Women’s History is American History

By: Loria Yeadon  

President & CEO 

YMCA of Greater Seattle 

This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the history and contributions of women and strengthen our efforts to achieve equity, justice, and inclusivity for all. The story of women is a vital part of our shared history, values, and aspirations as a community. In the month of March, we celebrate her-story.  

The story of women is a story of our shared history, values, and aspirations as a community. Her-story is also a story of the power of persistence, truth-telling, solidarity, and triumph despite the barriers to opportunity women have faced throughout history. Yet, the struggle for women’s rights continues. 

Dedicated to uncovering the stories of uncelebrated, accomplished women, Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration in Sonoma, California in 1978. At the time, dozens of schools participated in learnings and events to honor influential women from United States history, including national icons such as Rosa Parks and Abigal Adams to local legends such as Nettie Craig Asberry, Mary Matsuda Gruenewald, and many more. 

The movement grew and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed a National Women’s History Week in March. In 1986, Congress expanded the celebration to the entire month of March. 

 
This month is an invitation to engage with community, and advance equity and justice for all women, especially the next generation of young women who are furthest from opportunity, by removing systemic barriers and creating accessible systems of support and belonging for all. 

Join the celebration and learn more about Women’s history with us. This month, the Y will host a series of events and learning opportunities. Join us to gather, discuss, and enlighten one another in learning and conversation. 

• March 16, join us for a special cooking class and celebrate Chef Mariya Russell, the first black woman to be awarded a Michelin Star. We'll explore her culinary creations and learn to make a dish inspired by her work. RSVP today 
• March 23, our March Y Mission Forum will address the youth mental health crisis, with a focus on the disparate impacts on Queer and Transgender Black, Indigenous, and people of color (QTBIPOC) youth. Join us to learn more about how to build equity and justice for all through Whole Person Health. RSVP today 
• March 28, please join us for our next Y Community Conversation for a discussion on the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on women. Despite the ongoing economic recovery and unemployment at its lowest rate in 50 years, the female labor force has declined by 1.5 million workers since the pandemic began, compared to a male labor force decline of 900,000, according to reports from a congressional subcommittee. RSVP today 

We hope that you will share these events with your family, friends, and networks, and join the celebration and the work to advance equity, justice, and inclusivity for all. 

In community and gratitude, 

Loria Yeadon 

President & CEO  

YMCA of Greater Seattle 

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Loria Yeadon is President and CEO at YMCA of Greater Seattle. She is an accomplished non-profit and corporate leader, engineer, and patent attorney, with more than 35 years of demonstrated commitment to serving community. Yeadon is the first woman, as well as the first person of color, to serve as CEO in the 146-year history of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.