2020 WOA Young Woman of Achievement Award Honoree

Gabby Dansereau

2020 Women of Achievement Honoree

~ Young Woman of Achievement Award ~

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Congratulations Gabby!

Thank You For Living Out YWCA Spokane’s Mission

Gabby Dansereau uses her platform as the current Miss Spokane to raise awareness about domestic violence. After her cousin Jesseka Musson was murdered by her fiancé in 2017, Gabby and her family created the nonprofit Stop The Silence to help spread awareness about domestic violence and it’s prevalence in our community while also raising funds to support local agencies who are dedicated to serving survivors.

In her cousin’s case, Gabby lobbied for justice and led a letter writing campaign to the judge, prosecutors, governor, and attorney general to protest the murderer’s fair plea agreement. With an outpour of community support, her efforts ensured a longer sentencing.

Gabby continues to advocate for herself and others. Gabby volunteers and partners with local organizations including NAOMI, Safe Passage of Idaho, and YWCA Spokane. She also supports the Black Lives Matter protests held in Spokane. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabby has been diligent in her effort to educate the community on issues of domestic violence and connect victims with resources, which is especially important now as individuals are more isolated in their homes. Whether she is dropping off End the Violence posters, meals, hygiene kits, or Easter baskets, Gabby’s presence can be felt in the community, and she has been featured on local news for her accomplishments.

As a young woman of color and domestic violence survivor, Gabby strives to share her story and be a role model for other young women. Her own experience with domestic violence taught her that abuse comes in all forms and can happen to anyone. Gabby has shared that the emotional abuse she endured diminished her self-worth and self-love. Since leaving the abusive relationship, Gabby has worked to restore her sense of self and rebuild her life. She wants other young women to know that they are enough and they are worthy. In partnership with Create Your Statement, Gabby was inspired to visit schools and speak with teens about healthy relationships and dating violence, educating and empowering them to help others.

Gabby is only 22 years old and she is already a strong and ambitious activist. She is committed to advocating for women and making a difference in our community. With her personal and familial experiences of domestic violence, she seeks to help other survivors on the local and national level. Gabby is a diligent, compassionate, and authentic young leader in our community and deserves recognition. YWCA Spokane is honored to present Gabby Dansereau with the 2020 Young Woman of Achievement award.

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YWCA’s New ONE MISSION CAMPAIGN

A two month celebration of those who live out YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

This campaign will honor our 2020 Women of Achievement award winners and invite the community to take YWCA’s Learn & Give challenge focused on inspiring change during Domestic Violence Action Month.

September 1st through October 31st, 2020, YWCA’s ONE MISSION campaign will serve to celebrate women leaders in our community, raise awareness about the compounded experiences of domestic violence survivors, and look to raise $275,000. Proceeds raised support YWCA Spokane’s services for domestic violence victims and their children, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal services, job readiness, child care, and Pre-K programs for low income children and their families.

Please join us as we celebrate Gabby and the other 2020 award honorees through this new campaign. 

Learn More

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Donate in Honor of Our Women of Achievement Award Honorees

Consider making a donation in honor of the outstanding women we acknowledge at this inspiring celebration. As our biggest, most critical fundraiser of the year, the Women of Achievement Awards benefit our programs and services directly, allowing our reach to grow further and our mission to be realized. Simply put, we cannot do this work without you!

DONATE TODAY

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About YWCA Spokane

For 117 years, YWCA Spokane has been helping women and children overcome social, economic, and personal barriers in order to accomplish their goals and achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives. Today, areas of focus include supporting victims of intimate partner domestic violence, promoting early childhood education, and confronting racial and social justice issues that negatively impact our clients and our community.

In 2019, YWCA served over 17,000 women, children, and families. Services include a continuum of wrap-around support: 24-hour Helpline and Safe Shelter, Counseling Center, Mental Health Services, Child Advocacy, Civil Legal Assistance, Legal Advocacy, and Economic Empowerment Advocacy. YWCA’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) provides 3- and 4-year-old children with the social and learning skills necessary for successful entry into kindergarten.

By working at the intersections of inequality, poverty, and domestic violence, YWCA Spokane is able to disrupt longstanding societal patterns of trauma. To learn more, take a look at our 2019 annual impact report.

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THANK YOU TO OUR DEEPLY VALUED 2020 Campaign SPONSORS!

This awards celebration would not be possible without the incredible support of our 2020 sponsors. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities contact Dana Morris Lee, YWCA Spokane Chief Philanthropy Officer, at danam@ywcaspokane.org or call 509-742-0111.

SIGNATURE SPONSOR

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KEYNOTE SPONSOR

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HONOREE SPONSOR

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2020 Mission Partner

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VIDEO PRODUCTION SPONSOR

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Innovation SPONSOR

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CHAMPION SPONSOR

 

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TRAILBLAZER SPONSORS

 

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PIONEER SPONSORS

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Corporate Sponsors

Columbia Bank

Global Credit Union

The Spokesman-Review

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To learn more about sponsorship opportunities contact Dana Morris Lee, YWCA Spokane Chief Philanthropy Officer, at danam@ywcaspokane.org or call 509-742-0111.