YWCA Lincoln Staff
Karen Bell-Dancy, Executive Director
karen.bell-dancy@ywcalincoln.org
Karen Bell-Dancy serves as the Executive Director at YWCA Lincoln. This is a position she took after serving on the Board and Co-Chair of the Financial Development Committee. Bell-Dancy holds an Executive MBA in Management Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Bloch School of Business and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University.
She has over 30 years of experience that consist mainly of higher education and all levels of work in public schools from elementary to high school. This includes 13 years working with UMKC's TRIO programs and six years as Director of Distance Education for UNL. She briefly left the public education sector to work for two years as Vice President of Diversity and Strategic Initiatives with a private female-owned consulting firm, LGC.
Bell-Dancy is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and has a passion for working and advocating for women, youth, and social justice issues. She is a firm believer of "lest we forget," which serves as a personal testimony and platform for her work.
Myeisha Essex, Associate Director
Myeisha Essex serves as the Associate Director at YWCA Lincoln. She is responsible for ensuring that YWCA’s mission is carried out through programming and organizational structure. Myeisha graduated from Howard University with a B.A. in Political Science. While studying at Howard University, Myeisha learned the importance of community collaboration and achievement, as well as servant leadership. Those principals have guided her throughout her career of working for nonprofits to ensure all voices are represented and resources are provided on equitable basis. Myeisha has had the privilege of piloting community-based programs with Civic Nebraska, LPS Community Learning Centers and Girls Inc. of Lincoln.
Courtney Brown, Program Coordinator
Courtney Brown serves as the Program Coordinator for the Family and Community Engagement Department at YWCA Lincoln, where she leads initiatives that connect families with resources, empowerment, and community support. She coordinates programs such as Wholesome Hygiene, which provides essential hygiene items to families who may not otherwise have access, Employ402, which offers workshops on budgeting 101, banking 101, and financial goal setting for the future, and Job Outfitters, which supports clients with work attire and professional development opportunities. She also organizes community events, including the annual Trunk or Treat and Winter Kit Drive.
Courtney graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology. She began her Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Nebraska Wesleyan University in August 2025. She also earned an Associate’s degree in Human Services from Southeast Community College in 2019 and has held multiple internships and roles across the nonprofit and human services field, giving her over six years of experience working with children, families, and communities.
Originally from Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Courtney has lived in Lincoln since 2014. She is passionate about building community connections, advocating for equitable access to resources, and making sure that families feel seen and supported.
In her free time, Courtney enjoys thrifting vintage fashion, traveling, and learning about different cultures. She has visited Germany, Poland, Norway, and the Czech Republic and looks forward to exploring more places. At home, she loves to relax with her pets and watch her favorite films.
Barbara Marion, Office Coordinator
Barb works with the YWCA Lincoln through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. This program is a National Service Program designed to alleviate poverty. The VISTA program is for one year. Now, Barb is the office coordinator for YWCA Lincoln. Barb graduated from Benson High School in Omaha, NE, and has lived in Lincoln for 12 years. She has previously worked at the People’s City Mission as a Family Shelter Supervisor and Dental Assistant at the People City Medical clinic.
Barb's favorite quote is, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree long ago,” by Warren Buffet.
