organization – out in the community talking about the YWCA’s work and being at any table where the issues of women and girls, and their economic empowerment and advancement, are being discussed.

“The mission of the YWCA is to eliminate racism and empower women. Both of those things are closely aligned with my personal mission as well. For me, intentionality is important. Anything that I am involved with has to involve women, education or the advancement of women.”

Barnes Griffin’s many honors include being named the 2018 Athena International Leadership Award recipient for her commitment to social justice and advancing the lives of women and children, and being presented with Senate Resolution Forty-Four by Sen. Tim Lanane and the Indiana State Senate for her many contributions working to eliminate racism and empower women and children in Delaware and Madison counties. Among other things, she is a member of the Muncie Community School Board, chairs the MLK Dream Team Committee, is president of the Muncie Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo.

Leonard Tucker, Facilities Director

Leonard Tucker is the Facilities Director of YWCA Central Indiana, where he has worked since 2004. His primary duties are to make sure everything in the nearly 100-year-old building is operating as it should and that safety requirements are met. He says he loves the variety in his work.

“No two days are the same. I might be working on a sink one day and painting the next.”

Tucker sees the difference the YWCA programming makes in the lives of the women and children served. He said he hopes the community understands that just because you are temporarily homeless, you are not inhuman.

“People just need a helping hand. That’s why we’re here – to give them that hand,” he said.

Tracina Greenleaf, Operations Manager

Tracina Greenleaf joined YWCA Central Indiana in October 2021 as Operations Manager.  She is responsible for the day-to-day operations within the organization, including managing the front desk staff, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She also assists with the resale shop and accepting donations and deposits.

Greenleaf, who has worked for several social service organizations in the Muncie area, said she finds it a privilege to be able to serve her community and be part of a team that provides help to women in need. 

“We’re not just a place to stay, but we provide that extra support – to find housing, to take computer classes or parenting classes,” she said. “We’re an all-around support team.”