Honouring Joyce Mims: A Legacy of Generosity and Steadfast Leadership

With deep sorrow and gratitude, we honour the life and legacy of Joyce Mims, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 88. An extraordinary leader, mentor, and steadfast supporter of the YWCA family, Joyce leaves behind decades of leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, peace and justice.

For more than two decades, Joyce was at the heart of the World Service Council, serving as its Chair from 1989 to 2011. She will be remembered as a leader of conviction, a connector of people, and a woman whose vision strengthened the bonds between local, national, and global YWCA communities. 

World YWCA CEO/General Secretary, Casey Harden, shares: “I recall stepping away from a Christmas Eve family gathering, because Joyce and I had found a time to catch up, as we would now and again. As women from two different generations, that time we debated strategies for the World YWCA. I was sitting on the steps to my basement, with twinkle lights shining down below, and time flew by. By the close, we were both practically shouting in agreement and enthusiasm about the importance of women’s leadership…still!”

Joyce’s leadership extended beyond governance. She played a pivotal role in supporting the World YWCA’s Power to Change campaign (1999–2007), standing alongside then CEO/General Secretary, Musimbi Kanyoro, and mobilising resources with determination. She was known not only for her ability to nurture individual supporters but also for her personal generosity — from helping cover the costs that enabled young leaders to participate in advocacy and governance spaces, to encouraging her personal community to support national YWCA associations around the world.

Her presence was felt not only in her leadership but also in her ability to keep members connected. Joyce’s eloquent letters, remembered for their warmth and clarity, reminded every reader that they belonged to something larger than themselves: a global sisterhood carrying forward the YWCA’s mission of advancing women’s leadership, justice, peace, and dignity for all. Her colleagues recall her personal touch — she stayed closely connected, reaching out with care to ensure the movement’s priorities were always advanced.

Joyce often described World Service Council gatherings as times for reaffirming the YWCA as “a place where women’s voices are respected and heard; a place where truths can be told about violence and anti-neighbourliness; and a place where imagination is nurtured to challenge hate with hope and positive change.” She loved to remind members of the Tibetan saying: “Wherever you have friends, that is your country, and wherever you receive love, that is your home.” For thousands of women across the globe, she knew that place was the YWCA.

Ms. Harden likes to say that Joyce embodied a balance of determination, strong opinion, and love – “a unique and rare combination.”

Her legacy is one of connection, dignity, honesty and steadfast presence for the global YWCA movement. Joyce’s influence helped shape the World Service Council for more than two decades and strengthened the World YWCA’s ability to mobilise resources, communities and people in support of young women’s leadership.

We give thanks for the life of Joyce Mims. Her vision, generosity, and unwavering belief in the YWCA’s mission will continue to inspire generations to come to honour women’s leaders.