YWCA Lower Cape Fear names Jhaniqua Palmer as new CEO

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — YWCA Lower Cape Fear has a new leader, and she is no stranger to the organization.

Jhaniqua Palmer has been named the nonprofit’s new CEO, returning after previously serving with YWCA Lower Cape Fear from 2019 to 2023.

Palmer will now lead an organization that provides services for women and families across the region, including childcare, youth programs, economic empowerment initiatives and community support.

Her responsibilities include overseeing programs such as the YWCA’s Bright Futures Childcare Center, which provides full-day childcare, after-school care and summer programming for local families.

Palmer said one of her priorities is strengthening the programs women already rely on while expanding the organization’s reach and impact across the Lower Cape Fear.

“They can come here and they can rely on us for childcare, for swim lessons, swim workouts, but they can also rely on us if they want to start a business, if they are fleeing from domestic violence, I want them to rely on us if they are a kindship caregiver. I want women to know that they can come here to get the support they need to have the best life possible,” Palmer said.

Those interested in supporting YWCA Lower Cape Fear or learning more about its programs can find additional information on their website.