YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Ginny Pasha, program ambassador at YBI, is retiring after more than 40 years in nonprofit leadership.
Pasha joined YBI in 2022.
“In joining YBI, I was given the privilege of working with really smart people and introducing YBI to those who are unaware of the breadth and depth of YBI and our impact,” she said.
Pasha began her nonprofit career with Junior Achievement, focusing on education. She later worked at the state level with the Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates program, where her work expanded into health and human services. She also spent 18 years with United Way.
“When I left United Way of Trumbull County as president in 2022, I wanted to continue working, but on a part-time basis,” Pasha said. “When approached by YBI, it was an opportunity I believed would use my skills and experience and would be purposeful and rewarding – which it has been.”
A Career That Made a Difference
Pasha was recognized by Junior Achievement USA for creatively adapting a JA program to meet the needs of students with multiple disabilities in Youngstown City Schools, allowing them to fully participate.
During her time with United Way of Trumbull County, Pasha created and implemented the Reading Great by 8 early learning initiative, designed to help students meet Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
Working with educators, librarians and those who serve children and families, Pasha helped grow the initiative from three programs. It expanded to include the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Trumbull County, a Born Learning Trail and funding for a StoryBook Walk, creating comprehensive programming for children from newborn to third grade.
“The Reading Great by 8 early learning initiative was the most comprehensive and the one that I will remember most,” Pasha said.
Expanding YBI’s Reach
At YBI, Pasha worked with people who had a dream or business idea, helping them develop the tools to make those ideas a reality.
One standout initiative was a “meet the funders” event that introduced small businesses to a wide range of funding options. She also organized three events celebrating women in business and helped establish a partnership with NEO Fund.
Together, YBI and NEO Fund offered three 18-hour QuickBooks sessions, along with other topics designed to support their clients.
Pasha said she hopes her legacy at YBI is that she was able to make a meaningful contribution to the organization’s mission and vision.
Colleen Kelly, senior vice president of YBI, said Pasha’s legacy extends beyond her work at the organization.
“There are people whose careers are measured by the positions they’ve held, and then there are people like Ginny Pasha, whose legacy is measured by the countless lives, organizations and communities she has strengthened along the way,” Kelly said.
Kelly said Pasha brought extensive experience, a love for people, a willingness to mentor others and a commitment to YBI’s mission.
“I have been fortunate to call Ginny not only a colleague, but one of my dearest friends,” Kelly said. “While her retirement marks the end of an extraordinary professional journey, her impact will continue to inspire us, and we wish her all the joy she deserves in retirement.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Pasha said nonprofit work can be a rewarding career for those who want to make a difference, despite its challenges.
“For a person who wants to do good, entering nonprofit work is a rewarding choice, though not without its challenges,” she said. “Whether in education, health and human services or economic development, it will be a career with impact.”
Her advice for anyone at any stage of their career is simple: “Be resilient. The workplace is rapidly changing, and being able to adapt to that change is so important.”