YWCA Glendale & Pasadena Women for Racial Justice Breakfast Will Bring Together “Bridge Builders”

A long-running annual event sponsored by local YWCAs will turn its focus this year on bringing together “bridge builders.”

The 21st annual Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Glendale & Pasadena Women for Racial Justice Breakfast is set for Tuesday, October 24, from 8-10 a.m. at Noor Sofia Ballroom in Pasadena.

Historically the fundraiser is attended by many leading social activists, elected officials and local organization leaders. This year’s theme is “Illuminating Bridges In Solidarity.” 

“Our theme this year, ‘Illuminating Bridges in Solidarity,’ reflects our intersectional approach to addressing race and gender equity,” Tara Peterson, Chief Executive Officer at YWCA Glendale and Pasadena said. “At the YWCA, we have a broad and bold mission, which is eliminating racism and empowering women. And we do that work through an intersectional approach.” 

Peterson said the event aims to bring together “bridge builders,” such as advocates of reproductive rights, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, and highlight the work that they do.

The event highlights the keynote address of Women’s March Foundation Founder Emiliana Guereca, who is also an activist, feminist and an entrepreneur.

At the event, Guereca is sharing her story from the Women’s March which started in 2017 in response to former President Donald Trump’s policy positions  which were considered misogynistic and represented a threat to the rights of women.

“Emiliana is going to bring great perspective sharing her journey and her story from the first March in 2017, that happened right after the election of Donald Trump and to now, and to where the Women’s March is and how she has been able to really bring people together and mobilize people from all genders, ages, culture, political affiliation, and backgrounds to really come together with a bold message around the importance of addressing both women’s equity but also racial justice.”

The 2023 YWCA Women for Racial Justice honorees will be commemorated at the upcoming event for their efforts in promoting racial equity, embodying the event’s core ethos of eliminating racism, empowering women, and championing a just, free, and dignified society for all.

This year’s honorees are Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles Executive Director Angelica Salas; SoCal Women’s Conference & Expo founder Lena Kennedy; PCL Construction Business Development Manager Priscilla Chavez; and Planned Parenthood.

“Each honoree is a change maker and risk taker who fights to advance racial justice and gender equity,” Peterson remarked. 

The Breakfast will be emceed by Emmy Award Winning News Anchor, KTLA’s Cher Calvin.

Over the last years, the annual event was able to raise funds for YWCA’s empowerment programs and racial justice advocacy work for residents of Pasadena.

The Women for Racial Justice Breakfast is nearly sold out. To those who would like to be put on a waiting list,  you may contact the organization at wrjb@ywcagp.org.

The Noor Sofia Ballroom is located on the 2nd floor of the Paseo Colorado at 300 E. Colorado Blvd.

For more information about the upcoming event, visit: https://www.ywcagp.org/2023wrjb/#