YWCA Dayton has been on a very special mission—to surprise our 2026 Women of Influence and Betsy Whitney Lifetime Achievement Honoree with the news that they’d been chosen!
YWCA Dayton joins our entire community in mourning the loss of Karen Wick, beloved business owner, civic leader, and unwavering champion for women and children, who passed away this past weekend.
Karen was the ultimate host and connector. As owner of Coco’s Bistro, first opened in 1996, she cultivated more than a restaurant. She created a place where people felt seen, welcomed, and valued. She greeted guests by name, led with generosity, and made Coco’s a true Dayton institution.
Her leadership extended far beyond her business. Karen served two terms on the Dayton School Board, fiercely advocating for children and families. Most recently, she stepped forward once again in public service as the only woman to run for Dayton City Commission this past election cycle, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to servant leadership.
As one of the oldest women’s organization in the Miami Valley, dedicated since 1870 to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA Dayton celebrates Karen’s extraordinary impact. Her life exemplified the power of women’s leadership and the responsibility we share to lift as we climb.
Karen’s roles as a woman business owner, civic leader, mentor, mother, wife, and community champion created ripples of empowerment that will be felt for generations. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, Coco’s staff, and all who were shaped by her kindness, courage, and unwavering service.
May her legacy continue to inspire us to build the more just, equitable, connected Dayton that she worked tirelessly to create.
Rachel Jessup, Board Chair
YWCA Dayton is partnering with Eastway Behavioral Healthcare … making a difference in our community!
The YWCA Dayton is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice and dignity for all.
What We Do ↘
YWCA Dayton provides direct services and housing to survivors of gender-based violence, in addition to: youth programming, advocacy to support marginalized individuals and families—especially women and girls of color—while working to challenge structural barriers to equity. We do this work with an understanding of gender-based violence, economic empowerment, women and girls’ leadership, and racial & social justice.
Together, We Can Make an Impact
YWCA Dayton is a community made of many hands across a continuum of life-saving programs, all working together for one mission.
Thank you for joining us on that mission and supporting us financially.
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Gender-based violence
We serve survivors of domestic or sexual violence, stalking, or human trafficking.
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Economic empowerment
From our housing programs to classes, we serve to economically empower women.
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Women and girls leadership
We're on a mission to empower women and girls.
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Racial & Social Justice
From the statehouse to our 21-Day Challenge, we are advocating for eliminating racism, empowering women, and peace, justice freedom and dignity for all.
Community Impact ↘
YWCA Dayton is on a mission, serving over 100 women, children and families everyday.
14,164
nights of stay are provided in a typical year
31,179
onsite meals provided to women and children living in our domestic violence shelters
31,179
clients we served in our domestic violence shelters, through aftercare and outreach services
