2018: A Year of Driving Equity, Building Community and Sparking Change
As the calendar year comes to a close, I am reminded how grateful and humbled I am to be the president and CEO of an organization that is at the forefront of change in our community.
Our generous donors, volunteers, employees, health and wellness members, program participants and board of directors make the work YWCA Minneapolis does every day possible. Together, we take a stand to eliminate racism and empower women and girls in Minneapolis and beyond. At this cultural moment, it’s more important than ever to come together behind this mission, and I am honored to stand with all of you in the pursuit.Last year, we touched the lives of over 30,000 people through our Racial Justice and Public Policy, Early Childhood Education, Girls and Youth, and Health and Wellness programs. I encourage you to read the inspiring stories of a few of the people we reached:
- Nichole Salaam who trained as a racial justice facilitator and shares the importance of “cultivating spaces where people can engage bravely” in conversations about race.
- The Hunter family who call the diverse, caring environment of the YWCA Early Childhood Education classroom their “son’s second home.”
- The group of girls and youth who 3D-printed their own Bluetooth speakers and learned about ending gender bias in STEM.
- Judy Rykken who at 80 years old, was the oldest athlete to race in our YWCA Women’s Triathlon.
And, if you haven’t already, take a look at the 2017-2018 community report that highlights the power of our community in the last fiscal year.Thank you for believing in YWCA Minneapolis. Together we’ve accomplished a great deal in 2018 and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do in 2019.In peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,
Luz María FríasPresident and CEO, YWCA Minneapolis