Who is Michelle Osborne?
Michelle has been working at YWCA for two years. A former trial lawyer, her work has long explored racial equity and social justice issues, including the prevention of violence against women and children; the pervasive nature of state-sanctioned violence against people of color; societal and cultural roles for women; and leadership development for girls and women.
I sat down with Michelle last week to learn more about her work at YWCA.
What is the Race and Social Justice Initiative at YWCA?
The RSJI is YWCA's expression of its commitment to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial and gender equity. Another way to think about it, which is constantly evolving, is to think about how our internal culture supports the elimination of institutional racism:
- Through heightened awareness
- Improved service integration
- An established foundation for social justice work
We also have shared accountability for providing effective services to program participants through authentic relationships, increased cross-cultural skills, improved service delivery and accountable relationships with communities. YWCA continues to establish authentic trust-based relationships with communities through:
- Community involvement
- Increased access by underserved communities,
- An established program participant forum, and provision of culturally and linguistically relevant services.
Lastly, we are working to increase knowledge on the intersection of race, class, and gender by re-defining relationships, broadening engagement in social justice work, increasing program and community coordination and by sharing accountability.
What drew you to YWCA?
I love the mission! I was the Rape Crisis Center Director at a YWCA in Silicon Valley. I enjoyed the intensity and passion of the work and the ability to provide needed services to underserved communities in that region, most of whom were communities of color. Here at YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish, the position of Race and Social Justice Manager is a new opportunity to try a holistic and comprehensive take on the mission.
Do you feel we have progressed as a city and as an agency?
When I lived in Seattle as a kid, I thought Seattle was boring, very white, and not in the least bit progressive! I don't know if I grew up or if the city grew up but what I realized is that this city thinks of itself as progressive and in some ways it is. However, in many ways, it is not.
Take affordable housing or large tech companies as two examples. Affordable housing is beyond the reach of many in our communities of color. Many tech companies in the area insist they are diverse, yet their version of diversity objectively fails to include black, Latinx, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander men or women in middle and upper management. We have a long way to go.
Our work will always be relevant and necessary. YWCA engages in tough conversations and advocates on issues of inequities such as race, gender, patriarchy, domestic violence, and homelessness. We are showing up as an agency, but we always strive to do and be better.
How can YWCA be a leader for equity?
In order to lead, we must be intentional and consistent in our messaging both internally and externally, which is part of our continuing work for racial equity and social justice. Since starting at YWCA two years ago, I have been so honored to have the opportunity to hear from, collaborate with, and learn from others while sharing the work with so many.
Keep checking YWCA's blog to see Michelle's future posts on the topic of race and social justice.
Salma Siddick is the Social Media & Content Manager at YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish. An immigrant from Zimbabwe, Salma has lived, worked, and attended school on three continents.
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.
