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International Women’s Day: Celebrating the women of United Way

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

At United Way for Greater Austin (UWATX) we are proud to work with an incredible group of women who are intelligent, passionate and kind. Read the Q & A below to learn more about a few of the amazing woman working at UWATX.


 

Amy Price, 2-1-1 Director of Community Information

Why is your work important?
2-1-1 is the community’s front door for information about community resources. Our knowledgeable, empathetic, professional staff guide callers through the process of getting help with housing, food, child care, legal assistance, mental health services, health care, and so much more.

What woman do you most admire and why?
My mom who defied stereotypes by being one of the few (maybe only?) female land surveyors in Texas. She was a tomboy as a child, got a degree in art history at UT, and continues to inspire me with her strength, sense of humor, and approach to life. She didn’t teach me how to paint my nails or do my hair, but she did teach me how to get dirty, the importance of giving back, and how to have fun doing both.

Why is International Woman’s Day important to you?
Any opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women today and throughout history is awesome!


 

Cathy McHorse, Success By 6 Early Childhood Education Director

Why is your work important?
My work is important because it simultaneously improves the quality of early childhood experiences for our community’s children now, while building on the foundation for long term sustainable and systems change that will change the trajectory of families in our community in the generations to come.

What woman do you most admire and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg –  She has inspired generations of women as a Supreme Court Justice and feminist.  She has been a model for women seeking to achieve professional goals while also prioritizing family relationships, and she is able to fight fiercely for justice while preserving the relationships she has with those she disagrees and works with.

Two of my favorite quotes are:

“[W]hen I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the supreme court]? And I say ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.”

On how she wants to be remembered: “Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has.”

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
A day to pause and celebrate the many inspiring role models we have in our families, workplaces, communities and cultures and to encourage one another in reaching our individual and community goals.


 

Cindy Houlihan, 2-1-1 Community Information Coordinator

Why is your work important?
My work helps empower people to make changes in their lives. This is especially true for women, since they account for over 76% of the calls 2-1-1 receives.

What woman do you most admire and why?
Oprah Winfrey. She lives the lessons she teaches–evolve into the person you were intended to be, live in the present moment, and have gratitude in your life.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
Women’s voices are stronger than ever and we need to keep the momentum going.


 

Cyndy Karras, Family Support Coordinator

Why is your work important?
It helps empower families to promote the success of their children; my education, research, and professional experience can serve as a catalyst to promote change in my community, big or small.

What woman do you most admire and why?
First and foremost, my mother. She taught me how to work hard no matter my life circumstances and to never give up. She also taught me how to appreciate and navigate challenges in life, helping me appreciate how seemingly insurmountable challenges can be tackled with the right mix of dedication and support.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
As a Mexican-American, I was born and raised with the appreciation, respect, and adoration for different cultures. As a woman, I believe my role is to empower every woman to feel that she can achieve success no matter what her background and to continue to promote international awareness for supports and resources for women and their families.


 

Danielle Marrero, Operations Manager

Why is your work important?
When people ask me to describe my role as Operations Manager, the quickest way I can summarize it is, “I give our staff the tools they need to get their job done, so they can serve our community.” That’s what I try to do every day! Whether it’s a new hair, replacing a broken light bulb, buying a computer mouse, or granting access to a database, my goal is always to make the work environment at UWATX as comfortable and distraction-free as possible. The fewer distractions a staff member has, the more they can do for the Austin community in whatever their role may be.

What woman do you most admire and why?
My mom! She has been a nonprofit executive and community leader in Knoxville, Tennessee for 25 years, and is highly regarded across the community for her vision and poise. Over her career, she was able to guide a small, local, food pantry down a path to become the community leader for fighting hunger in East Tennessee, now reaching an 18 county service area. Additionally, she was able to navigate a male-dominated community (especially in the early days of her work), advocate and progress her own organization’s agenda, and seem to make no enemies in the process. She’s an absolute expert at what she does and it amazes me every day.

