We’re honored to have partnered with Comcast for three years in a row to celebrate Washington Women Who Dare. Our 2021 honorees were selected because of their work to inspire action, challenge the status quo, and drive change for the better. They were honored at the 2021 TEDxSeattleWomen: What Now? event.
These Washington women are fighting for equity in housing, employment, and education. Over 2021, each one has helped our community learn and grow. Collectively, they’re creating a brighter future for everyone in the region.
As we look back on lessons learned and prepare for the future, these women are helping our community move forward with clarity and purpose. We’re proud to shine a light on their stories and support their work.
Sharrone Navas
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Equity in Education Coalition
Sharrone Navas is closing the opportunity gap for Washington students as co-founder and executive director of the Equity in Education Coalition. EEC is the only education-focused organization statewide that is created, staffed, and led by people of color.
When the pandemic hit, EEC brought together legislators, teachers, administrators, and community leaders for regular talks about the issues impacting students. They are advocates for increased internet access, and launched a tech support hotline to help community members build digital skills.
Sharrone fights for the needs of under-represented students, and we’re proud to highlight her as a Washington woman who dares.
Mindy Woods
Housing Equity Advocate
Mindy Woods is creating a robust support network for Snohomish County residents as the first human services manager for the City of Edmonds.
Mindy also serves on the Edmonds Diversity Commission, the National Low-Income Housing Coalition board of directors, and volunteers for several other groups, including YWCA.
An accomplished and outspoken advocate for housing equity, Mindy’s passion and drive are fueled by her lived experience as a veteran and single mother facing homelessness. Because of her work to build collective power and fight for housing as a human right, we’re proud to call Mindy a Washington woman who dares.
Darnesha Weary
Owner, Black Coffee Northwest
Darnesha Weary, owner of Black Coffee Northwest, works with the company president, Mikayla Weary, to build community through coffee. They also happen to be mother and daughter.
Black Coffee Northwest has been a community hub since it opened in 2020. They promote local BIPOC-owned companies, and use products from Black-owned businesses. They hire and train youth workers, giving them valuable work experience and ensuring their voices are heard. Through a challenging year, they have persevered and continued advancing social justice, civic engagement, and racial equity in the community.
Darnesha manages the company’s operations and processes, while Mikayla is responsible for marketing, social media, and merchandise. Although Mikayla is now enjoying her first year at college and couldn’t join the interview, we’re honored to recognize both as Washington women who dare!
Celebrate an equity champion
Do you know an individual or business working to promote racial and gender equity in our community? Nominate them for the 2022 Bertha Pitts Campbell Equity Awards!
Annalee Schafranek is the Marketing & Editorial Director at YWCA. She contributes agency news, press releases, and media coverage to the website. Annalee’s educational and professional experience has always focused on the place where gender equity and media meet.
We share the stories of our program participants, programs, and staff, as well as news about the agency and what’s happening in our King and Snohomish community.
