CEO Message: Showing Gratitude for Trailblazing Women
When I saw YWCA's new gratitude report and reflected on our agency's accomplishments last year, my heart filled with appreciation for everyone who has joined us on this journey of eliminating racism and empowering women.
For 130 years, YWCA has been blazing trails toward a brighter future, one where all women and girls have access to the resources they need to pursue their full potential. Our organization has continued to deliver on that legacy by operating programs for housing, economic advancement, safety, and health that served more than 7,000 people across the region in 2023.
YWCA is here to help women blaze trails in their own lives. Our role is to guide and support each participant while they build the skills to chart a new course, navigate unfamiliar terrain, overcome challenges, mark important milestones, and reach a place where they can thrive.
As YWCA life coach Caprice explains, "We find a way for people to work through barriers, hopefully with some lifelong tools to help them on this journey." Download a copy of the 2024 Gratitude Report to read more about her work and the collective impact of YWCA.
Witnessing the stories of empowered, barrier-breaking women fuels our passion for this work, which is why I can't wait to hear from 2024 Inspire Luncheon keynote speaker, Dr. Mae Jemison. An engineer, physician, educator, entrepreneur, and former astronaut, she has blazed a trail to the stars and beyond.
There's still time to register for the Luncheon and save your seat at the Westin Seattle (or join our virtual table and watch the livestream) on September 19. Your support of this event provides critical funding for YWCA's work to ensure shelter, stability, and safety for the people we serve and build a more just and equitable society for all.
At this moment, another trailblazer is paving the way for the next generation - Kamala Harris, the first woman and first woman of color to serve as the Vice President of the United States, now the first woman of color to be the presidential nominee of any major political party. Regardless of political views or affiliations, we are witnessing a historic moment that embodies the progress YWCA champions and pursues each day.
People, not politics drive our mission, and our commitment is with the women and families YWCA serves. We will tackle the urgent issues of our community, inspired by the progress that we've made and motivated by the work that lies ahead.
Together, we will continue to navigate the challenges of our times, act with courage and conviction, and step into the unknown to chart a new path forward for the next generation of women and girls.
With gratitude,
Maria Chavez-Wilcox
YWCA 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.