Economic Empowerment
Community Listening Session with Truist Bank
Truist Bank asked YWCA San Antonio to host a "community listening session". The event took place April 2,2025 at which a group of their executives out of Charlotte and Winston-Salem attended along with several other key non-profits including AVANCE, Good Samaritan Center, SA Food Bank, NALCAB (National Assoc. of Latino Community Asset Builders), MAUC (Mexican American Unity Council), Project Quest, LISC, Port SA, and Ready-to-Work. Councilwoman Terri Castillo and County Judge Peter Sakai also attended and delivered remarks. The event was designed to inform the Truist team with grassroots articulation of community needs.
This March, our very own Dr. Melinda Jiménez Pérez had the honor of representing YWCA USA at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations in New York. From powerful keynotes to grassroots conversations, Melinda engaged in a transformative week of global dialogue, connection, and reflection.
Highlights included a moving session on Māori leadership and cultural identity, a serendipitous meeting with the UN Secretary-General, and a documentary screening that challenged her to reflect on her own leadership journey. Melinda also attended a critical session on Palestinian women's empowerment and participated in vibrant side events that centered intersectionality, justice, and the voices too often left out of mainstream UN discourse.
The experience strengthened her global understanding of the YWCA’s mission and deepened her commitment to championing equity and representation both locally and globally.
“I leave this experience with a renewed sense of purpose and a passion to continue advocating for women and girls everywhere,” she shares. “Thank you, YWCA, for this life-changing opportunity.”
We’re off to a fantastic start this year with exciting programs and impactful events!
In February, we proudly launched our iSave Program in partnership with Financial Health Pathways. Through this initiative, participants commit to saving $20 per month for five consecutive months, and Financial Health Pathways will match their savings with an additional $200—helping them build financial stability and confidence!
We also celebrated the success of 10 incredible women who graduated from our WISE Small Business Workshop in February. These women completed our program, developed their business plans, and took a bold step toward entrepreneurship. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to offer another WISE Small Business Workshop in English this May. Stay tuned for registration details—we’d love for you to join us or share this opportunity with someone who could benefit.
Book your financial coaching session or workshop today!
Pictured above: Dr. Melinda Perez at the United Nations in New York
Pictured on left: Dr. Melinda Perez; Economic Empowerment Director and Margaret Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA USA
Child Care
More Exciting News
From left: San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Councilwoman Terri Castillo,The Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation President Melissa K. Bauman, YWCA San Antonio CEO Francesca Rattray, Councilwoman Adriana Rocha-Garcia, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda and Texas State Representative Josey Garcia.
From left: Councilwoman Adriana Rocha-Garcia, YWCA (former) Board Chair Hilary Frey, Councilwoman Terri Castillo, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, YWCA San Antonio CEO Francesca Rattray, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda
Top YWCA USA Exec Visits San Antonio
Margaret Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA USA, toured YWCA San Antonio’s Womens Live and Learn Center.
YWCA USA is a powerful network of nearly 200 community-based, grassroots organizations with the collective mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through membership in World YWCA, Mitchell leads YWCA USA that is part of a global women’s rights movement with the goal of engaging 100 million young women and girls to transform power structures to create justice, gender equality, and a world without violence and war by the year 2035.
Margaret received a BA with honors in Mass Communications from Hampton Institute – a Historically Black College and recently attended Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management at Harvard Business School.
Upcoming Events
Join Us for the Premiere of La Cuenta Pendiente!
Thursday, May 8th
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
City Base Cinema, San Antonio, TX
Three women. One fight. Against injustice, against corruption—for each other.
La Cuenta Pendiente (Outstanding Balance) is a powerful telenovela that tells the story of Lisa, Lorena, and Lily—three women facing an unfair system that tries to silence them. But together, they rise, resist, and fight back.
This production, directed by Teresa Garza, Marketing Director, and supervised by Misty Harty, Director of Racial Justice and Gender Equity from YWCA San Antonio, is more than just a drama—it’s a movement to spark dialogue on workplace injustice, domestic violence, and resilience.
Join us for an exclusive screening, followed by a Q&A session with the team behind this impactful story!
Reserve your seat now! Don’t miss this powerful night of storytelling and conversation.
Women’s Live and Learn Center Phase I Ribbon-cutting and Phase 2 Ground-breaking
On a brisk January morning, officials joined in a Ribbon-Cutting and Groundbreaking for both phases of the Women’s Live and Learn Center.
The Women's Live and Learn Center will address the holistic needs of women ages 18-25, offering up to four years of housing. The program is designed to help women Reconnect, Restore, and Empower through a combination of onsite housing and supportive services rooted in the YWCA mission.
