Why She Gives: A Lifelong Chicagoan’s Commitment to Community Through Monthly Giving

Monthly Donor, Carlita Collins Lowe

Born and raised on Chicago’s Southeast Side, Carlita Collins Lowe is a dedicated supporter of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, who has always felt a deep connection to her city and the communities that shape it. 

Today, she serves as a finance leader at CTS Impact, specializing in financial transformation. Her work focuses on implementing systems, improving processes, and developing controls that help organizations operate more effectively. At its core, it’s about strengthening institutions so they can better serve people. 

Her connection to YWCA became personal when the organization was a client in 2021. While she had long been aware of YWCA’s presence as a lifelong Chicagoan, working alongside staff and program teams gave her a new perspective on the depth of its impact. She also became familiar with the leadership of CEO Nicole Robinson and the organization’s forward momentum. Carlita saw clear alignment between its mission and her own service values as an active member of Delta Sigma ThetaSorority, Inc. The organization’s pillars mirrored the community service commitments she already held close – making her connection feel both natural and urgent. 

What moved her most were the stories. 

“Every time I hear a testimonial, it pulls a tear from me,” Carlita shared. “YWCA has helped so many people whose backs were against the wall. It’s like a comforting blanket—getting people back on course and back to thriving rather than just surviving.” 

Among YWCA’s focus areas, economic empowerment resonates most deeply. She believes that when women achieve financial stability, the ripple effects are transformative—strengthening families and uplifting entire communities. 

Her decision to become a monthly donor came at a time when economic uncertainty weighed heavily on her mind. Federal funding cuts, job losses, and concern about declining philanthropy made her reflect on the role individuals must play. 

“Now more than ever, we need to come together to support the community,” Carlita said. “Because I’m in a position to help, I want to help.” 

Monthly giving felt like the most practical and meaningful way to do that. Automated and consistent, it allows her to contribute without adding another task to an already full life. 

“I don’t have to think about it—it’s already set up. I just know the good is happening in the background.” 

One event that continually reaffirms her commitment is the YWCA Leader Luncheon, which she has attended for four consecutive years. Hearing firsthand stories of transformation reminds her why sustained support matters, and inspires her to keep asking herself: What can I do to keep this work going? 

She hopes her monthly gifts help ensure YWCA’s programs continue uninterrupted across all mission pillars. 

“If not us, then who?” Carlita said. “This work is imperative, critical in every way, in the community.” 

She is also a strong advocate for recurring philanthropy more broadly. Sustained giving, she believes, provides nonprofits with the stability they need to plan, grow, and serve without disruption. 

“It ensures the work continues and no one is left behind because resources were short.” 

Looking ahead, her hopes for Chicagoland are rooted in equity and opportunity. She envisions a region where the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” narrows—where communities have access to quality jobs, care, and resources needed to thrive. 

And she sees YWCA as central to that future. 

“YWCA is on the ground, in the community, with the people,” she said. “I just want to see you continue doing the work that lifts communities up.” 

Through her monthly giving, she’s helping make sure that work continues – steadily, sustainably, and with heart.