Amina, an aspiring medical device professional, and Eden, currently on a pre-law track to becoming a lawyer, were once two nervous middle school girls walking into the Girls Inc. Eureka! program, unsure of what to expect.

Years later, they walked back through those same doors, not as participants, but as mentors helping the next generation of girls discover their strengths, find their voices and believe in what's possible.

Nearly 1,500 athletes from 33 states and provinces gathered at Lake Nokomis for the 17th annual YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon. From first-time triathletes to veteran competitors in their 80s, participants celebrated perseverance, community and the supportive spirit that has made the event a beloved tradition for nearly two decades.

Our amazing Race Captains help make the YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon a fun, welcoming, and inclusive event. Meet VIP Captain Meg Kelly and learn how nearly two decades of participation inspired her to give back through volunteering.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued decisions addressing birthright citizenship, mail ballots and presidential authority over federal agencies. Learn what these rulings mean and why they could shape public policy in the years ahead.

Meet 23-year-old Olya, a longtime member of YWCA Midtown and participant in the upcoming Special Olympics. Read more about Olya’s journey and how she’s preparing for the Special Olympics this June.

Katy McClure signed up for YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon, even though she was afraid to swim. What started as a daunting challenge became a powerful journey of facing fear, honoring the women who shaped her, and giving back to her community.

YWCA Minneapolis is engaging in several advocacy and civic engagement efforts this March. Community members are invited to learn more and participate in events focused on voting access, equality, reproductive freedom and children’s wellbeing.

In times of uncertainty, youth need stability more than ever.

Learn how youth programs at YWCA Minneapolis adapted so young people could still connect, learn and decompress, whether attending school in person or online.

Community service is a powerful way to make an impact in your community. Volunteer for the YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon and support women’s health, empowerment and connection through a meaningful community service opportunity in Minneapolis.

Meet Kay Schroven. Originally from Wisconsin, she joined YWCA Minneapolis in 1986 In addition to being a dedicated member, Kay also worked for YWCA Minneapolis on an interim basis, helping to improve employee benefits and strengthen the organization from within. 

This summer, 14 incredible teens—rising 8th through 11th graders—stepped into leadership in a big way. They became trained peer sex educators, ready to spark change in their schools and communities. Their mission? To build confidence, spread knowledge and help their peers make healthier choices as they navigate high school and beyond. 

The Toni Award for Inspiration and Advocacy celebraters YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon participants whose courage and resilience make a positive impact in the community. Meet our 2025 Toni Award nominees.

After a stroke left her fearing she’d never race again, inspiring athlete Kate Varns returned to the YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon as an adaptive athlete — earning the Toni Award for Inspiration and Advocacy.

YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon celebrated the power and diversity of women and those who identify with womanhood at their annual race at Lake Nokomis. In 2025, 1,074 individual participants and 13 relay teams took part in the event.

For 25 years, YWCA Minneapolis has called Lake Street home. We are thrilled to bring bold color and renewed energy to the neighborhood with a vibrant new mural.

Meet Margaret Catambay, born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. Margaret joined YWCA Minneapolis back in January 1987—long before membership photos were stored on computers! She originally came looking for a place to swim and exercise, and soon found herself immersed in water aerobics classes and the vibrant community that surrounded them.

On May 10, 2025, we gathered at YWCA Minneapolis to celebrate the accomplishments of twelve incredible young women in our Eureka! program—a transformative initiative designed to build leaders, changemakers and well-rounded young women.  

It takes over 300 volunteers to ensure a safe, fun race for everyone. Our volunteer captains spend over six months preparing the race. Meet our outstanding team!

Nine students from South High School, members of the YWCA Minneapolis Youth in Action Program, joined nearly 500 youth at Youth Day at the Capitol—an empowering event where they built advocacy skills, explored the civic process, and met with elected representatives to champion the issues that matter to them.

YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson was one of more than a dozen community leaders who spoke at a rally at the State Capitol in support of the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment.

“As a leader in racial and gender equity, we empower communities to protect reproductive freedom, stand against race and gender discrimination and promote justice for all people.”