Our Next Speaker

Rupa Murthy, CEO, YWCA Richmond - “YWCA Richmond. Empowering Women & Girls”

Rupa Murthy leads a $6M agency with 80 employees in Richmond, Virginia. She is a CEO who leads strategy for YWCA Richmond to forward their mission to eliminate racism & empower women. Under her leadership YWCA Richmond launched the Sprout School, a high quality, public-private preschool model that focuses on racial integration. YWCA Richmond is expanding services for survivors of violence who often live at the intersection of poverty and racism. She creates public awareness, investment and policy for gender and racial equity in the region.

Previously in her career, she led an effort to build the Virginia Treatment Center for Children for Virginia Commonwealth University. This grassroots movement focused on creating access to mental health. Her work led to a $60M investment from Virginia's legislature, University leadership and private philanthropy. Rupa also served in Governor Mark Warner's administration. She led strategy for minority outreach and engagement leading to a 17% increase in diversity and expertise on Virginia's boards & commissions and the first state-led trade mission to India in the nation.  Rupa holds degrees in political science and strategic communications from James Madison University and VCU. She serves nonprofit boards and volunteers at her children's schools. She enjoys gardening and traveling with her family.