It is an honor to serve as the new president and CEO of the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin (SEW). I commend my predecessor, Ginny Finn, for her leadership through two very challenging years of our organization's history. Change is inevitable during leadership transitions, but I am aware that the mission doesn't change.
My north star is our mission. I believe we are now poised to move forward in new, bold, and visionary ways. As we continue our #JusticeJourney, we live in a society that will only thrive if we eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
In this newsletter, we welcome five new members to our Board of Directors and provide updates from our Race and Gender Equity Department, including recommendations on how to learn and celebrate during Black History Month with many of our community partners. Plus, we continue to advocate for voter engagement, highlighting important information about the City of Milwaukee’s upcoming mayoral election.
I am committed to leading with a sense of urgency - through purpose, empathy, and authenticity. We have touched a lot of lives along the way and will continue.
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Tracy L. Williams
President & CEO
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Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action© - Register Now – Classes Start February 2nd |
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We can all learn and unlearn – and must do that if we are committed to just, inclusive communities. Our 6-part course provides grounding in the history and impact of racism, as well as an opportunity to listen to each other. Participants also gain tools to use in their own neighborhoods, workplaces and communities to build the future.
Read how one local journalist had his eyes opened here.
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January marks the beginning of a new year and an opportunity announce our newly elected members of our Board of Directors. They bring to the table a wealth of diverse experiences and perspectives, but what they all have in common is a steadfast commitment to our #OneMission – to eliminate racism and empower women. Please welcome:
- Bregetta Wilson, MS, BSHS, LPC-IT – Embrace Improve Empower LLC
- Goef Storms – Rockwell Automation
- Preston J. McGlory, Esq. – Molson Coors
- Tiffany Wynn – Carroll University
- Uniqua J. Adams, CFRE – City Year
To learn more about them and all of our Board members here
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In Case You Missed It –
Our #OneMission News Shared in December
At An Evening to Promote Racial Justice on December 9, 2021, we announced that our Racial Justice Department has been renamed the Race and Gender Equity Department, reflecting our commitment to our one intersectional mission and our collective #JusticeJourney. Throughout the year, we will continue to share the evolving intersectionality of our work and collaborations, as well as stories that uplift women of color and their families.
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Click below to watch and learn more about the evolution of our work |
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February is Black History Month
We Are Honored to Amplify Some Key Community Events and Activities
It is a month to learn, explore and celebrate. Check-out these options.
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Celebrate the Reopening of America’s Black Holocaust Museum February 25th
There’s a ribbon cutting at 9 AM and then amazing activity 10 AM to 5 PM. Make sure to support and amplify the mission of this national treasure here in our backyard. You learned about this event at An Evening to Promote Racial Justice last December – join us and bring your friends as we celebrate this momentous reopening.
For More Information visit ABHM
Milwaukee Film Has Movies and Events
Six films, two shorts and four in-person events! One of the most robust celebrations in town, including a Black Film Trivia Night on February 18th. Get all the details here
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Region’s Libraries Host Black History Month Reading Challenges |
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Milwaukee Public Library
Racine Public Library
This challenge starts February 1 and runs through March 6. Check out their
web site for updates starting January 31.
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Plenty of Black History Month Activities at Regional UW Campuses
UW-Milwaukee Offers a Variety of Options
A full schedule can be found here
- African American Film Series (starting February 2)
- Creative writing sessions hosted by the Black Student Cultural Center (February 4)
- Sisters Like Me conference (February 11)
- “African History is Black History” webinar (February 12)
- Milwaukee Food Tour (February 19)
- Multicultural Blood Drive (February 22)
UW-Parkside Hosts Something for Everyone
Check out the programs and events presented by UW-Parkside during Black History Month. From Films and Lectures to a Writers’ Workshop and Trivia Nights, there are activities for young and not so young alike. Plus a Black Business Expo on February 22. Learn More Here
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Support Black Women Owned Businesses and Our Neighbors
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We Would Love To Hear From You!
Email us and share other events and/or let us know what you enjoyed and why.
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Spring Primary: February 15th and Spring Election: April 5th
For the first time in decades, the City of Milwaukee will elect a new mayor from a pool of candidates that does not include the incumbent. Are you familiar with the candidates and their point of view on issues that matter to you? Are you ready to vote?
Candidate Forums
January 31st – Online, 7-8:30 PM
Co-Sponsored by Community Advocates, Disability Rights Wisconsin, MICHAH-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Turners, Rid Racism Milwaukee, and Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition
February 9th – Turner Hall Ballroom, 7-9:00 PM
Co-hosted by the Pabst Theater Group, the Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics.com and Listen MKE. The forum will also be livestreamed on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Facebook page. In person attendance is free, but advance registration is required because seating is limited.
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Make Sure You Are Able to Vote – Register & Have a Plan
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Learn about how, where and when to register here
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Learn about Absentee voting rules and procedures here
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Learn about who the candidates are here
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For other questions, check the City of Milwaukee Election Commission web site or call 414.286.3491 (TTY 414.286.8445)
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27th Annual Circle of Women – coming June 2022!
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The last two years have changed many things but the impact of gathering together to change the lives of women and their families is unshakable. Last year we moved Circle of Women to June and you all loved the change – so we are sticking with it.
To keep up with Circle of Women news, follow us on Facebook and watch your emails in the coming weeks for event information, how to become a Table Captain and sponsorship opportunities!
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To get the information directly in your email box, send a message with the subject line “ 2022 Circle” to communication@ywcasew.org
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Why should you support YWCA SEW’s one mission to eliminate racism and empower women? Because the work we did in 2021 and will expand in 2022 are the building blocks for a shared vision of a thriving, inclusive and just southeast Wisconsin defined by racial and gender equity.
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Thank you for continuing to support YWCA's mission! |
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