A Message From YWCA CEO, Tara Peterson
As one of the oldest women’s empowerment organizations in the nation, YWCA's history–as is all history–is rooted in the strength and the power of women.
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Over the last two years, women have made difficult decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and stepped up to keep our country going in this time of crisis. Women have left the workforce in historic numbers, and many of those who stayed are among the majority of our essential workers, facing unprecedented risks to their health.
During this time, we have also seen reproductive rights challenged at our highest Court, voter suppression laws and initiatives meant to limit women’s voices at the ballot box, and the continued fight for federal dollars and support to keep women and families safe.
Still, we had much to celebrate this Women's History Month, including the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (FINALLY!), a record number of women serving in elected office, and the historic nomination (and hopefully, appointment) of the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In this newsletter we are excited to share with you some local highlights from our Women’s History Month activities. We honored the achievements of women in our 25th Annual Heart and Excellence Awards on International Women's Day, celebrated women past and present, including some of our own staff, through our Better Because of Her initiative, and connected with over 70 women leaders in Pasadena through the Advancing Women’s Summit. It has been a quite a busy month for your YWCA. A month that included so many moments of joy but also deep pain as we continue to bear witness to the violence in our homes, schools, and communities, as well as the innocent loss of lives due to war and conflict in Ukraine.
It's truly an honor and a privilege for me to serve as YWCA Glendale and Pasadena's CEO. I'm inspired by the critical work we do every single day. We are committed to living our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and girls in our community. I have an amazing and dynamic team of social justice and anti-violence professionals, and a supportive board that stands shoulder to shoulder with me every day as we remain at the forefront of racial justice, social justice, women's rights, civil rights, and equity issues for all.
As we move beyond Women's History Month, we ask that you take time to reflect on how your life has changed in these last two years, how it has impacted the women in your life, and how it is better because of her.
In peace and partnership,
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Heart & Excellence Awards
"Lift As You Climb"
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"During Women's History Month, we celebrate those women who reach new ground, lift up other women, and they do so as they climb."
That was the inspiring message from our incredible keynote speaker, Areva Martin, at our 25th Annual Heart & Excellence Awards held on International Women's Day. Thank you, again, to everyone who attended and helped us pass our fundraising goal! We are so grateful to be in community with you, and so honored to celebrate the amazing work of our honorees. If you missed it (or just want to watch again) the video is now up on our YouTube page!
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Advancing Women: A Collective Impact Summit
We were so honored to cohost this incredible community of Pasadena Women's organizations in an effort to identify ways we can collaborate in order to collectively empower the women and girls in our community. Thank you to our fellow cohosts, Jericho Road Pasadena, the Commission on the Status of Women, Junior League of Pasadena, and Western Justice Center. We hope this is the first of many future summits!
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We are better because the dedicated staff at
YWCA Glendale and Pasadena make us better.
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In honor of Women's History Month, YWCA USA created the theme "Better Because of Her," a celebration of the women who show up, every day, to make their communities, their country, and their world a better place. When we asked our staff for their #BetterBecauseOfHer shoutout, we were overwhelmed with their responses. It has been a pleasure to introduce a handful of these superstars to you over the past month, and we look forward to highlighting so many more in the future. |
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Upcoming Events!
We have a ton of exciting ways you can get involved here at YWCA Glendale and Pasadena, make sure you check our calendar for regular updates!
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THE STAND AGAINST RACISM CHALLENGE IS LIVE!
The Stand Against Racism Challenge is now a national initiative of YWCA USA. Previously known as the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, the Stand Against Racism Challenge is designed to establish dedicated time and space to building more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, and privilege. Participants log on either through the App (Apple | Google) or by website and are presented with challenges and activities like reading an article, listening to a podcast, or watching a video. Participation in the Challenge gives us insight into how racial and social injustice impact our community, while also allowing us to connect and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. And for the first time, we have a Spanish language version of the Challenge thanks to our friends at YWCA San Antonio! Join us!
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Our Spring 40-Hour Domestic Violence Counselor Training is Starting Soon! |
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Be a part of our survivor support community! Register today for our 40-hour Domestic Violence Counselor Training starting April 18th and running through May 11th over Zoom. Completion of this training meets the requirements set by California Evidence Code §1037.1(a)(1) for designation as a Domestic Violence Counselor. After completing 40 hours of training, participants will receive a certificate of completion that allows them to pursue volunteer and employment opportunities working directly with survivors of domestic violence in California.
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We Stand with YWCA of Ukraine |
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YWCA Glendale and Pasadena stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with the women, girls, and marginalized communities who have been deeply impacted by the war being waged on their country.
As part of the global YWCA movement, we advocate for peace and justice in our communities. And so we are committed to supporting Ukraine's people, especially its women and girls, during this time.
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