During Women's History Month, we want to celebrate a few of our amazing staff members who are actively creating our history every day!

Women’s History Month (WHM) was first celebrated on a national level in 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, Congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month and it has been continued through presidential proclamations ever since. Learn more at womenshistorymonth.gov.

Meet Emily!

Emily Hutchens started with YWCA Spokane in March of 2006! Her current role is Shelter Services Specialist, where she provides crucial support to staff and clients at our Safe Shelter.

What first drew you to YWCA Spokane?

My previous job before the YWCA was working as an administrator for Early Head Start. I missed working face-to-face with clients so I started looking for employment that involved direct service work with clients. At the time, I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about domestic violence and while it felt a bit scary to first step into this work, I was drawn to the importance of it. I liked what the YWCA stood for and wanted to be a part of such a significant organization.

What do you wish more people knew about YWCA Spokane?

For starters, that we've been serving and positively impacting our community for over 120 years. We are a pillar in the community that serves all the humans. Also, that we offer quite the array of services in an effort to meet the needs of people on an individual level.

What is your favorite part of your role?

My role as Shelter Services Specialist is multifaceted and I think that aspect is what I like about it. I know that’s not narrowing down to one particular thing but I like the variety of it all - a bit administrative, a tad leadership, a touch of advocacy/direct services with clients. I definitely don’t get bored!

How does your work live out our values of equity, empowerment, collaboration, and innovation?

I try to ensure that all individuals have equal access to resources and support, regardless of their background or circumstances. I focus on bringing together my skills with those of my coworkers to better serve the needs of the survivors we support. I strive to identify ways to improve processes, streamline services, and incorporate new methods to better address the evolving needs of survivors and the functioning of our shelter.

Какими тремя словами можно описать YWCA Спокан?

I have to narrow it down to 3? We are so many different things. That’s tough. Transformative. Progressive. Justice-oriented.

Чему вы научились за последнюю неделю?

Spokane had a Chinatown. It started in the late 1880’s. In 1912 it was renamed as Trent Alley. After WWII though, residents of Chinatown/Trent Alley were dispersed throughout the city and most of the businesses were deserted. In 1974, the remaining buildings and courtyards were destroyed to facilitate construction for Expo ‘74.

Also, Hamilton Studio has a “Listening Room” where they showcase live music and plays. I love supporting the arts in Spokane!

Опишите свое любимое блюдо.

Surface level answer: pasta. I love pasta! Give me options for different sauces and I’ll probably add a little bit of each on different sections of my mound of pasta. To top it off - dessert. Anything rich in chocolate. I know there’s variations of desserts called “Death by Chocolate” - I prefer to call it “Life by Chocolate!”

To really make it my favorite meal though, I’d add in family and friends around the table, lots of laughter, deep conversation, and some good music.

Если бы вы были печеньем, какого типа вы бы были?

White chocolate chip macadamia nut because it’s a little sweet, a little salty.

Name a show or movie you recently watched and loved.

Shrinking. This show evokes so many different emotions. There are thought-provoking issues that are addressed and then a short time later, there’s an LOL moment. The characters work so well together and the writing is superb.

If you magically had tomorrow off, what would you do?

What a fun question to answer! With the current season that we are in, I would go snowshoeing with my husband and friends at Mt. Spokane. After that, we’d grab some beverages at a favorite watering hole and then go listen to some live music somewhere in Spokane. It would be a full day but all of those things fuel my soul.

About YWCA Safe Shelter

We offer support for navigating a housing crisis related to intimate partner domestic violence. The Safe Shelter manages the helpline and trained advocates can provide a screening to determine if YWCA Spokane’s confidential shelter is an option.

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