ReleaseWire Connect

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin shares insight into the lives of the leaders who have shaped the United States.

On July 26, 2010 the YWCA Silicon Valley conducted a walk and silent vigil in support of its mission of eliminating racism, hatred and prejudice. The event highlighted the need to end the proliferation of racism in our society and lessen its impact on the diverse population that live and work in Silicon Valley. The YWCA’s goal is to raise awareness that racism still exists, and to share our vision of eliminating racism and celebrating the richness of our diversity. It was an opportunity for people to “let their silence be heard”.

The YWCA Silicon Valley’s Project Inspire program has just completed its first ever summer programming. Project Inspire, now in its third year, is a youth empowerment program providing credit recovery for high school students to enable them to receive a high school diploma. This summer the program offered credit recovery to students at four East Side Union High School District schools. The YWCA served students at Andrew Hill, James Lick, Overfelt and Yerba Buena High Schools. Over the course of two summer semesters, 902 students recovered credits, putting them back on track to complete their coursework and earn their high school diplomas.

On Friday, May 28, there will be an end of the year celebration for parents and students of the YWCA’s Project Inspire program at James Lick High School in the East Side Union High School District. Project Inspire, now in its third year, is a youth empowerment program providing credit recovery for high school students to enable them to receive a high school diploma. This year, 216 students who would not have graduated from high school will be receiving diplomas because of Project Inspire. “The YWCA is so proud to be able to impact the lives of these students”, said Keri McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. “Many of these students had fallen so far behind at school that they didn’t see any way to complete high school. Our staff at Project Inspire showed the students that if they worked hard, they could change the course of their lives.”

Forty-eight outstanding executive women from Silicon Valley will be honored by the YWCA of Silicon Valley, May 20, 2010 at the 26th Annual Tribute to Women (TWIN) Awards Program at the San Jose Fairmont. The YWCA of Silicon Valley’s TWIN Awards Program honors not only women who demonstrate excellence in executive-level positions, but also the companies that employ these women. “The talent of the women nominees was again extraordinary. I keep them in high regard because they truly are the best of the best. We are thrilled to have so many wonderful top sponsors for the event this year.” said Dr. Keri McLain, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Silicon Valley.

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian to share insight into the lives of the leaders who have shaped the United States.

The YWCA Silicon Valley is calling on all individuals to join us in taking a bold Stand Against Racism on April 30 by partnering with the YWCA. Our goal is to unite our community in a bold demonstration that delivers a clear message that racism can no longer be ignored or tolerated.

The Boards of Directors of the YWCA Silicon Valley and the Support Network for Battered Women have each voted to merge the organizations in an effort to broaden services to those experiencing domestic violence throughout Santa Clara County. Sunnyvale based Support Network will become a division of San Jose based YWCA effective on April 1, 2010.

Blue jeans are worn by millions of Americans every day, but staff members and supporters of The YWCA of Silicon Valley’s Rape Crisis Center will wear their denim on April 21, 2010 for a special reason – to step forward and take a stand against rape. “Denim Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness and prevent sexual assault against women,” said Keri McLain, CEO of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. “We urge everyone in the community to join us in wearing jeans on Denim Day.”

On April 21, 2010 men from all walks of life will walk one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes through Downtown San Jose to protest rape, sexual assault & gender violence. This 8th annual event, held each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, brings together male community leaders, businessmen, and area residents to walk (in women’s shoes) from Plaza de Cesar Chavez through the streets of downtown – less than a mile – to call awareness to the problem of sexual assault in our community. It is a light-hearted way to approach a very serious issue that is the responsibility of us all. The YWCA of Silicon Valley organizes the event and provides the women’s shoes. Women are encouraged to join the walk as supporters and advocates, as well. For further information about the event, contact Kelly Ramirez at walkamile@ywca-sv.org or contact the YWCA at (408) 295-4011 x217.