An entrepreneur, educator, and community leader, Adams has spent much of her career helping businesses and organizations grow. She has provided more than 500 hours of entrepreneurial coaching through Mountain BizWorks and has held leadership roles with Black Wall Street Asheville. Her business leadership has also been recognized by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce as a Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business honoree.

Adams’ commitment to community extends across Western North Carolina. Her work includes Sisters Caring for Sisters, where she trains community-based doulas to support women and families. In 2025, she received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.

“Having served on the board and alongside Diana, I already have a deep appreciation for the YWCA, its mission and the people who make this work possible,” Adams said. “I’m honored to serve the organization in a different capacity during this transition. My focus is on supporting our team, strengthening the organization and deepening our connection to the community.”

Amparo Penny, Co-Chair of the YWCA of Asheville and Western North Carolina Board of Directors, said, “The Board of Directors is excited to partner with Aisha Adams as interim CEO of the YWCA of Asheville. Aisha is well positioned for this role because she has a strong understanding of the organization and established working relationships with both the administration and staff. She is deeply connected to the community and local activist organizations, and she brings a genuine commitment to advancing the YWCA’s mission. Just as importantly, Aisha’s warmth and positive energy make her a bright spot in the day of nearly everyone she encounters.”

“The YWCA belongs to this community,” Adams said. “I want people to come through our doors, meet our team, experience the work happening here and see themselves as part of what comes next.”

Source: YWCA.