On Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, YWCA Greenwich will host its Young Women’s Initiative.
This unique civic engagement training program for young women ages 16 – 20 will take place at YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich.
Contributed photo
This year’s Young Women’s Initiative Workshop will host 24 spectacular young women, made up of nine high school juniors, eight high school seniors, five college freshman, and two college sophomores.
This outstanding group also includes three students that have been recognized for being at the top of their class.
The workshop will include group seminars designed for young women from varied walks of life, who are passionate about civic engagement, community organizing, and activism.
Participants will gain valuable insights, skills, and resources to become effective community leaders and advocates. There will also be interactive breakout sessions and networking opportunities within the program.
“Civic engagement is more critical than ever, especially in this disinformation age,” said Director of the Center for Equity and Justice at YWCA Greenwich, Simone Quartey in a release. “We owe it to the next generation to equip them with the tools and resources they need to advocate for the causes they care about. While many believe those under 40 are disengaged from politics, I see it differently. They need to familiarize themselves with the civic process and local government. Our YW-I program aims to bridge this gap, empowering young women to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut Secretary of the State
The keynote speaker will be 75th Secretary of the State of Connecticut, Stephanie Thomas.
Other featured guest speakers include the Engagement Manager for the Office of State Treasurer Erick Russell, Gabriela Koc; the Outreach Assistant for the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, Sarah Lopez; the Senior Advisor to Governor Ned Lamont, Thea Montañez; the Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Planned Parenthood Votes! CT and Planned Parenthood Votes! RI, Gretchen Raffa; the Statewide Parent Cabinet Coordinator for Early Childhood, Chenae Russell; and the Coalition Director at Child Care for CT, Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman.
For more information please visit www.ywcagrn.org/ywi2025.
Founded in 1919, YWCA Greenwich is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Greenwich provides programs for people of all ages and genders with initiatives that include preschool and after school programs, aquatics programs, youth athletics, health and fitness programs and seminars focusing on racial justice and women’s empowerment. Additionally, YWCA Greenwich is the only provider of both domestic and sexual violence services in Greenwich, with staff who are licensed to provide crisis intervention, counseling, shelter, and victim advocacy. These services are free.