“We have to improve life, not just for those who have the most skills and those who know how to manipulate the system. But also for those who often have so much to give but never get the opportunity.”
These are the words of Dorothy I. Height, a Black woman who the YWCA USA appointed National Director of its Center for Racial Justice in 1965. Racial justice fosters equitable opportunities.
Among its services, Pittsburgh’s YWCA amplifies the voices of women and girls, addresses social concerns, and honors and creates equitable opportunities. Andréa Stanford embraces the YWCA’s focus on empowerment. As Vice President, Board of Directors for the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, she is a leader in the change the organization commits to in areas of advocacy, gender equity, and racism.
Andréa got her start on the YWCA leadership track in 2012 when invited to the Young Leaders Board. Members offer advice, promote initiatives, organize events, raise funds, and brainstorm new areas of community engagement. Andréa appreciated the opportunity to connect with other young emerging female leaders of shared values. She inspires by example and in consideration of the next generation of female leaders. Her ascension to the Young Leaders Board president prepared her for more significant areas of responsibility. In 2018, Andréa became a YWCA board of directors member. She is currently Vice President.
Among the highlights of her YWCA experience are awards events that honor the trailblazing achievements of local women. The Racial Justice Award and The Tribute to Women Award were two previous forms of recognition. The Racial Justice Award, named in honor of Dorothy I. Height, recognized individuals who made efforts and contributions toward racial justice. The Tribute to Women Award honored pioneers who blazed paths to a world where justice, confidence, and independence were the cornerstone of women’s lives.
The Equity Award is the current tribute that recognizes women with change-maker and risk-taker attributes, elements embodied in both the Racial Justice and Tribute to Women Awards. “There are five categories that reflect our intersectional approach to addressing race and gender equity,” says Andréa. “We believe the essential goals of eradicating racial and gender disparities call for a new kind of celebration and recognition for groups and individuals who lead,” she adds. Categories are:
Heroine Award recognizes a woman who is a dedicated essential worker on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis. She promotes equity, living out the role of helper, and doing the work that continues to be underpaid and undervalued by many.
Ally Award recognizes an incredible thought leader or group of any race, ethnicity, gender, or gender expression who embodies the role of ally, advocate, and champion to women of color. This individual or group breaks down barriers, is willing to act with and for others, and practices activism rooted in empathy. The candidate has a lifelong dedication, engagement, and emotional investment in an equitable community and spaces where all people can thrive.
Bridge Builder Award recognizes a woman whose work remains true to her ethnic heritage and roots. She champions strategic initiatives so that the Pittsburgh of our future centers and engages women of color. There are lots of bridges in Pittsburgh. True to the ethnic heritage and roots of so many women of color, we place them in the Pittsburgh of the future through their commitment to bridging connections.
Creativity and Innovation Award recognizes a woman’s creativity in the arts, social media, or digital media initiatives. She brings public attention to women’s empowerment, especially women of color, and empowers audiences through awareness, education, and inspiration.
Emerging Leader Award recognizes a young woman, age 24 or younger, whose voice and actions interrupt the status quo. The candidate makes a difference in her community by serving as a leader to ensure equity stays at the forefront.
“The Equity Awards reflect the core values of the YWCA,” Andréa shares. “We understand that women, particularly women of color, are doing the work in their communities, centering and creating space, yet their songs go unsung. We wanted to highlight these leaders, their sacrifices, time, and talent in support of others. Doing so is embracing the core values and mission of the YWCA. We do this work because it needs to be done,” Andréa adds. The awards luncheon is this coming October. “We showcase the collective impact of our winners in videos. We invite community leaders to celebrate this pride-sharing event with the winners and us. We honor the rich diversity of talent among women in Pittsburgh and do so in an intentional way that is transformative,” Andréa concludes. Dr. Dorothy I. Height would be proud.
