Inaugural Young Women’s Initiative at YWCA Greenwich: Seizing Opportunities, Advocating for Women

The YWCA Greenwich on Aug 10 debuted its Young Women’s Initiative “YW-I” for short, for young women ages 16-20 at YWCA Greenwich, where 27 girls participated after having applied to the program.

The program focused on civic engagement, community organizing, and activism.

A highlight of the daylong workshop included inspiring remarks from Patti Russo and Patricia Billie Miller who talked about “imposter syndrome” and the importance of women supporting each other.

Patti Russo is the director of The Campaign School at Yale University, “TCSY,” a non partisan, issue-neutral political campaign training program for women interested in campaign management or running for public office.

Patricia Billie Miller is a Democratic State Senator representing the 27th district, which includes parts of Darien and Stamford. Miller is the both the first woman and first person of color to hold the seat, which at one point was held by US Senator Richard Blumenthal. Previously Miller was a member of the House of Representatives.

Patti Russo recalled the moment her political career launched. At the time she was an undergraduate at Yale interning for Bella Abzug, the outspoken and strong-willed lawyer turned U.S. Congresswoman who fought for civil rights.

“She came in with stacks of papers under her arms. The phones were ringing off the hook. No one is picking up the phones. She turns to me and said, ‘You. Sit. Answer those phones.’ And that was the beginning of my amazing political career,” Russo said with a laugh.

The story is funny indeed, but it sent a message to young women about taking advantage of opportunities.

Russo said when the The Campaign School at Yale University started almost 30 years ago, the median age of women attending was 40-45 and they were predominantly white. Today, she said the median age is 28-29 and the majority of people attending the school are women of color.

“We offer exceptional training, but we also created a culture of inclusion, of love, of connection,” she said. “There’s so many ways you can be an ally and partner and make that connection to lift everybody up.”

Senator Miller, who today is Deputy President Pro Tempore, said she understood the significance of her highly visible leadership position.

“I don’t take where I am lightly,” she said. “I need to let Black women know that you are visible and you can be anything you want to be. Let no one define who you are.”

She gave credit to all those who fought hard before her, making her success possible.

“Connecticut was one of the states that supported slavery because of the insurance companies…There were laws in Connecticut that said you could not educate Black girls, so I take where I am very seriously.”

Asked if they’d experienced or witnessed sexism or racism both Russo and Miller talked about those challenges.

Senator Miller said fortunately her mother had told her she would have to “be better and work harder.”

“What happens is you develop that imposter syndrome,” she said, adding that she had moments of self doubt. “Everything I did was based on what other people saw in me. Other people saw my abilities. I found things I felt passionate about and built my self-esteem. But I think that as women we’ve always felt that we’re not good enough.”

“Stand up for each other and support each other,” Miller advised the young women. “As women, we are made to feel we are not worthy enough.”

Ms Russo suggested to the young women in the workshop to treat moments of self-doubt as “clouds in the sky.”

“Sometimes there are people in our sphere who will make us feel this way,” she said. “Find what is true for you.”

Noting that many of the attendees attended private schools where other students come from extraordinary wealth, she urged them to “let that go.”

“Be your own amazing fabulous self. You have so many gifts to offer. Know that,” Russo said.

Miller said, “We have to support each other because we don’t know when someone is experiencing that imposter syndrome.”

Ms Russo said it was easy to feel small. “Women are never the obvious choice. Women of color – never the obvious choice until we make it the obvious and support each other. For men, it’s an artform. They are always supporting each other.”

Miller said she took inspiration from adversity and negative comments about her. “When you tell me I can’t do it, that’s like telling me I can do it,” she said.

She recalled receiving a scholarship to private school and being made to feel like she didn’t belong.

“I knew I had to work harder. That prepared me for my journey now,” she said. “For women in the General Assembly, it is not easy for us. Always feel that you belong because individuals will see that.”

Senator Miller said she recently watched a film about Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 became the first Black woman to be elected to the US Congress, and later was the first Black woman to seek the nomination for President of the United States.

She said watching the film in the context of Kamala Harris’s candidacy for President of the United States was thrilling.

“It took over 50 years for us to get to this point. And it’s by default that she’s running for President… Regardless of how it comes, take advantage of the opportunity,” Miller said, adding. “I am so excited right now. I hope it inspires all of you.”

Advocacy Matters

A third speaker was Liza Andrews, vice president at the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

She said advocating for laws and policies to protect victims of domestic violence was another way to change the atmosphere in the General Assembly.

“You can be an elected official. You can be a lobbyist. Or you can work in a non-profit providing services directly to people in need – whether it’s victims of domestic violence, someone with substances abuse issues or mental health issues and be an advocate. Help them get their voice.”

“I spend a lot of time having men mention to me, ‘You know, women kind of lie, so should we do this change in law because victims might lie?'”

She explained that advocates for domestic violence survivors are stationed in court. They assist survivors in obtaining restraining orders, helping with protective orders, providing counseling and even helping with access to basic needs like getting health insurance or food assistance.

Andrews said a page from her day-by-day desk calendar was framed on her desk.

“It says, ‘I celebrate International Women’s Day by telling men to smile.’ Because that’s what it’s like working in the General Assembly. I’ve had many men come up to me over the years and tell me, ‘You should smile,'” she said to knowing laughter.

Some examples in Connecticut of laws and policy changes impacting domestic violence survivors in recent years include the inclusion of domestic violence as a protected class.

“Domestic violence has a big impact on a victim-survivor’s life,” Andrews said. “They may need to take time off work. We can’t have them lose their job. One of the biggest pieces of domestic violence is economic dependence. Victims can’t leave because they’re going to be homeless. And it’s hard to ask people to choose between their safety and being homeless.”

At the federal level, example of successful legislative advocacy was when “Obamacare” was being implemented. The National Network to End Domestic Violence, which CCADV is a member, advocated for the extension of the the open enrollment period for health insurance for domestic violence victims.

“If a victim has to leave their abuser during the middle of the year, and the abuser is the one who held the insurance through their work, we need to make sure that victim can get insurance,” Andrews said.

The speakers messages all dovetailed with the mission and values of YWCA Greenwich. The YWCA Greenwich is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. Through the Harmony Project they offer domestic violence and sexual violence services.