CEO Message: Women who drive inspiration and change
I'm still feeling exhilarated from the success of our 2024 Inspire Luncheon, where more than 800 community supporters came together to celebrate YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. To date, we have raised over $1.3 million to fund YWCA's essential services for women and girls across the region.
Together, we are investing in the potential of young women like Heena, who is reaching for her dreams with the support and encouragement of YWCA's Femme2STEM program. We are laying the groundwork for the next generation of trailblazing women and in doing so, strengthening our entire community.
In the words of our keynote speaker, Dr. Mae Jemison, "Every child comes out inspired...the issue is whether or not we let them maintain that inspiration."
This is what YWCA's work is all about - delivering the tools for women and girls to feel inspired, embrace their power, realize their potential, and become agents of change in their lives and communities.
Women, particularly young women of color, are critical to driving social and policy change. Our voices have the power to shape the landscape when it comes to the issues that matter most to our lives. From housing security to paid family and medical leave, healthcare access to safety from gender-based violence, these policies form the foundations of our daily lives and express our values.
Now is the time to make our voices heard! YWCA supports robust non-partisan civic engagement and we are all in to get out the vote in 2024. The stakes are high with the general election a few weeks away, with decisions that will shape the future here at home and across the country for years to come.
We created a Voting Resource Center to check your voter registration, find candidates, and learn about the election. YWCA will continue promoting voter engagement and education on the policy issues at stake, working closely with staff and community partners, right up until election day.
No matter the outcomes of the election, we can and we will continue to fight for justice, equity, and opportunities for all women and girls.
With gratitude,
Maria Chavez-Wilcox, Chief Executive Officer