Kerry-Ann Royes is the president and CEO of YWCA South Florida. Utilizing more than 25 years of social sector experience, Kerry-Ann has dedicated her talents, time and heart to the advancement of marginalized communities, particularly in the fight against social issues affecting women and girls. Kerry-Ann leverages a wealth of expertise in social justice and innovation, strategic alliances, management and leadership in spearheading YWCA South Florida’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women into the next century.
Kerry-Ann Royes, President and CEO, YWCA South Florida
As head of YWCA, Kerry-Ann is committed to the enrichment and longevity of the organization’s mission of rooting out social injustices and discrimination that happen at the intersection of race and gender. Under her leadership, YWCA South Florida has rebranded to expand its services and regional presence to Dade and Broward counties, developed the board to include men for the first time in 100 years and successfully mobilized the largest community-wide movement in South Florida, the Stand Against Racism Challenge. She also led the launch of the First But Not The Last, an annual community-wide celebration to recognize and empower South Florida changemakers whose accomplishments as the first in their fields are leading the way for the next generation.
Before joining YWCA, Kerry-Ann was the founder, president and chief strategy officer of The Arrow Group, advising industry leaders on corporate social citizenship, non-profit leadership and collaborative community development issues. She previously served as executive director of YMCA of South Florida, helping to grow its reach and impact while overseeing a $7.5 million portfolio of family services across organizational departments, contracts and partners to modernize services for the 4,000 young people served daily.
Originally from Jamaica, Kerry-Ann has devoted herself to her South Florida home for more than 30 years. In that time, Kerry-Ann has served on boards for Partners In Education, Inc., Nautilus Oceans Exploration Trust and Philanthropy Miami, while also lending her voice and expertise to Miami Herald’s CEO Roundtable and Florida Influencer Series, South Florida Racial Justice Roundtable, South Florida PBS, Miami Foundation’s Community Advisory Council, Advisory Board of the Women’s Edge, South Florida Sun Sentinel and WLRN Public Radio and Television. In 2022, she was awarded Leadership Florida’s Equity, Equality & Justice Influencer Award and the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women Spirit of Community Award. She has ingrained herself in the heart and culture of her community, working every day to improve the lives of those around her.