Helen Forbes Fields, Esq.

Early Years

Thinking back to your early years, was there a teacher or professor that had a significant impact on your professional journey? If so, please share.

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

President and CEO

YWCA Greater Cleveland

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio

EDUCATION:

• Howard University School of Law

Juris Doctorate conferred May 1984

• Loyola University School of Law

Rome, Italy

Summer Study Abroad Comparative Constitutional Law, 1983

• Spelman College, BA in Political Science conferred May 1981, cum laude

• The Ohio State University

1977-1978

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• Chair of the Board

Front International Triennial

• Chair of the Board of Trustees

Cuyahoga Community College

• Board of Trustees

Cleveland Museum of Art

MY MANTRA…

Life is an intersection between choices and chances. It is not meant to be lived in narrow conditions. Make choices, take chances. So when that day comes, we will leave this earth peacefully.

While I attended Spelman College I took as many classes as I could with Dr. Robert Brisbane of Morehouse College. He was one of my favorite Political Science professors and had a huge impact on my thinking. He was a civil rights warrior and thinker and colleague of Martin Luther King Jr. It was an honor to listen to his lectures each week regarding our history in this country, and in the south. With his Harvard University key hanging from his belt loop he would imbue the class with pride and purpose regarding our rightful place in society.

Career

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

I’m most humbled by being chosen to lead the storied YWCA Greater Cleveland which is one of the oldest and continuous operating non-profits in Cleveland, Ohio. We’ve had amazing leadership over the years and I hope I will be able to add to the impact of the YWCA while serving those most in need.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

I draw inspiration from the mission of the YWCA to eliminate racism and empower women and promote peace, justice and freedom for all by any means necessary. We are on the right side of history supporting women, equality and equity for all.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

My toughest career decision was to leave my law practice to do something different in my career. I was ready to make a change but it was difficult moving out of my comfort zone and legal reputation to enter the world of non-profits. I’m very happy I made that leap of faith. Change is good!

Philosophy

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

To keep focused on our mission which is our NorthStar and treating colleagues and the community with respect and courtesy.

What have you come to learn about success?

I’m lucky to be excited to go to work every day. Success occurs when you enjoy the work you do each day.

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

The manner in which I balanced career and lifestyle for nearly 40 years is much different than what my daughter will do with her career and lifestyle. Ultimately one has to choose what works for them and determine their happiness. It is an individual journey. One size does not fit all.

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy?

What brings me joy is knowing the impact we have on the lives of women and families each day. Moving women from being homeless to housed to hired to higher.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

Throughout my years of practicing law I learned to always be well prepared. I work very hard to be well prepared regarding the programs we provide and the issues that affect those we serve. It takes effort but the reward is being good at what you do.

Fun Fact

My ideal vacation is… I love touring historical sites and cities. I receive much joy by visiting art museums to view art works and artists I studied in art history books. Nothing compares to seeing art works in person.