Leadership Team

Paula has served as the CEO of YWCA Northeast Indiana since 2017. Under her leadership, the organization has seen continued growth leading to the move into a new building in 2024.

After graduating from Indiana University with a B.A. in Sociology and Religious Studies, she went on to earn her MBA in Management and Marketing from the University of St. Francis.

Prior to YWCA, Paula worked in corporate finance and private equity corporations, including Ambassador Enterprises and True North Strategic Advisors, and as the Vice President of Marketing for Transmission and Fluid Equipment, her family’s industrial distribution business. Paula was elected to the Allen County Council for eight years and served as its president in 2006 and 2010. Prior to being elected to the County Council, Paula served as the first full time President of the Downtown Improvement District of Fort Wayne and as the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Decatur, Indiana. 

In 2020 Paula was recognized as Community Leader of the Year by KPC Media and in 2021 honored by the United Way of Allen County with their Outstanding Community Impact Award. She is a past two-time Chair of the State Board of Trustees for Ivy Tech, the nation’s largest community college, and a member of its Foundation Board, where she still serves. She is also a member of the board for the United Way of Allen County, and a member of the executive committee for G2 Rowing Association. Her commitment to service in the community is reflected in the many volunteer leadership posts she has held in a wide range of organizations, including the Allen County Redevelopment Commission and the Embassy Theater. She has served on the boards of over 20 local and regional non-profit organizations and has focused her volunteer activities in three areas: economic development, social service, and arts organizations.

Paula resides in Fort Wayne with her husband, Larry Schuh, her son, Beale, and their cat, Sweetheart. Her favorite things to do include baking, kayaking, and any run, walk, or bicycle race with treats at the end.

Katelynn joined YWCA Northeast Indiana’s team in 2022. As Director of Operations, she oversees finance, operations, information technology, human resources, and facilities management.

Katelynn graduated from Grace College & Seminary with a BA in Counseling and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is also a SHRM Certified Professional. 

Over the past eight years of her career in social services, she has worked to support individuals and systems that make impactful work possible. She is deeply passionate about creating sustainable processes that boost organizational efficiency while keeping staff development at the heart of everything.

Jill joined YWCA Northeast Indiana’s team in 2024. As Chief Development Officer, she oversees all development, fundraising, grants, marketing, and public relations. 

Jill received her BS in Journalism with an endorsement in Public Relations from Ball State University. She earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential in 2014 and completed the Certified Crisis Fundraiser certificate from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Jill has more than 20 years of experience and expertise in generating revenue and increasing diverse support bases for non-profit organizations. Prior to joining YWCA, Jill served in a variety of roles in the disability community. This included being part of a dynamic team that created and opened a postsecondary training program for people with disabilities. Erskine Green Training Institute is unlike any other training program in the country and the success of the program led to interest from countries around the world. 

One of her favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein, “Everybody is a genius. But If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”  Jill is passionate about ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to live their best life. New to the Ft. Wayne area, she is excited to get involved in the community and further the mission of YWCA Northeast Indiana.

Jennifer Kasmier joined YWCA’s team in 2025. She brings over 13 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit sector across Northeast Indiana. Her career spans a broad spectrum of roles, including seven years in direct service.  She is well-versed in fund development, grant writing, facility operations, program development and evaluation, as well as staff supervision and management.

For the past six years, Jennifer has served in private foundations. Foundation experience includes grants management, leadership training, and education facilitation. Locally, honing her skills in strategic philanthropy and organizational capacity-building. She is particularly experienced in fostering community collaboration and driving impact-focused initiatives.

Now back in the direct service space, Jennifer is thrilled to be serving with YWCA Northeast Indiana, where she continues her commitment to advancing meaningful change and empowering individuals and communities.

Donna joined YWCA Northeast Indiana’s team in 2014. As Director of Residential Services, she oversees residential, housing, nutrition, and children’s services. Before becoming the Director of Residential Services, she spent time in the following roles: Assistant Director of Residential Services, Residential Coordinator, Children’s Case Manager, and Crisis Service Assistant.

Donna is a participant in The Journey Fellowship program for youth-serving professionals of influence through Indiana Youth Services Association. She is trained in Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing practices. She is also a Certified CPR and First Aid Instructor.

Donna is committed to furthering staff development to ensure successful client outcomes. She is passionate about YWCA’s mission and is driven by her faith to nurture those we serve.

Jennifer joined YWCA Northeast Indiana’s team in 2013. As Director of Empowerment, she oversees all domestic violence and sexual violence advocacy services as well as the scholarship program. Before becoming the Director of Empowerment, she served as YWCA’s Community Education Coordinator.

Jennifer graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health Promotion. She is a 2015 New Professional Journey Fellow, a 2016 award recipient of Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s 20 Millennials Making A Difference, and a 2017 graduate of the Foellinger Leadership Lab. She is currently a member of the Mayor’s Commission on Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Harassment, as well as a member of several Domestic Violence Taskforces.  

Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter exploring the many family friendly events, parks, and activities around Fort Wayne. She also enjoys completing DIY projects to give her mind a break and get a chance to do more labor intensive activities. She also loves to relax in the evening with a good TV series.

Nicole Johnson-Smith joined YWCA’s team in 2025. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, as well as a certified trainer in Motivational Interviewing and QPR. She is deeply committed to creating environments where both clients and staff can prioritize self-care and personal well-being. Guided by the belief in being the person she once needed, Nicole brings empathy, strength, and purpose to her work every day.

Outside of her professional role, she treasures time with her family—especially her two beloved grandchildren.