Phase I is completion of the residential building to house up to 30 young women and children.
Phase 2 is the Harvey Najim Early Childhood Development and Care Center.
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Health Equity
Doula Spotlight: Reflections from the Birth Room
Real Stories from Our Graduates
At YWCA San Antonio, our doula training program is more than just coursework—it’s a calling to serve with compassion, presence, and deep cultural humility. In this quarter’s spotlight, we’re honored to share heartfelt reflections from two of our recent graduates as they stepped into the sacred space of birth support.
Dr. Arlene Mora: “Being present, emotionally and mentally, is everything.”
When Dr. Arlene Mora supported a mother through her cesarean birth at Santa Rosa Hospital, she knew this experience would leave a mark—not just on her career, but on her heart. “This first practical contact reaffirmed the mission of the doula: to accompany in an empathetic and respectful way, creating an environment of calm and security.”
Although the procedure was delayed for four hours, Arlene remained a steady presence. She used relaxation techniques and gentle conversation to help ease the family’s stress. After the baby was born, she supported bonding, offered advice on feeding and sibling integration, and reminded the family that they were not alone in this journey.
“Understanding and managing my emotions has prepared me to be a pillar of strength,” she wrote. “The process of self-reflection was just as valuable as the clinical moments.”
Kandice Perkins: “You think birth will go as planned—but nature has her own timeline.”
Kandice Perkins supported a first-time mom delivering at Methodist Hospital, and from the very first conversation, she could sense the nervous excitement. “Mom was very vocal about what she wanted and needed our guidance and support… she had done her own research.”
Together with mentor Xelina Flores, Kandice helped the family craft a birth plan centered around their values—delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin, and preserving the placenta. When unexpected circumstances brought in the NICU team, Kandice remained close, answering questions and listening with care.
Even from the waiting room, her support was felt. “I made an 8-hour Spotify playlist to keep the energy positive,” Kandice wrote. “I also brought a soft pillow for mom to squeeze during contractions.”
One of her biggest takeaways? “Build rapport as early as possible. The longer the relationship, the more empowered the family feels.”
Our Impact, One Birth at a Time
YWCA San Antonio’s doula initiative, made possible through our partnership with Latched Support, continues to expand the pipeline of culturally competent, community-rooted birth workers. These doulas are changing outcomes and shifting what’s possible for birthing families—especially those who’ve historically been underserved.
We’re so proud of Arlene, Kandice, and all our graduates. The journey is just beginning.
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In January, our childcare center was up for assessment through the Texas Rising Star (TRS) program. We are proud to announce that we successfully maintained our 4 star rating. This took a lot of preparation, dedication, and teamwork!
A BIG congratulations to Ms. Denise for earning her CDA credential. Way to go!
As a part of our partnership with Metro Health and NAP SACC program, we were given two beautiful flowerbeds. Strawberries, onions, carrots, dill, tomatoes, watermelon, and squash. Room 6 also planted wildflowers in one of the existing beds. Our teachers have been taking their classrooms out to water, dig, and enjoy the garden.
We would also like to recognize Ms. Tina, who received an award presented by EHS' Senior Special Projects Manager, Rhonda Roach, for having the highest family participation using the Ready Rosie interactive resources. Congrats Tina, and thank you for encouraging strong family engagement!
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Youth
The Youth Department hosted “Healthy Relationships Loteria” in February. This event was to bring awareness to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Multiple organizations participated in the event such as Healthy Future of Texas, Metro Health, and the Center for Health Care.
We hosted 22 teens during Spring Break this year. We were privileged to also have guest speakers from the Rape Crisis Center and the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions. The Rape Crisis Center discussed the importance of consent, establishing and respecting boundaries, safe online activity, and healthy relationships. The American Indians in Texas discussed mindfulness and stress management with our teens. Our teens also got to experience a sound bowl healing session that encouraged mindfulness and relaxation.
Near the end of the week the teens ventured to the Memorial Branch Library where the great librarians there allowed the teens' creativity to shine. They were able to make fun buttons and beaded bracelets. Teens were also able to play video games using their Nintendo Switch. Of course, many of our teens utilized our time at the library to check out books, as well.
We ended camp by making s'mores, watching movies, and playing games. Overall, our teens had a great time connecting with old and new friends, and we enjoyed spending time with them for another Spring Break!
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Workforce
The Ready To Work Program is a Workforce Program for individuals that want a career for life!
Megan was a waitress in search of a better opportunity. In reading about the Ready To Work Program, Megan immediately connect with the YWCA. Now Megan has completed her course as a Medical Assistant and is on the way to quality lifelong career.
