Meet Melanie – Women’s History Month 2023

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.

This year, for Women’s History Month, we wanted to celebrate a few of our amazing staff members who are actively creating our history every day.

Meet Melanie Wilson!

Melanie has been with the agency 21 years and she is our Shelter Resource Coordinator.

What first drew you to YWCA Spokane?

I had a friend that had just gotten a job working at the safe shelter as an advocate. She knew there was a childcare position open. Because I had babysat her daughter for years, and had also done childcare in my home when my kids were younger, thought I would be a good fit.

What do you wish more people knew about YWCA Spokane?

I wish more people knew just how much thought and care goes into developing each of the programs here. The YWCA tries to identify barriers people might have that could keep them from reaching out and engaging in our services. They then try to include resources that help eliminate those barriers.

What is your favorite part of your role?

Having many different roles in my years with the YWCA, the favorite part of any of those roles has always been the same. Whether with children or adults, it is making a connection with people in our programs. Helping them to feel welcome and safe, and heard.

Describe your favorite meal.

My favorite meal was one my grandma Simmons made for us when I was about 11. She fried up a bunch of Catfish my grandpa had caught that morning and served it with homemade bread with butter.

If you were a cookie, what type would you be?

I think I would be a chocolate chip cookie with walnuts. Sweet but a little salty.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would love to be able to communicate with the participants in our program that speak a language other than English.

What is something you learned in the last week?

I learned that Bald Eagles are much bigger up close that I thought they were! We had three of them circling around the front yard for several minutes.

What are 3 words to describe YWCA Spokane?

Inclusive, Positive, and Determined

Name a show or movie you recently watched and loved.

I just watched My Octopus Teacher. It was great!

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

I would organize my craft room. I’m not sure if one day would do it though.

Other WHM Spotlights

• Meet Alondra
• Meet Emily
• Meet Becky