The YWCA has been advocating for women's rights since its founding in New York City in 1858. It has recognized leaders like Dr. Nina Aversano, who received an award from the YWCA in 1998. The YWCA sponsors initiatives during Women's History Month to honor influential affiliates. Throughout its history, the YWCA has advocated for issues like sex education, contraception, and fighting racism. Today it continues sponsoring programs that empower women through initiatives in financial literacy, STEM, and academic scholarships.

2.  Dr. Nina Aversano, president of Aversano Consulting,
LLC, and director of the MBA program at the College
of Mount Saint Vincent, has more than 20 years of
experience in the public and private sectors. In
recognition of her professional accomplishments with
global telecommunications firms, Dr. Nina Aversano
was bestowed the 1998 Women Achievers Award
from the Young Women’s Christian Association New
York chapter.
Since its humble beginnings in New York City circa
1858 as the Ladies Christian Association, the YWCA
has continually spread its roots throughout the nation
as the premier advocacy group for women’s rights.

3.  In recognition of Women’s History Month in
March, the YWCA has annually sponsored
special initiatives recognizing YWCA leaders
and other influential affiliates throughout
history. As early as 1906, the YWCA was an
advocate for improving access to sex
education and contraceptive resources.
Further, in 1970 the YWCA was one of the first
organizations to speak out against institutional
injustice against minorities by adopting the
One Imperative by 1970: “To thrust our
collective power toward the elimination of
racism, wherever it exists, by any means
necessary.”

4.  Today, the YWCA continues to sponsor
initiatives protecting and empowering
women, including The Allstate Moving
Ahead through Financial Management
Curriculum, STEM/TechGYRLS programs,
and more than 20,000 academic
scholarships.