Role models can change the course of your life –but what if nobody at the top looks like you? When someone succeeds in the face of adversity, exposing problems in the status quo, doors open for marginalized groups. It inspires others to hope and strive for more.
Leadership has been a theme throughout board member Anika Ward’s entire life. Her desire to constantly reimagine (and redesign) what is possible is at the core of her work, which is why she started Sankofa Leadership Network.
Stacey Abrams embodies the spirit of Black History Month and a reason to celebrate. In the words of Marian Wright Edelman, “Be a good ancestor. Stand for something bigger than yourself. Add value to the Earth during your sojourn.”
It’s been 50 years since the passing of Title IX, the federal civil rights law which passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. The landmark decision prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives funding from the federal government. Peg Brenden, one of our Health & Fitness Center members, helped pave the way for girls who wanted to play sports in school.
Too often the contributions of women married to great men pale in the shadows of their spouse’s accomplishments. Every year we celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday of January marking the imprint his commitment to nonviolent activism has made on our lives and the world. However, Dr. King’s legacy would not be what it is today without the work of Coretta Scott King.
During these uncertain times where feelings of fear have become commonplace and hope is something we must work to find, imagine what our world could look like if we took inspiration from Dr. King and acted together, from a place of kindness.
After years swimming in YW’s pool, Mara Ascheman joined our board and regularly leads Xcel Energy Day of Service volunteer projects to give back to her community.
Holistic well-being encompasses mind, body, social and spirit. All aspects of our health are interconnected and function as a whole. Please join us for our Equity and Justice Community Conversation on Wednesday, January 19 at 4:30 p.m. with Marjorie Grevious.
In compliance with Ramsey County guidance and the latest Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations amid rising COVID-19 cases in the Twin Cities, YWCA St. Paul will require that face coverings to be worn by everyone—both vaccinated and unvaccinated—inside our facility effective January 6, 2022.
Healing Circles has been a successful intergenerational supportive space centered on and affirming Black culture, community and lived experience. With open hearts and open minds we were