January 15, 2025

2025 Women of Achievement Honorees

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YWCA Spokane is proud to announce its 2025 Women of Achievement Award Honorees. These nine women will be honored throughout the months of February and March as well as at the Women of Achievement Awards event, held Friday, March 14, from 11:00AM-1:00PM at the Spokane Convention Center. 

For 43 years, YWCA Spokane has celebrated successful women in the community for their achievements, along with their commitment to giving back to the Spokane community. 

The honoree selection process involves nominations submitted by the public, which are evaluated by a committee of YWCA Spokane board members,  community volunteers, and staff using a scoring method designed to be as impartial and equitable as possible. Honorees are chosen based on their demonstrated impact, as described in their nomination.

Established with the goal of increasing community awareness and appreciation for the diverse contributions of women leaders in Spokane, YWCA Spokane has honored more than 260 women in the region. 

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Congratulations to the 2025 Women of Achievement Honorees

AMY WASHINGTON | SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

Amy Washington exemplifies the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women through her impactful work in science.  Amy is acutely aware of the challenges women face, particularly women of color, who often navigate a landscape designed without their experiences in mind.  She believes that success should not require women of color to exceed the achievements of their peers but rather to have equal opportunities to thrive! Amy fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, recognizing that everyone, regardless of their background, has a role in advancing equality.  She actively mentors and supports her colleagues, creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged. 

After a successful career as a dental assistant in both Canada and the U.S., Amy bravely transitioned to computer science, overcoming significant obstacles, including her lupus diagnosis.  Her resilience propelled her academic journey and deepened her commitment to uplifting the community.  Now in cybersecurity, Amy has excelled in national competitions, earning top-ranking and leadership awards.  She actively participated in initiatives like the U.S. Department of Energy’s CyberForce Program, shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 

Amy is passionate about inspiring and instilling confidence in young women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, demonstrating that they belong in STEM fields and can achieve their dreams.  As an EWU STEMbassador, Amy mentored Spokane high school students, providing vital insights into STEM fields and career opportunities.  She is consistently affirming their intelligence, capabilities, and potential to shape the future of science. In her role as Vice Chair of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), she championed the representation of women in tech, emphasizing the critical role of allyship among young men.  By empowering others and promoting inclusivity, Amy is making a difference in the individual lives of those she supports while also contributing to a more equitable landscape in STEM.

One of many notable examples of her commitment to our community is her involvement with youth outreach programs such as Camp Code for Girls, where she volunteered to teach young women in grades 9-11 about the power of coding.  Through this initiative, Amy aims to ignite their interest in pursuing careers in STEM!  As a software developer turned cyber risk engineer, Amy hopes to ensure that young women see software programming and cybersecurity careers as achievable. By sharing her journey, she demonstrates that a young woman from a rural community can change her career trajectory and thrive in high-earning, impactful fields!

Amy Washington is a true inspiration and is described by her community peers as one of the most intelligent and kind-hearted individuals they've ever encountered. This sentiment is echoed by her mentees and colleagues. It’s clear to all that Amy is a leader, and a guiding force, exemplifying success even in the face of adversity while holding the door open for others to pass through. 

Amy’s academic achievements and professional contributions will have a lasting impact on Spokane and its surrounding areas. She fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. Her ability to inspire others, combined with her dedication to service, makes our community better and sets a powerful example for future generations. Her unwavering commitment makes her a beacon of hope and an advocate for inclusivity, creating pathways for so many. Through her actions and leadership, Amy is a role model and a catalyst for meaningful change in our community. 

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Amy Washington with the 2025 Science, Technology, & Environment Award.

ATHENA MANGANO | YOUNG WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT

As a Community Correction Officer (probation officer) for the Washington Department of Corrections, Athena Mangano helps men and women in the justice system take back their lives every day.  She goes above and beyond for every person with whom she comes in contact.  Genuinely caring about the person without regard for race, age, gender, or criminal history. Athena wants to help people succeed by helping them get their confidence back and believing in them when even they may no longer believe in themselves.  

Working with individuals who have been incarcerated or are on probation is not an easy task, but Athena approaches it from a place of kindness and understanding.  One of her nominators wrote, “I was in active addiction and thought my life was over.  I had been living the addict life for about ten years until she became my probation officer.  Instead of giving up on me and sending me back to prison, she sent me to rehab.”  This ultimately changed the nominator's life forever.  Not only did she get sober, but together they helped her husband get sober and change his life as well.  Athena didn’t have to help him as he wasn’t on her caseload or even on probation, but she did it because she truly cares and wants people to better their lives.  