Why is International Woman’s Day important to you?
I think that most people who know me would be quick describe me as opinionated and driven. I can’t imagine living in a world where I couldn’t put some of my best skills to use just because I am a woman. International Women’s Day is important to me, first, to celebrate the women that struggled and fought to grant me the rights I enjoy now. I have the right to speak, vote, protest, work, travel, thrive, and much more. But second, this day is important to me as a reminder to fight. We are a long way from true equality. Until our world leaders agree that women deserve respect and an equal seat at every table, we must continue to make our voices heard to the people that wish to silence us.


 

Dawn Dao, Click for the Cause Project Manager

Why is your work important?
My work is important because I get to empower people with resources to help them live a better life. Providing resources and program to the most vulnerable in our community allows a lot of great things to happen in our world that would otherwise be left undone.

What woman do you most admire?
I admire my mom the most. She came to the U.S. with very little in her pockets, and made a life for herself and for our family—even if it meant sacrificing her sanity along the way. She enrolled in classes at ACC when she first came to Austin, and even had to take me to class with her! I would sit in my stroller outside the classroom door while my mom took the seat closest to the door to keep an eye on me.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
Globally, statistics show that women’s education, health, and violence towards women is still worse than that of men. Did you know that the World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won’t close until 2186? I want to make a change for future generations of women. International Women’s Day is important because it emphasizes that the time for unity among women is now.


 

Joelynn Avendaño, Program Manager, Success By 6

Why is your work important?
I have the honor of working directly with residents in our community. I get to listen to their issues and concerns surrounding health and wellbeing and together we work on solutions. The work that I do is very important because it gives them a voice and sense of empowerment that motivates them to be the change they want in their community.

What woman do you most admire and why?
I hold an immense amount of respect for my mom who raised me through the adversities of being a single parent without even speaking the English language; she’s supported me in every one of my endeavors, from buying that expensive Barney movie when I was 5 years old to supporting me when I decided to move across the world for school. Shout out to all those moms out there who have to be both mothers and fathers!

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
International Woman’s Day is important to me because it serves as an aspirational board. It’s the day we celebrate all the amazing women in the world, most of whom inspire me each and every day.


 

Laura Glenn, 2-1-1 Navigation Specialist

Why is your work important?
Our work is helping people men and women to help themselves to improve their lives and families.

What woman do you most admire and why?
Florence Nightingale who helped make nursing a true caring and scientific profession for women and men.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
Women help children to become self- sufficient adults through their care. Women are essential to families as caregivers, wives, mothers, grandmothers, and as career women. Women are powerful and loving!


 

Roni Kendall, Clinic Navigation Specialist

Why is your work important?
My work is important as it is the purpose I was set out to do in the world.    I help people in moments of struggle connect with the services and resources that help them shift in a more positive direction.  My work helps others improve the quality of their lives.

What woman do you admire most and why?
Maya Angelou.   She was traumatized early in life and with little support found her way back to become one of the world’s greatest poets, writer, dancer, singer and spoken word artist.  

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
I am sad to say, this day to honor Womyn is not as important as it should be. I wish every womyn… and I mean every womyn in the world would strike for the day. I wish they would put down whatever tool, (kitchen, or otherwise)  child, pet, another’s adult’s needs down and just take the day to do a walk-about out in nature. If we could see a day without the input and support of womyn, we would know the true power of womyn.


 

Sindy Cavazos, Lead Clinic Support Specialist    

Why is your work important?
Working at UW is important but I am helping bridge the gap to all those who need help the most.

What woman do you most admire and why?
My grandmother, without her I would be nothing. At 74, she’s still making sure all her kids and grandchildren are taken care of and living their best life.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
Women are to be celebrated every single day, not just 3/8.


 

Join us in celebrating the strength of women today and everyday. #PressforProgress #InternationalWomen’sDay