Women’s History Month 2024 – Mia
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 March, we want to celebrate a few of our amazing staff members who are actively creating our history every day!
Meet Mia!
Jahmia (Mia) Lujan was first hired as a Family Support Staff for West Plains ECEAP. She became the assistant teacher for Medical Lake ECEAP April of 2022. Mia became Lead Teacher for Medical Lake ECEAP August 2023.
What first drew you to YWCA Spokane?
The work I saw staff doing with families in the ECEAP program at the state level is what first drew me to YWCA Spokane. I met some staff and families in Olympia during Have a Heart for Kids Day and was so inspired by their drive to improve early childhood. When I did research about YWCA Spokane, their mission statement included “eliminating racism and empowering women”. I thought, “Wow! What a mission I could get behind!”. As a woman and someone of color, that simple statement already felt like I was supported and inspired by the agency as a community member. I wanted to take part in the movements toward a more inclusive and proud community.
What do you wish more people knew about YWCA Spokane?
I wish more people knew that YWCA Spokane has so much to offer beyond services with intimate partner domestic violence. Within YWCA Spokane, one can find the Women’s Opportunity Center that can help with job readiness to holistic services, ECEAP that can help with early childhood education and parent/family goal setting, a clothing boutique for women, on-site childcare for clients and more! The individuals who work within the agency are such caring and empathetic people who are willing to walk alongside their clients in whatever season of life they may be experiencing.
What is your favorite part of your role?
My favorite part of my Lead Teacher role are the relationships I get to build with children and their families. Becoming a partner to parents in their child’s development brings so much joy out of me; I get to watch their kiddo grow. I always say that children are the future, and it is SO true; the more positive experiences and positive relationships we offer children, the more our future as a community will look brighter and excel. I get to teach not only children, but their parents how to become self-sufficient and proud of their families and where they are heading as their kids grow.
Describe your favorite meal.
I am from Guam, a small island in the Philippine sea of the West Pacific Ocean. I LOVE Spam. My favorite meal is as simple as Spam, rice and eggs. I could eat it everyday for every meal and be completely satisfied. Also, I live for french fries (or potatoes in any form).
If you were a cookie, what type would you be?
If I were a cookie, I would be a double chocolate chip chunk cookie. Image the softness of the dough but then a crisp surprise from that big chocolate chip chunk!
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
If I could learn anything, it would be the Chamorro language. I speak only little bits of the language, but it would be amazing to become fluent. I would then be able to pass it along to others, especially future generations.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Something I learned in the last week is that it is necessary to pause at times throughout life. Whether it be a pause to celebrate, grieve or simply enjoy.
What are 3 words to describe YWCA Spokane?
Lifting, Strong, Diverse.
Name a show or movie you recently watched and loved.
I have been watching Love on the Spectrum recently. It has been so sweet to watch those who never thought they’d find love not only find it, but grow even more than anyone thought was possible. Love is pure. Love is kind. Love is for everyone.
If you magically had tomorrow off, what would you do?
I would spend the day with my Chihuahua/Dachshund dog, Dexter. I’d take him out for a walk and snuggle him as he naps. If the weather were sunny and hot, I’d take him out on the paddleboard to enjoy the water (I can’t wait for summer).
About Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program
YWCA Spokane’s ECEAP provides free education, resources, health and nutrition services, family support, advocacy training, and parent education at three locations within the Spokane area for youth 3 and 4 years old and their families. ECEAP promotes long-term success with school and life by addressing the needs of the whole child within the whole family to ensure that gains are sustained.
Read All of Our 2024 Women’s History Month Features
By: Lizbeth Reyes Soto
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