YWCA Walla Walla is proud to announce that our 2016 YWCA Luncheon speaker is Mona Locke. With more than 20 years of global experience working in both the public and private sectors, Ms. Locke has held a variety of positions in journalism, communications, corporate and community partnerships, and government relations.
“Mona Locke is the real deal. She walks the talk,” said Jim McCarthy, longtime Table Captain for the Luncheon and friend of YWCA Walla Walla. “Whether she’s working to advance early learning or women’s issues, she has been in the forefront and continues her efforts today.”
She began her career as a reporter for news stations including Seattle’s KING-TV and KIRO-TV. More recently, Ms. Locke worked at Susan G. Komen leading operations, community engagement, and major fundraising efforts—first as executive director of the Puget Sound affiliate, and later as the national operations director in Washington D.C.
Ms. Locke also has significant public affairs experience having served for eight years as Washington State’s first lady, co-chaired the Governor’s Commission on Early Learning, and worked with the U.S. Department of State on issues pertaining to U.S.-China relations.
She is currently senior vice president of corporate communications and marketing for Intellectual Ventures where she oversees the company’s global communications efforts.
Ms. Locke has shared her perspectives with audiences around the world on topics including education; U.S.-China dynamics; women in leadership; volunteerism and philanthropy; and business and cultural issues.
She serves on the Boards of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Lakeside School. She is an advisory council member for the 100K Strong Foundation, which promotes educational exchange between the U.S. and China.
“The Walla Walla community and YWCA are truly fortunate to have Mona Locke as our 2016 speaker,” said Claire Siegel, YWCA board member who co-chairs this year’s Luncheon with Wendy Cheng. “I’m looking forward to hearing what she’s learned from her longtime work with children and families in Washington as well as her perspective on women’s issues worldwide.”