For more information, contact: readytowork@ywcasa.org
Heike worked as a server at a Lunchonett. Once enrolled in the Ready To Work Program, Heike knew this was real and pursued to complete the course as a Certified Nurse Aide. Now the new quality job pays double the previous amount and Heike is on the journey to a bigger and better future.
Power Home Remodeling Awards Women’s Live and Learn Center $100,000
Our Women’s Live and Learn Center received a generous commitment of $100,000 from Power Home Remodeling!
POWER’s partnership with YWCA San Antonio is part of the exterior home remodeler’s POWER for Good, a set of employee-led initiatives that place POWER people at the center of its philanthropy. Through giving circles, nonprofit nominations, and voting, POWER amplifies the vision and voices of its employees to shape the entirety of its support to nonprofits across the country.
Power Home Remodeling (“POWER”) is the nation’s largest, full-service exterior home remodeler. Established in 1992 and headquartered in the Philadelphia region, POWER provides energy-saving solutions by replacing windows, siding, roofing, gutters, doors, solar roofing panels, and attic insulation for residents in more than 20 states.
Established in 2023, POWER for Good is on a mission to unleash the philanthropist in every POWER person. Built on the core belief of democratized giving, this initiative provides every POWER employee with voice and choice in shaping the entirety of the company’s philanthropic efforts. From participating in giving circles to nominating nonprofits for funding to voting on where to allocate funds, each POWER person can choose how they want to get involved.
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Constance recently moved to the United States with a strong passion for pursuing a career in the healthcare industry. She was introduced to the YWCA Ready to Work program through the Institute of Allied Healthcare. Currently, Constance has completed the Nurse Assistant Certification and is very excited for the job opportunities that will lead to a bright and successful future.
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Thank you for your continued support of the YWCA mission.
Women of Influence Luncheon a HUGE Success
YWCA San Antonio’s annual fundraising event, Women of Influence, held March 6, 2025 honoring Rachel Sakai and Jamie Kowalski was a huge success with approximately 450 in attendance.
Signature sponsor First Day Foundation led a group of other sponsors including Truist, Brown & McDonald Law, Hayley Ellison & Pegy Brimhall, Friends of Jamie Kowalski, Friends of Rachel Sakai, Frost Bank, George W. Brackenridge Foundation, HEB, Port San Antonio, Rach Resilience, Peter Sakai County Judge, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, Muriel Siebert Foundation and VIA Metropolitan Transit.
This signature fundraiser celebrates exceptional women who break barriers, lead with purpose, and embody YWCA San Antonio’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
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Women’s Live and Learn Center Receives First Resident
The first group of ten young women moved into the Women’s Live and Learn Center February 26, 2025. This brings to closure the renovation of the former convent begun about 14 months prior.
Two additional cohorts of ten women each are scheduled to move in over the next several months to complete the process of filling the 30 rooms.he Center will provide affordable supportive housing for young women, ages 18 to 25, to obtain skills and knowledge for life and work to build their capacity to earn a livable income, contribute to the local economy, and participate more fully in their communities.
With completion of this Phase 1, construction has now begun on Phase 2, the Najim Early Childhood Education and Care Center.
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Kelleher Foundation Supports the Women's Live and Learn Center with a Capital Campaign Gift of $500,000
The Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation awarded YWCA San Antonio $500,000 towards the Capital Campaign for the Women’s Live and Learn Center
With a projected total cost of $14.5 million, with this gift, $12.2 million has been committed.
The Women’s Live and Learn Center will provide affordable housing with 30 individual residential units, 100% of which will serve women at 30% of area median income or below with supportive services including child care, workforce training, navigation to post-secondary education, case management, health and wellness, and nutrition.
The Center, located at the site of the former St. Andrew’s Convent at 2318 Castroville Road, a distressed census tract, was purchased by YWCA-SA in December 2021.
The Center will provide affordable supportive housing for young women, ages 18 to 25, to obtain skills and knowledge for life and work to build their capacity to earn a livable income, contribute to the local economy, and participate more fully in their communities.
The overall objective of the Women’s Live and Learn Campus is “helping women Reconnect, Restore and Empower so they can overcome barriers.”
Services are best presented categorized under three headings:
RECONNECT: Trauma-informed care services that center on helping women reconnect to themselves and their community (increasing self-awareness and self-care);
RESTORE: Services that address the holistic well-being of women as they embark on their educational and career endeavors (focus on health and wellness and increasing self-esteem and confidence)
EMPOWER: Services that empower women to explore educational and career endeavors that will help achieve a liveable wage that breaks the cycle of poverty