Athena has so much passion for the work that she does and the people that she helps, caring for them oftentimes when they no longer care about themselves and want to give up on life.  She pushes individuals to do better and challenges them because she sees all that they are capable of accomplishing if they believe in themselves.  Her job requires her to work with people who often treat her horribly and don’t want to change their lives.  Through it all, Athena’s heart and smile shine through.  She never gives up on people.  “She gave me the opportunity to save myself when I thought every bit of hope was lost.”

Her work continues beyond the job, offering guidance and empowering individuals to change the trajectory of their lives.  Athena has a desire to change the way that people who are on probation are viewed and treated.  She takes every step necessary to connect them with resources and treatment options before considering incarceration.  She also engages in seminars to teach people how to combat recidivism.  

Athena stands on the front lines, going to battle for those coming out of incarceration. Believing that there is more to their life, to their story.  She creates a safe atmosphere for people and advocates on their behalf.  She continues to be a light in their lives, even after their case is closed, helping them through difficult personal times and celebrating life's victories alongside them.  “If it wasn’t for Athena and her willingness to stand by my side through my recovery, I don’t know where I would be.”

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Athena Mangano with the 2025 Young Woman of Achievement Award.

JULIE HONEKAMP | BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Julie has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Spokane’s most vulnerable populations.  She’s been a powerful voice for those who are marginalized and underserved, consistently using her skills to uplift these communities. She’s initiated programs to support local nonprofits serving diverse communities, ensuring they have the capacity to continue their critical work. Julie’s dedication to anti-racism and empowering women is unwavering.

Early in her career, Julie was instrumental in building Spokane’s first strawbale house - an innovative approach to affordable, eco-friendly housing.  This groundbreaking project provided sustainable homes for low-income families and laid the foundation for Riverwalk Point Apartments, which continues to serve as affordable housing today.  

As a Board Member and Executive Director at Transitions, Julie’s leadership strengthened the organization's foundation, allowing it to thrive and better serve women.  Julie’s work has further impacted the lives of children by serving as a Board Member and Treasurer for the Foster Parent Association of Washington State and as Community Development Manager at YFA Connections.    

Julie’s commitment to racial equity shines! Through her partnerships with organizations like the Carl Maxey Center, she worked to support the Center’s efforts to encourage BIPOC entrepreneurs and helped to ensure People of Color had equitable access to rental assistance during the pandemic. Thanks to her institutional knowledge, Julie has provided critical support to many agencies serving diverse communities, believing deeply in giving a voice—and a seat at the table —to those who have been historically excluded. 

Over the course of her 25 years at SNAP, Julie’s leadership has been transformative.  Grounded in her commitment to social justice - Julie emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).  Julie integrated EDI into SNAP’s strategic plan, creating EDI Councils for staff and the board. SNAP saw significant progress under her guidance.  Health equity surveys showed improvement across all metrics two years into the journey.  These efforts led to a 5% increase in BIPOC clients served in the first year. With Julie’s support SNAP recommitted to a core value of equity and continues to work to deeply embed equity into the organization's workplace culture. 

Julie’s foresight regarding the integration of social services with Medicaid positioned SNAP to better align its services with healthcare, ensuring that SNAP was prepared to support the Medicaid Waiver issued in Washington State. Under her guidance, a majority of SNAP's homeless services staff became certified as community health workers, significantly improving SNAP's ability to serve Spokane’s most vulnerable populations. 

Her visionary leadership also extended to SNAP Financial Access (SFA), SNAP’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). At a time when few CDFIs offered housing-related loans, Julie pursued this need, making SFA one of the few CDFIs in the nation to offer mortgages. Her drive for solutions, like downpayment assistance, has helped more people in Spokane achieve homeownership and build generational wealth. 

Throughout her career, Julie has continually addressed the community’s needs with cutting-edge, impactful solutions, cementing her role as a standout leader not only at SNAP but across Spokane’s non-profit sector.  Julie pairs her empathy with a data-driven approach, enabling her to create responsive solutions. She seeks humane, long-term solutions that stabilize individuals and help them break the cycle of poverty.  

