Photo courtesy of Angelica Castorena.
On April 25, 2024 the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) hosted their 29th annual luncheon celebrating the empowerment of women and their success throughout the years.
According to the YWCA website they are a nonprofit organization which focuses on eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Every year the luncheon is held at the El Paso Convention Center and a women guest speaker is invited to share their story.
This year journalist Elizabeth Vargas came and shared her inspiring story as her journey as a journalist while also juggling being a mother.
Vargas’ keynote feature commemorated the YWCA’s 115th anniversary, and promoted its value of “empowering women.”
She touched on her experiences as a reporter working in the field of journalism which transitioned into mentions of her life experiences.
Her career has always been a big part of her life, as working in the news industry is a passion of hers.
Vargas said, “Being a reporter is telling people stories.
Journalism is the best job there is.”
Along with this she made note of some of the stories and specials she’s worked on which include “In the Shadow”, the war in Iraq, and Hurricane Katrina.
She describes these news features as having a “front row to history” which is not as common for women as it is for men.
Above all however, she touched on themes of what she describes as “gendercide” in the workplace tying into the focus of the event.
Vargas said, “We need to work together.”
Her story and presence in the media was highlighted with the intention of uplifting women, the mission that drives the YWCA.
Several other guest speakers made an appearance leading up to Vargas’ keynote speech, including YWCA’s CEO, Serena Barlow.
Barlow said, “We are extremely grateful to our supporters; their unwavering generosity sustains our mission and drives the heart of this organization.
Women’s Luncheon provides critical funding that isn’t just about sustaining, but about igniting those who dare to make a difference in our community.”
Loretto Acadmey’s senior student council has the honor of attending the luncheon every year.
The day before the luncheon the junior student council is asked to set up the table and prepare the decorations.
Photo courtesy of @Cathedral_ep on Instagram.
This is a key role for the juniors because the next year as seniors they are invited to the luncheon itself.
Junior, Sofia Landin said, “I noticed that the people in the YWCA community were detailed in diligent.
They took their time to make sure that they got everything just right.
With that being said, they also had a sense of community.
This year 12 seniors attended the luncheon alongside faculty members Mrs. Lockhart, Ms. Martinez, and Ms. Macias.
This opportunity was something unique and once in a lifetime.
Senior, Mia Bolivar said, “I found it inspiring to be in a room full of women who are change-makers in my community.
The work they are doing is giving women in abuse situations a second chance
Every speaker had their own story, but what they had in common was that they bettered our community”
Overall this is a great experience for Loretto’s student council because the YWCA shares similar values that are instilled into Loretto students such as looking out for the community.
We look forward to next year’s luncheon and what the YWCA has planned!
