CEO MESSAGE: We Still Have Work to Do

Reflecting on the election results

Reflecting on the 2024 election season, I’m reminded of the importance of YWCA’s work to fight for policies that bring us closer to eliminating racism, empowering women, and ensuring peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

In this moment, we must recognize the significance of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy. As a Black South Asian woman nominated by a major party for the nation’s highest office, her journey demonstrated to young BIPOC women that they too can break barriers and blaze new trails.

With most results from the Presidential, Senate, and House elections now confirmed, we cannot ignore the impacts the federal administration will have on the lives and future opportunities of women, girls, families, and marginalized communities.

[ WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO ]

Regardless of the challenge, we have always found strength, resilience, and a path forward - together. Now, more than ever, we must ground ourselves in the communities that YWCA serves, strengthen our connections, gather resources, and fortify our resolve for the work ahead.

Here at home, Washington voters rejected state-wide initiatives that would have reduced support and funding for essential community services, including education, childcare, and long-term care. These election results, among others, reflect our region’s ongoing support for policies that promote fairness and inclusivity, reaffirming our commitment to these values as we move forward.

Right now, we’re preparing for the 2025 Washington State Legislative session alongside other community partners and in collaboration with our network of sister YWCA’s across the state. We will also continue advancing our policy priorities at the federal level, including support for survivors of gender-based violence, housing justice, and healthcare access for immigrant families.

Civic engagement matters beyond the elections. As movement makers and activators, our voices have the power to shape – and shake up – the landscape when it comes to the issues that matter most to our lives.

YWCA supports non-partisan civic engagement and policies that uplift the people we serve, particularly BIPOC women and girls. We will not stop fighting against policies that harm marginalized communities. We will raise our voices and call on elected officials to support policies that advance equity and justice.

We will continue to serve and build, because that’s what we’ve been called to do.

In the words of Vice President Kamala Harris, “This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged, for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together.”

You’re invited to join us as we march forward, and we’ll let you know about ways you can take action with YWCA and advocate for equity, justice, and a better future for all of us.

In solidarity,
Maria Chavez-Wilcox, CEO

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is a nonpartisan organization, committed to serving our community regardless of the political landscape or political affiliations. We remain compliant with 501(c)(3) rules and regulations.

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