Building Bridges and Strengthening Relationships

The institute’s agenda featured a dynamic lineup of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote addresses delivered by thought leaders and changemakers from diverse fields. Each session underscored the importance of collaboration and innovative thinking in addressing the complex challenges facing our communities. From deep dives into organizational sustainability to strategies for advancing equity and justice, the event fostered a spirit of unity and shared purpose among attendees.

"Participating in this institute reaffirmed the incredible strength of the YWCA network," expressed Jeanette Hauck, YWCA Spokane CEO. "We left feeling inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to bring back to our local programs and initiatives."

The Emerging Leaders Program: Investing in the Future

YWCA Spokane staff members and Emerging Leader cohort members, Jemma Riedel-Johnson and Cassia Brennan, with YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell.

Prior to the Institute, YWCA USA created a cohort of 44 women, femmes, and nonbinary people across the YWCA Network—staff and volunteers from city centers and rural communities—who came together in a virtual space over a six-month period for an enriching, enlightening experience. Two members of YWCA Spokane's team were selected to join, Jemma Riedel-Johnson and Cassia Brennan, from over 80 candidates from across the county.

The Emerging Leaders cohort aims to equip mission advocates and activists with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead change within the YWCA network and across the globe. Participants increased their capacity in areas such as fostering safe spaces, communication, and restorative healing to help find sustainability and joy in their work.

During their time together, the cohort built relationships and practiced intentional self-awareness while deepening concrete leadership skills that will support pathways to intergenerational leadership and eliminate racial disparities. The group culminated their time together in person at the Leadership Capacity Building Institute, where their presence added vibrancy and hope to the event.

Welcoming young leaders to the Institute was an essential part of the experience. Investing in and supporting our next generation of leaders is crucial to the ongoing success of our movement. By empowering emerging leaders with the tools and confidence to lead, we are ensuring that the mission of the YWCA continues to thrive for generations to come.

2024 Emerging Leaders

A Focus on Collective Capacity

A central theme of the institute was enhancing the collective capacity of YWCA associations to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Workshops explored topics such as:

• Innovative Approaches to Community Engagement: Strategies to amplify the voices of underrepresented populations and foster meaningful partnerships.
• Leadership Development: Tools for empowering staff and volunteers to step into leadership roles within their communities.
• Resource Mobilization: Best practices for securing sustainable funding and leveraging local assets to expand impact.
• Equity and Inclusion in Action: Practical frameworks for dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive spaces for all.

Bringing Lessons Home to Spokane

For YWCA Spokane, the insights gained during the conference are already shaping the way we envision our future. With five members of our leadership team in attendance, we are excited to implement new strategies to:

• Strengthen partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.
• Expand educational opportunities through our Community Engagement Department.
• Enhance services that address critical issues such as domestic violence, housing instability, and economic empowerment.
• Deepen our commitment to racial and social justice through intentional programming and advocacy.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the institute’s impact, we are reminded that the work we do locally is part of a much larger tapestry of change. Together with YWCAs nationwide, we are advancing a vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The energy and ideas generated during these four days will undoubtedly drive our efforts in 2025 and beyond.

We are grateful to YWCA USA for organizing such a meaningful and impactful event and to the Spokane community for your continued support of our mission. Stay tuned for updates as we put these new strategies into action—and as always, we invite you to join us in creating a more equitable and just society.

Together, we can achieve lasting change.

Enjoy Highlights from the Institute