62 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen systemic change through her role with the YWCA. “Our mission statement reads: ‘We are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,’” she shared. “What resonates most to me is the ‘for all.’ We all deserve dignity, respect and equitable treatment.” Working collaboratively has been a hallmark of nonprofit work in Brown’s experience. “No matter what issue we are trying to address, we cannot do it without working with other systems,” she relayed. “It is unique and can also be frustrating. We often spend a lot of resources addressing social problems on an individual level, when the barriers are at the system level where we have very little control or can make very little impact.” While working within society’s systems can be a challenge, relationships with other organizations, corporations, educational institutions and government entities are integral to the YWCA’s mission and success. “All of our programs began and are sustained through collaborative relationships,” Brown explained. “We are eager to work with more faith groups and would love to work with any other groups who are looking to address equity and inclusion training, evaluation and support.” While the work of eliminating racism and promoting equity can be uncomfortable or unfamiliar for some, Brown is grateful for the way her role has allowed her to develop diplomacy skills to build community. “Being diplomatic has helped me bring people together to work on a common goal, regardless of where they are on the spectrum of cultural competency,” she said. “I have been blessed that the Charleston Tri-County community has been open to collaborating and building bridges.” That’s what every woman discussed here has aimed to do. They are just building bridges from one person to another, so that in a land made up of barrier islands, no one is ever truly stranded. Charleston Women in Philanthropy LaVanda Brown of the YWCA. Susan Matthews 5-Star Charleston REALTOR® Call Susan Today! "an 0ut-of-the-box thinker...able to generate exposure and interest in her listings like no one else" "excellent communication" "responsive and extremely knowledgeable" "made the process easy and pleasant" Experience SusanMatthewsRealtor.com 843·800·0921
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