Last Friday, supporters packed the ballroom at the Davenport Grand for the 44th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon, gathering for an afternoon of celebration, community, and generosity.

The theme of this year’s luncheon was Believe. Before every achievement—seen or unseen—there is belief. Belief in oneself. Belief in one another. Belief in values that create a better world. Belief that change is possible, even in the hardest moments.

This theme guided every moment of the event.

Honoring Women Who Lead with Purpose

This year, we honored nine extraordinary women whose leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to service are helping shape a stronger, more equitable community.

Learn more about each honoree and watch their interviews: 

• Anesu Whacha, Arts & Culture Award 
• Becky Rempe, Business & Industry Award 
• Patricia Castaneda, Carl Maxey Racial & Social Justice Award 
• Jaime Stacy, Community Enhancement Award 
• Dr. Lori Hunt, Education Award 
• Lisa Gardner, Government and Public Service Award 
• Shadan Kapri, Science, Technology & Environment Award 
• Autumn Kern, Young Woman of Achievement Award
• Dr. Gloria Aston-Baynes, Lifetime Achievement

Each of these women exemplifies the power of belief in their vision, communities, and the possibility of meaningful change. 

The Power of Belief

YWCA Spokane’s new CEO, Janine Wynne, shared a message with attendees about what belief looks like in action at YWCA Spokane. 

“At YWCA Spokane, belief is not abstract,” Wynne explained. “It’s what happens when a survivor begins to believe they deserve something better, chooses to reach out for help, and is met with safety instead of silence.” 

When someone calls YWCA Spokane's domestic violence helpline, unsure if anyone will understand what is happening to them, a trained advocate responds telling survivors  “I believe you” and also, “I believe in you.”

Christina Schwartz, a former YWCA Spokane client and author of Numb, brought those words to life. As a survivor, Christina shared her story with honesty and courage, showing the room what’s possible when someone believes in you, and when you begin to believe in yourself. Her story reminded everyone in the room that survivor services, staffed by trained advocates who listen, support, and guide, can change the course of a life.

A Shared Moment of Belief

One of the most meaningful moments of the afternoon invited attendees to reflect on their own beliefs. 

Around the room, butterflies carrying powerful words submitted by attendees decorated the centerpieces, and made up the backdrop of the event stage. As the program drew to a close, guests were invited to take a butterfly home with them. It may not have been the word they submitted or the one they expected, but may have been the word they needed.

In taking a butterfly, each guest also shared their belief with someone else in the room, because transformation isn’t just about believing in ourselves, but in believing in one another too.

Turning Belief Into Action

Belief becomes powerful when it leads to action. At YWCA Spokane, we believe every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and a path forward. Our community turns that belief into action by supporting the services survivors rely on every day. 

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the supporters who attended and gave during the program, our 2026 Women of Achievement Luncheon raised over $160,000, launching YWCA Spokane's Spring fundraising campaign with strong momentum. 

Every gift given during the luncheon reflects a shared belief: that survivors deserve safety and that our community has a role in making that possible. 

These funds provide critical support for services survivors depend on, including: 

• Advocates answering crisis calls
• Safe shelter and housing for those fleeing violence
• Legal advocacy and protection
• Resources survivors need in moments of crisis and beyond

Community support powers everything YWCA Spokane does. It keeps the helpline answered 24/7, emergency beds available, and skilled advocates ready to help someone move from crisis to safety.

If you believe every survivor deserves safety, you can help turn that belief into action. Support survivors today at ywcaspokane.org/give.

A Thank You to Our Community

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Women of Achievement Awards. Whether you attended, sponsored the event, volunteered, or made a gift, your support helps ensure survivors in our community have access to the safety, advocacy, and resources they deserve. 

Relive the Celebration

We invite you to revisit some of the most meaningful moments from this year’s event. 

Photobooth Gallery