Julie’s ability to observe, listen, and respond with empathy and innovation makes her an invaluable leader in our community.  

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Julie Honekamp with the 2025 Business & Industry Award.   

MARLENE FEIST | GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE

Marlene Feist is making our community better for generations to come!  No matter what role Marlene has had at the City of Spokane over the years, her passion for working for the public rises to the top every day.  She consistently offers her personal and professional time to help others have a brighter future by donating her time to support organizations that provide resources for women and children, like YWCA Spokane, or being a trusted community steward who leads the City of Spokane in public services and protecting the environment.  Working with contrasting perspectives, constant change, and stretched resources while keeping the needs of the public at the forefront is challenging.  Marlene leads with curiosity and works tirelessly to find a path to fair and responsible consensus.

Professionally, Marlene has worked for the City of Spokane for 26 years, serving under eight administrations.  Her career with the City began in communications as a public information coordinator.  Her leadership and demonstrated strategic thinking led to a path from communications to the first woman Public Works Director.  This journey required exceptional communication, courage, and servant leadership.  Under Marlene’s direction, the mission of Public Works is to provide high-quality, environmentally responsible services and infrastructure that protects public health, maintains public investment, and supports affordability. 

Public Works is often unseen work and the common denominator of essential services. It is complex and constantly challenged by changing regulations while being tested in a growing community. Clean drinking water, solid waste services, and dependable infrastructure are needed by every resident.  Marlene keeps all community members' needs at the forefront of everything she does with a strategic focus on ensuring stable, affordable, and sustainable services for both existing residents and future community members. Her ability to take the most complex and, at times, controversial information and present it in terms that are relevant to a wide audience is exemplary. 

Through Marlene’s consistent influence, Spokane continues to be a national leader in water and wastewater operations.  Spokane’s Integrated Clean Water Plan received national recognition for its innovative approach, in part due to Marlene’s perseverance and vision.  In 2024, she was invited as a panel member with EPA to discuss integrative strategies and the Cochran Basin Stormwater Project received the Governor’s Smart Communities Award.  Today, more than 99% of stormwater is cleaned before it goes back into the Spokane River, and the community enjoys exceptional views of the Spokane Falls from the Places of Truth Plaza above a Combined Sewer Overflow tank and playing disc golf along the Spokane River. 

Marlene was integral in the City of Spokane’s lawsuit against the Monsanto Corporation, in which City Legal and Public Works staff endeavored for eight years to provide documentation and data related to PCB contamination of the City’s stormwater and wastewater systems.  Spokane was one of the first cases filed and the driver in a national class action settlement, providing over $550 million in settlement funds for over 2,500 communities. Marlene was selected and served as Spokane’s primary witness in this lawsuit, facilitating the final settlement.  This effort protects the Spokane River for future generations. 

In addition to her work for the City, Marlene generously volunteers her time with many non-profit organizations throughout Spokane.  She has dedicated several years to the mission of YWCA Spokane as a board member, community volunteer, and supporter.  Marlene served as a board member for 6 years and co-chaired two Women of Achievement Luncheons and two Evening in Tuscany events.  She continues to support the organization by providing technical expertise for events and inviting others to support the YWCA and its mission by sponsoring tables at events. 

Marlene has also supported the mission of the Women Helping Women Fund for over 20 years.  Serving on the Communications Committee and then as a two-term Board Member, she worked to fulfill their mission of Empowering Spokane area women and children to achieve their full potential by building a strong, diverse community of engaged and strategic givers.  She continues to support the organization today by attending and inviting others to attend their annual fundraisers. 

USAF Fairchild has appointed Marlene as an Honorary Commander.  This program brings together leaders from the military and civilian communities in an informal program designed to continue to foster mutual understanding and establish bonds of friendship.  The civil leadership group works to gain deeper insight into the Air Force and Fairchild Air Force Base’s mission to develop well-informed advocates throughout the Inland Northwest.

Marlene has proven to be the City’s leading expert in maintaining, improving, and safeguarding our public well-being.  She fearlessly rises to meet challenges in complex situations.  Her unwavering commitment to making our community better, safer, and more sustainable is reflected in the personal and professional investments she makes every day.  Her contributions will continue to benefit our community for years to come. 

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Marlene Feist with the 2025 Government & Public Service Award.   

CHARITY BAGATSING-DOYL | ARTS & CULTURE

Charity Bagatsing-Doyl's work embodies the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women by fostering inclusivity and highlighting underrepresented histories.  Her strengths lie in her ability to bring people together, her commitment to community improvement, her practical approach to empowering minority groups, and her inclusive nature. She has a remarkable talent for organizing community events that celebrate cultural diversity while fostering understanding among Spokane's diverse populations. Her leadership shines through in her ability to educate the community on public health initiatives and educational programs that address systemic barriers.

As one of the co-founders and the Executive Director of Spokane United We Stand, Charity has helped to generate an operating budget of $500,000+ since its inception in March of 2020.  Under her leadership, she has united the Asian Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (ANHPI) community to stand together during the wave of high-profile, anti-Asian hate crimes at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Together, they use the arts to eliminate racism and host cultural events that provide educational awareness about the ANHPI history, traditions, culture, and their experience in America.  Through Spokane United We Stand, Charity has organized large community events, such as the Lunar New Year celebration,  ANHPI Heritage Day, Philippine-American History Day, and the Diwali Celebration that foster cultural, unity, and understanding. These events have brought together thousands of people from diverse backgrounds and have had a lasting impact on Spokane’s cultural landscape. Beyond these celebrations, Charity’s leadership is evident in her proactive efforts to educate minority families on health initiatives, including vaccination campaigns, which are critical in improving community health outcomes. 

Following the pandemic, Charity began hosting one-on-one seminars and providing opportunities for BIPOC, immigrants, and refugee women to pursue business opportunities.  In particular, her seminars on small business skills in the arts and food vending offer actionable guidance to minority entrepreneurs, equipping them to pursue their business dreams.  She organizes resource fairs to connect the ANHPI and community at large with programs available in the community.  Her collaboration with Spokane city and county officials ensures that minorities can navigate business regulations and thrive. Her health and financial literacy programs have further elevated her community impact by addressing essential needs within underserved populations. 

Her holistic approach to community enhancement ensures that underserved populations not only survive but thrive.  As the editor of the Family Guide, she provides community resources in Spokane and N. Idaho.  The Family Guide organizes the Family Fun Fair, a parenting expo for housing and emergency resources, summer camps, scholarships, and children’s health.  Her work connects parents with children with special needs, disabilities, learning disorders, and children’s mental health struggles with the tools, support, and programs available in our local community.  She is passionate about domestic violence issues, helps at-risk students, and volunteers her time to help other cultural organizations and non-profits in need.  Since 2017, Charity has been donating school supplies and hygiene products to at-risk students in our local school districts.  These are students who come from unstable families, have been kicked out of their homes after coming out as LGBTQ+, or going through a crisis from domestic violence, divorce, or mental and behavioral health.  

Charity is actively combating historical erasure and ensuring that the stories, culture, and history of marginalized communities are given the respect and visibility they deserve in our community.  Her dedication to empowering women and minorities makes her a powerful role model, showing others how leadership can be used to create inclusive economic opportunities. 

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Charity Bagatsing-Doyl with the 2025 Arts & Culture Award. 

 

JENNIFER HANSEN | EDUCATION

Jennifer (Jen) Hansen is a ‘super-connector’ dedicated to promoting child, parent, and family health, especially among those who have been marginalized. She is an advocate, educator, leader, mentor, negotiator, initiator, facilitator, coordinator, and cheerleader for policy and system changes that improve the lives and health of families.  Empowering women is central to Jen’s work as a family-focused public health professional.  Jen is passionate about supporting the strengths and meeting the needs of young, pregnant, or parenting women.  She understands the social determinants of health inequalities and works to eliminate racism and challenge injustices for people of color in our community.   

Jen’s passion is working alongside the community to collaboratively improve the places where we live and raise our children.  Over her years in public service, Jen has contributed to numerous community-driven projects.  Her commitment to meeting people where they are and meaningfully partnering with community members is the essence of empowerment, collaboration, equity, and innovation in government public health. 

During her nearly twenty years at Spokane Regional Health District, Jen has promoted child, parent, family, and community well-being through tobacco prevention, neighborhood safety and revitalization, nutritious eating, child abuse and neglect prevention, and positive childhood experiences promotion.  She is one of the founders of the Perinatal Collaborative of Spokane County, originally referred to as the Birth Outcomes Task Force. With Jen’s guidance and advocacy, Spokane Housing Authority was one of the first public housing programs in the state to implement smoke-free policies in their units. Jen supported East Central residents with their capacity for advocacy and civic engagement within neighborhood councils. This resulted in changes to parking regulations and city codes allowing for more small businesses to move into the community and create opportunities for connection.  Fresh Soul and the Carl Maxey Center were able to open on East 5th Avenue because of these changes.  She is known for hosting community cafes to hear from residents about issues and solutions relevant to them. Her work cultivated the community garden in Grant Park and spawned community kitchen programs. Jen’s community-driven leadership shines.

Jen reminds those around her of the power and importance of nurturing positive relationships.  She develops and maintains meaningful connections with people, and she supports others in developing and maintaining these types of connections.  The impact of this cannot be understated.  Jen is well-known for connecting individuals who are doing similar work, sharing resources and ideas to leverage funding for local programs, and bringing people together to support collaboration to benefit the community.  She volunteers on many committees, coalitions, and task forces, including Our Kids, Our Business, the LaunchNW Birth to 5 Task Force and the Inland Northwest Early Learning Alliance. Recently, she collaborated with local BIPOC maternal and child health leaders conducting listening sessions with communities that often don’t have their experiences represented including immigrant parents, refugee parents, fathers, and parents of children with neurodiversity. 

Jen is a caring, open-minded collaborator, supporter of others, and a true cheerleader for children and families.  She has dedicated her life to breaking barriers and promoting the work of community leaders who support families in raising thriving children.  Her work has a far-reaching impact on our community as a whole. 

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Jennifer Hansen with the 2025 Education Award.  

KIANTHA DUNCAN | COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

Kiantha is a remarkable human being, writer, artist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over 20 years to advocating for her community on a national scale.  As a former foster child and someone who has faced significant trauma herself, Kiantha’s lived experiences have fueled her passion for leadership and healing.  Her strength lies in her remarkable ability to turn personal adversity into a source of healing and empowerment for others.  Whether through her writing, speeches, or community work, her transparency and authenticity create spaces where individuals feel truly understood, valued, and supported.  Kiantha’s ability to transform adversity into a powerful force for good is nothing short of inspiring.  

As President of the Spokane NAACP in 2020, Kiantha navigated complex racial tensions, building bridges between divided communities.  She not only advanced racial justice but broke barriers as one of the first openly lesbian NAACP chapter presidents nationwide.  Her leadership style sets her apart, leading with empathy and always coming from a place of love.  Her ability to reach across political and social divides, connecting with leaders of all backgrounds, reinforces her strength as a unifier and advocate for justice.  In fact, leaders seek her guidance, trusting her to provide insight rooted in compassion and wisdom.  

Her latest work, “Excavating the Soul - A Soulful Journey Through Trauma Informed Healing,” has brought her leadership to a national stage, with widespread demand nationwide.  Through practical tools like mindfulness exercises, Kiantha helps individuals confront their emotional wounds and reclaim their power.  By combining her personal experiences with a trauma-informed approach, she forges a uniquely powerful connection with her readers, making them feel truly seen, heard, and supported on their path to healing.  

Kiantha’s TEDx talk, “A Perfect 10,” where she candidly discusses her ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score, deeply impacts audiences.  She empowers others to turn their pain into purpose, illustrating how strength can emerge from even the darkest moments.  Her inclusive approach uplifts and unifies, creating a welcoming environment where every voice matters.  Her collaborative spirit ensures that everyone feels invited into the conversation and empowered to contribute to the meaningful change she continues to champion.  

Her work as a writer and advocate has reached even broader audiences.  Through platforms like the Black Lens, the Spokesman-Review, and Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine, Kiantha has used her voice to illuminate the stories and experiences of marginalized communities.  Her writing speaks to the heart of social justice, advocating for the fair treatment and dignity of underrepresented individuals and urging communities to come together in the face of adversity.  Her ability to foster collaboration and unity while maintaining an approachable and inclusive presence sets her apart as a leader and role model.  

Kiantha partnered with the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) for their Descendants Series, where she moderated powerful discussions with descendants of iconic historical figures like Harriet Tubman and W.E.B. DuBois.  Through these conversations, she connected the legacies of Black history with present-day social justice issues, fostering education, reflection, and dialogue. 

Her leadership is also evident in her philanthropic efforts.  Her Dress for Success Working Women’s Wardrobe initiative raised $100,000, providing hundreds of women with resources to improve their socioeconomic status.  Following George Floyd’s murder and during the challenges of the COVID pandemic, she facilitated Black Healing Spaces, a community-centered initiative born out of the need for healing, unity, and racial justice.  These spaces brought together over 150 Black community members across various professions, providing a safe place to share their experiences, heal, and collectively work toward transformation.  Kiantha ensured that people felt both seen and empowered by centering Black voices and fostering authentic connections, even amid immense hardship.  

Kiantha is unafraid to dream, and she has an incredible drive to manifest those dreams.  Her soul is deeply tied to uplifting others, and she continues to make a profound impact on individuals and communities alike.  Her work bridges divides, uplifts voices that need to be heard, and creates healing spaces. She is an embodiment of resilience, leadership, and compassion!

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Kiantha Duncan with the 2025 Community Enhancement Award.

PING PING | CARL MAXEY RACIAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE

Dr. Ping Ping is not afraid to speak up when it comes to matters of racism, bigotry, and xenophobia.  She is not afraid to stand alone and stand her ground.  Ping understands the complexity of being Chinese American and Asian American and being labeled as the model minority, a myth that stereotypes all Asian Americans as intelligent, hard-working, and diligent and therefore more academically, socially, and economically successful than other minorities.  A stigma that pits people of color against each other, driving a wedge between marginalized groups.  This myth is used as evidence to deny or downplay the impact of racism and discrimination on Asians and is a challenge that Ping has taken on to dispel.  

Ping is currently a commissioner on the Washington State Commission on Asian-Pacific American Affairs and a tenured instructor of Sociology at Spokane Falls Community College.  Ping grew up in South China and is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.  She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  Since immigrating to Spokane in 2001, Ping has consistently promoted Chinese language and culture while she served as the Principal of the Spokane Chinese Language School and the President of the Spokane Chinese Association.  Ping has devoted extensive efforts to advocating for local government and community organizations to provide immigrants and refugees with language services to help them overcome language and cultural barriers and better engage in societal issues and economic opportunities. Ping actively participates in various community initiatives for diversity and racial justice as well as grassroots movements to prevent gun violence in the State and the nation.

Ping has been an advocate for people in her community who have experienced harassment or discrimination. As a CAPAA commissioner, Ping has dedicated her efforts to assisting and uniting API communities in Eastern Washington. She hopes to be a part of the collective effort to change harmful stereotypes about Asians.  Ping is a co-founder of Spokane United We Stand, an organization created to stand up against the anti-Asian violence and rhetoric across the country that had been exacerbated by the pandemic.  The purpose of Spokane United We Stand is to promote anti-bullying, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and tolerance of all races, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds.  

As Asian Americans were reporting physical and verbal harassment during the pandemic and were being used as xenophobic scapegoats for the spread of the virus, Ping was the person who spoke up.  She initiated the conversation, addressing the anti-Asian violence within Spokane’s Asian Community.  She started with her own Chinese-American Community and was shocked to be accused of fearmongering and was ultimately ostracized.  Ping has shown that as a leader she is not afraid to stand alone, speak up even at the risk of being unpopular, and look for solutions outside the box to address the issue at hand.  

Ping’s ability to confront sensitive racial matters peaceably allows her to unify groups.  Against the backdrop of anti-racism protests in 2021, racist violence was surging in Chinatowns and Asian American communities across the country.  Between March 19th and December 31st, 2020, there were more than 2,808 firsthand accounts of anti-Asian hate, according to a report by Stop AAPI Hate, an organization that has been tracking reports on anti-Asian violence.  This represented a 150 percent rise since 2019.  These senseless acts of anti-Asian violence garnered the national attention they deserved, but they also invoked anti-Black sentiment and reignited the trope of Black-Asian conflict.  Ping did not hesitate to reach out to the African-American Community in Spokane to discuss this difficult subject and asked them to condemn these acts of violence in Black-Asian solidarity.  

Ping works closely with the Chinese-American and Asian-American communities of Spokane, but she is very visible in supporting the endeavors of the LGBTQ+ community, African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, immigrants, refugees, and anyone who is or has struggled with racism.  Ping has authored and co-authored multiple books including, “This is America Too: My Observation and Thoughts” in 2016, “Women Workers in the Chinese Economic Reform: The Transformation of Management Control and Enterprise Dependence” in 1997, and “Hong Kong Triad Society” in 1993.

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Dr. Ping Ping with the 2025 Carl Maxey Racial & Social Justice Award.  

JANET MANN | LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Wise, compassionate, courageous—Janet Mann personified these words through her interactions with our community. Through her visionary work in foster care, Janet embodied the YWCA mission, particularly in empowering women and promoting justice, freedom, and dignity.  She wasn’t afraid to challenge a system that she saw was failing.  She had a tremendous heart for children and her ability to see the wounded child in struggling adults fueled a deep compassion for people considered to be on the fringes of society.  

After deciding to step back from her work as a paralegal in the mid-1980s, Janet began volunteering at the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.  Initially, she said it was to just hold babies for a few hours a week. The experience was so fulfilling, she soon became the Volunteer Coordinator and then told her husband, Paul, that they were going to become licensed as   foster parents. Janet had found her calling.  Janet and Paul fostered over 120 children, many of them either medically fragile or severely abused.  “I speak for the children” - this was a sacred role for Janet.  After more than 30 years as a foster parent, agency director, writer, educator, and public speaker, her journey came full circle in 2018 when she joined the Vanessa Behan Board of Trustees.  During her six years on the Board, Janet helped guide Vanessa Behan through designing and building a new facility and provided leadership during the unprecedented COVID pandemic. 

Janet’s experience as a foster parent provided her with a more in-depth view of the Child Protection System and the needs of struggling families.  Her observation was that the need to remove children to keep them safe was, in itself, a barrier to reunification.  As a result, Janet and Paul founded The Children’s Ark, a ground-breaking program that radically changed the foster care experience for numerous families.  With the creation of The Children’s Ark, Janet not only continued to foster children but essentially fostered their mothers as well.  The Children’s Ark started as a residential program for children and their mothers, with intensive services providing care, therapy, and healing for both.  Janet and Paul lived at The Children’s Ark full-time because Janet knew that relationships mattered.  Eventually, The Children’s Ark transitioned to  a day program to serve a broader range of families.  

The book, Creating Compassionate Foster Care, co-authored by Janet, shared the lessons and hope that resulted from her work in foster care.  Through this book, she continues to inspire child and family advocates to challenge the status quo for the betterment of those served.  Her TedxSpokane Talk - People, Not Programs, Change People - has been seen by thousands of people who are moved by her message of personal involvement and commitment to others.  Her presentations to students studying to be social workers no doubt have influenced hundreds of young people starting their professional careers in caring for others.  In Janet’s words, “there is no greater gift than to be seen and known by another.”

Janet’s work in the community was very personal to her - marching at the Martin Luther King parade, volunteering for Hospice where she cared for terminally ill patients, and serving the Victims Support Committee of Human Rights Spokane.  She packed sack lunches and went to the streets of Spokane to distribute them.  Once, when she had just an apple left, she offered it to a man who replied, “I don’t need your apple, I need a hug.”  Janet freely gave him that hug, along with conversation that no doubt conveyed that this man was important to her.  Janet and Paul were involved in transforming the long-vacant Ridpath Hotel into affordable housing and in 2021 they moved into a home in the building. She saw the residents of the Ridpath as “her people” and together with others, she and Paul hosted a Holiday dinner for the building every year.  But her daily conversations with the residents were equally important to them and her.  She ended many conversations or meet-ups with friends with “carry on bravely.”  These three words of encouragement acknowledged that it takes courage to be in the world and in relationships.  

At Janet’s memorial in August, many parents and children who benefitted from The Children’s Ark, came to honor Janet.  Some brought their now-grown children to the memorial, a testament to the long-term success of The Children’s Ark.  These parents offered their gratitude for the experiences at The Children’s Ark, which laid the groundwork for their capacity for successful parenting and relationships.  They acknowledged that they would not be here now, with their children, without the help they received.

It takes compassion and courage to see beyond the surface of a person.  Janet’s work has changed the trajectories of many lives, for generations to come.  She leaves behind a significant and powerful legacy.  Her strong drive to enhance the human experience of feeling heard and seen was what she advocated for, right up to the very end of her life.  Janet made a huge impact in every life she touched every day.  

YWCA Spokane is honored to present Janet Mann with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.   

By: Claire Schueman

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