We are thrilled to share exciting news from our team: Sally Winn, YWCA Spokane's Director of Legal Services, has been selected as one of just ten delegates from across YWCA USA's network of 193 Local Associations to represent our organization at the United Nations 70th Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), held at UN headquarters in New York City from March 9–13, 2026.

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This is a tremendous honor, not just for Sally, but for every member of our community whose story, strength, and resilience has shaped the work we do every day at YWCA Spokane.

What Is the Commission on the Status of Women?

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in 1946, it is an official commission of the United Nations.

Each year during its two-week annual session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations, and UN entities gather at UN headquarters in New York to assess progress on gender equality, share experiences, and commit to further action. The outcomes of each session are forwarded to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for follow-up at the highest levels of international policy.

Advocates, diplomats, and leaders from around the world convene with a shared sense of purpose: to advance gender equality and women's rights globally. As a mission-aligned non-governmental organization (NGO), YWCA USA holds consultative status with the United Nations and participates in UNCSW activities every year. World YWCA, as well as many other international YWCAs, will also be in attendance with their own delegations.

This Year's Focus: Justice, Law, and Women's Rights

The 70th session carries a priority theme that speaks directly to the work happening right here in Spokane:

"Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers."

The session will also review the theme of women's full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, and the elimination of violence, goals that sit at the very heart of YWCA Spokane's mission.

Meet Our Delegate: Sally Winn

As YWCA Spokane's Director of Legal Services, Sally Winn has dedicated her career to ensuring that survivors of violence have access to meaningful legal support. Her work embodies the belief that justice is not simply a written standard, it must be lived and experienced by those who need it most.

Sally's selection as one of only ten delegates drawn from YWCA's network of 193 Local Associations reflects the impact of the work being done right here in Eastern Washington, and the trust placed in her voice on a global stage.

“At this moment in history, when women's rights, racial justice, and the rule of law are being challenged around the globe, gathering at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women feels both urgent and deeply personal. As a delegate for YWCA USA, I carry with me our unwavering mission to eliminate racism and empower women. This year's focus on law and justice for women is especially meaningful to me as an attorney working with survivors of violence. Laws on paper are not enough. Justice requires systems that protect, courts that listen, and communities that refuse to look away. I'm honored to stand alongside advocates from around the world to ensure that equality is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality.” - Sally Winn, Director of Legal Services, YWCA Spokane

The YWCA USA Delegation

Sally will join a delegation of ten representatives selected to reflect the powerful diversity of YWCA's nationwide network. Together, they will participate in programming and events hosted by UN Women, representing YWCA USA's mission and advocacy priorities on the world stage.

Network Leadership Delegates

• Margaret Gritten, YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish
• Sally Winn, YWCA Spokane

Emerging Leaders — Delegates Under the Age of 30

• Myxee Thao, YWCA Madison
• Stacy Flores, YWCA Clark County
• Victoria Mendoza, YWCA Berkeley/Oakland

YWCA USA Board & Executive Leadership

• Margaret Mitchell, CEO
• Daryl Thomann, COO
• Dr. Dionne Blue, CIO
• Joanne Tabellija-Murphy, Board & Global Relations Committee Member
• Jhaniqua Palmer, YWCA USA

What Comes Next

As part of the YWCA USA delegation, Sally will participate in discussions, workshops, and events aligned with YWCA Spokane's mission to eliminate racism and empower women. She will engage with advocates, policymakers, and community leaders from around the world, bringing the voices of our Spokane community into an international conversation about justice, equity, and the power of collective action.

Upon her return, Sally will share her reflections right here on our blog, including key takeaways from the sessions and her insights on how YWCA Spokane can continue to deepen our impact locally while staying connected to the global movement for gender justice.

We are so incredibly proud of Sally's leadership, and we are grateful to YWCA USA for the opportunity to amplify our voice on the international stage.

Join us in celebrating Sally and this incredible opportunity. Follow our blog for her reflections when she returns, and as always, thank you for your solidarity in this work.