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 12-year-old named Oliver, a 16-year-old named Hudson, and a 6-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
Eliana Brown, Financial/Office Assistant
You can reach Eliana at:
Elianalb@iastate.edu
Clara Dee, GIRLS Power Mentoring Coordinator
Clara Dee is a senior at Iowa State University, double majoring in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies. She is from a small town in Iowa, State Center. Outside of school she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, supporting her younger brother in his extracurricular activities, or online shopping (of course). She is excited to take on this role and support young women and their mental health!
You can reach Clara at:
Albany Brown, GIRLS Power Mentoring Coordinator
Albany Brown is a Senior at Iowa State University, double majoring in Human Resources and Management. She is originally from Spencer, Iowa. Outside of school, Albany enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on walks, trying new coffee shops, and traveling. Albany is excited to be involved in such a great program and to meet all of the mentors and mentees!
You can reach Albany at:
Elexis Burlage, CollegeBound Mentoring Coordinator
Elexis Burlage is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in Secondary Education, endorsing in Special Education and Reading. She is from Nevada, Iowa, just 15 minutes away from the University! In her free time, Elexis is also a part of the YSS Mentoring Program and has been for close to 4 years! She also babysits/nannies during the weekdays/weekends, loves to read any chance she can, and finds it important to also spend time with her friends and family. This is Elexis’s first year being a part of YWCA College Bound, beginning the year 2023, and she is beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program! What Elexis values most with this program is the chance to form connections/trusting relations with students from Ames High and Iowa State.
You can reach Elexis 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:
Kristin Wankat, Campus Outreach Coordinator
Kristin is a sophomore at Iowa State majoring in criminal justice with an additional minor in psychology. She is from Geneva, Illinois. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and her dogs, experiencing new things and traveling! She is passionate about creating a welcoming and judgement-free place for anyone to discuss real world issues and advocate against them.
You can reach Kristin at:
