Ames
YWCA Ames at ISU Staff
Angela Merrick, Executive Director
Angela grew up in Iowa City, Iowa. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2006, and has a background in journalism and nonprofit management. She became the Executive Director of the YWCA Ames-ISU in August 2011. She is married, and has three boys - a 10 year-old named Oliver, an 8 year-old named Hudson, and a 4 year-old named Liam. They also have a boxer named Rufus. Angela spends her free-time attending her kids activities, traveling, reading, camping, fishing, swimming and spending time with family.
You can reach Angela at:
amerrick@iastate.edu
Sydney Anderson, Financial/Office Assistant
Sydney is a current sophomore at Iowa State planning on double majoring in Finance and Management. She moved to the Des Moines area a few years ago after growing up in the small town of New Hampton, Iowa. Sydney loves spending her free time outdoors, playing volleyball, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeye’s Basketball Team. She is currently a member of the Chi Omega sorority and can not wait to become more involved in the community of Ames!
You can reach Sydney at:
mariesyd@iastate.edu
Isabelle Lein, GIRLS Power Mentoring Coordinator
Isabelle Lein is a a sophomore at Iowa State University studying Biology on the Pre Med track with a minor in Spanish. In her free time, she loves to cook, lift weights, spend time with the people I love, play board games and fish. She has been a part of Girl Power for almost 2 years now and she says it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her college career. "Being able to interact with so many incredible young women and help them form special bonds is such an amazing way to connect with the Ames community."
You can reach Isabelle at:
Rachel Szafranski, GIRLS Power Mentoring Coordinator
You can reach Rachel at:
Teju Malli, Campus Outreach Coordinator
You can reach Teju at:
Megan Neuroth, CollegeBound Mentoring Coordinator
Megan is a junior at Iowa State University studying elementary education. She is from Ankeny, Iowa, and loves spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. Megan was a mentor for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. Megan's favorite part of the program is getting to spend time with her mentee and the opportunity to be a role model for so many young women.
You can reach Megan at:
Claire Gaarde, CollegeBound Mentoring Coordinator
Claire is a junior at Iowa State studying elementary education. She is from Iowa City, Iowa and loves being active and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. Claire was a mentor for the 2021-2022 school year. Claire's favorite part of the program is spending time with her mentee and making connections!
You can reach Claire at:
Halle Nanninga, Global Outreach Coordinator
Halle is a graduate student in Architecture and Business at Iowa State. She is originally from Edmonton Alberta. She is passionate about creating welcoming environments and enjoys experiencing and learning about new cultures and new stories. In her free time, she finds joy in time spent with others, travelling, trying new fitness classes, and exploring creative projects.
You can reach Halle at:
