In honor of International Women's Day and in celebration of Women's History Month, I sat down with thought leaders and female powerhouses, Sage Ke'alohilani Quiamno and Aparna Rae, co-founders of a new organization Future For Us, where women of color can network through community, career, and cause.

In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting a few trailblazing women from Washington State who have strengthened our region through their economic, social, political, and civic work. These women, and many others, were exceptional, inspirational, and fearless in ensuring that we have the rights we engage in today. For that, we thank them.

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish has a legacy of fighting for racial equity in our region and across the nation. One form of racist oppression that we have long been involved in the struggle against is xenophobic racism; the racism against non-white immigrants.

Service learning opportunities offer many advantages to students, especially those implicated by educational inequalities. These opportunities help students like those at Renton High School overcome obstacles and set them on track to success after they graduate. There are many benefits to engaging youth in civic service opportunities and YWCA is committed to providing these to our community.

For 125 years, YWCA has worked towards creating an inclusive and thriving community transformed by racial and gender equity, with peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. This Black History Month, we’re shining a light on YWCA’s racial equity legacy, as well as our upcoming Luncheon keynote speakers.

Read what YWCA accomplished in 2018, as well as the impact YWCA plans to make in the coming year. Celebrate YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish's 125th anniversary in 2019 by joining us in our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.