YWCA’s 33rd annual Tribute to Women
When and where: Thursday afternoon at the Westin Convention Center, Downtown
#SEENInspired: The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh has worked toward gender equity since 1867, but in 1945 it recognized the need to integrate and expand the term “equity” more broadly to reach and empower all women. “We realize that you cannot have gender equity without racial equity, as well. The two are intricately tied and the YWCA is working toward goals that meet these needs, including equal pay for equal work,” said CEO Magdeline Jensen. The seven women honored this year embody the values of the YWCA in all that they do within their respective fields.
“POWER and the YWCA have very similar viewpoints in that understanding the need for eliminating racism in order to close the gender gap,” said Health and Human Services awardee Rosa Davis, executive director of POWER. The event also brought generations of women together, including the Young Leader awardee Ayisha Morgan-Lee and Allerton Lifetime Achievement awardee Doris Brevard. “It is an honor to stand with Miss Doris who paved the way for me and so many others. This is a blessing,” said Ms. Morgan-Lee. Added Ms. Brevard, “I’m just elated to be here, so proud to have helped others by doing something along the way,” she said smiling. Ms. Brevard, who became principal of Vann Elementary School in the Hill District after the riots of 1968, eliminated the racial achievement gap at the school, with her students meeting or exceeding the national average on standardized tests over her 20-plus years in charge.
#SEEN: Award winners Ruth Grant (Business & Professional Services), Carmen Anderson (Civic & Community Service), Janet McCall (Creative Arts), Erin Dalton (Science & Technology), board chair Marsha Jones, Beth Heeb and Dina Clark.