Welcoming Mylène Vialard to YWCA Boulder County

Mylène Vialard joins YWCA Boulder County as our new Community Engagement and Programs Manager, bringing a rich background shaped by language, culture, and a deep commitment to justice. Born and raised in France and now based in Boulder, Colorado, her academic journey in American Literature and Civilization led her to explore Indigenous Rights, where studying the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz sparked a lasting passion for challenging colonial systems. She went on to spend more than two decades as a certified English to French translator and multilingual project lead, building expertise across industries while developing a keen awareness of how meaning shifts across cultural contexts.

Alongside her professional career, Mylène has been deeply engaged in community organizing, particularly through her work with Showing Up for Racial Justice in Denver and Boulder. This experience grounded her in the importance of relationship building, accountability, and the ongoing practice of showing up even when the work is complex. In 2021, she also joined Water Protectors in Minnesota opposing the Line 3 pipeline, an experience that deepened her commitment to Indigenous leadership, collective care, and environmental justice. Joining the YWCA felt like a natural continuation of these values, aligning with an organization whose mission to eliminate racism and empower women has remained clear and steadfast for more than a century.

In her role, Mylène brings a thoughtful, community centered approach shaped by her background in translation. She prioritizes accessibility across language, culture, and economics, and is guided by a constant awareness of who is included in the room and who may be missing. From supporting programs like Young Women+ Achievement and Reading to End Racism to strengthening partnerships across Boulder County, she is focused on building relationships and fostering connection. For Mylène, this work is rooted in listening, shared purpose, and the belief that lasting change happens when communities are engaged as true partners.