In this edition of Us!...
I'm a graduate of Western High School. It's the oldest public all girls high school in the country. As a student and a young professional, I remember being so grateful for having those four years of being surrounded by brilliant, smart, forceful, creative women. When you attend an all girls school, all those stereotypes about women seem to be suspended; you are in a world of women...defining themselves, challenging the world, being enough...just as they are. In that space, we are the MVPs, we are the president of the student council, of the debate club, of the fashion club...it's a world where no one is surprised when women do great things because everyday women are doing great things.
Having that unique experience is both a powerful, and an obscuring, force in my life. Powerful in as much as I never question what is possible for women to accomplish... that's an easy one. Women can and do accomplish all kinds of things with insightfulness and grace. The obscurity for me is the world that still questions and wonders and critiques where women belong and what women are capable of. I'm often incredulous at the very suggestion…hence the obscurity.
During this Women's History Month I encourage you to find a space of possibility, new learning, new insights. Perhaps spend some time in a world different from the one you inhabit everyday. You'll be amazed at what you might find!
Dr. Lisa Williams
Vice President, Strategy, Equity & Innovation
HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
On March 8th, many around the world took to their computers, decorated event spaces and gathered in town halls celebrating International Women's Day. We are living in a historical time, in just one organization we can see the faces of women ranging from Gen Alpha to Boomers.
What can we do to ensure that supporting the underlying principles behind Women’s History Month aren’t just a single point of time on the calendar, but a daily effort? A growing awareness of the importance of women supporting women in the workplace is vital. Regardless of the progress in gender equity, women of all ages still face unique challenges.
Research has proven that when women support each other, they can overcome challenges such as gender discrimination, unequal opportunities and biases to achieve greater success. As with all communities, women who have supportive networks are more likely to advance in their careers than those who did not. The benefits of mentorship for women in the workplace are exponential. By uplifting one we truly uplight all.
See below for a lineup of inspiring events happening around town and at the Y.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH TRIVIA
Monday, March 25th
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Are you up for a challenge? See how much you know about the role women have played throughout American History.
This event is geared towards children ages 6-11. No registration required.
WOMEN AS CREATORS AND LEADERS WITH THE AFRO
Saturday, March 23rd
2:00 pm - 3:00pm
The Walters Art Museum
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Baltimore-based and woman-led publication the AFRO is highlighted. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and Publisher of the AFRO, will be in conversation with Lynley Herbert, Robert and Nancy Hall Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts.
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION (AMA): SHE-SUITE MARKETING LEADERSHIP PANEL
Thursday, March 28th
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
StarTUp at the Armory
This signature event features extraordinary female marketing leaders in Baltimore, including the Y’s very-own Chief Marketing and Brand Experience Officer, Sara Milstein!
GENDER INCLUSION 101 TRAINING - RETURNING APRIL 2024
Back by popular demand, this highly anticipated three hour on-demand virtual session is designed to support associates as we deepen efforts to ensure inclusion across all identity groups. This session will provide you with a basic knowledge of important vocabulary, legal considerations, and social and political aspects of gender. Watch this space as registration for this sought-after training session will be opening in Dayforce soon.
EVENT REWIND
SUPPORTING GENDER INCLUSION: AN AFTERNOON WITH JESSICA LYNN
On Friday, March 8th, the Y had the pleasure of hosting world-renowned transgender advocate, educator, and activist, Jessica Lynn. Over the course of the day, she met with the Executive Team, and the LGBTQ resource group and allies. As a part of the Y’s focus on gender inclusion, Jessica shared statistics, personal experiences, and best practices in including gender expansive persons (specifically transpersons) into the various spaces here at the Y.
While all who had the opportunity to hear her story learned a great deal, there are many questions to explore. How do I understand my own lived experience through the lens of gender? What does my assessment tell me about
how I should relate to others? What should I do to continue my learning?
Becoming an organization that normalizes equity and inclusion is a journey. For all who are willing to be uncomfortable to make space so that others who have been excluded might find comfort... thank you for your partnership.
GOOD VIBES
Y ASSOCIATE SHOUT OUTS
We have lots of wonderful Y Associate Shout Outs today. These are great stories about pitching in, reaching out, showing initiative, being a great colleague, and going the extra mile: all of which are hallmarks of Y associates and our organizational culture.
Click the blue "Shout Out" icon above to read about Ashley Garris, Yaya Koita, Celene Loesbert, Aiden Powell, Arlene Streeter, Maximus Twigg, Kurt White, Dominic Dett, and Elijah Obayemi.
If you have a colleague you'd like to "Shout Out", simply click below to fill out the nomination form.
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Us! associate enewsletter is published monthly and we need to hear from you! Share your stories, what’s new in your Y world, and what you are proud of. We want to know and we want to share your news!
The next regular Us! enewsletter will be published on April 18th. The submission deadline is Friday, April 12th.
PAYROLL, RECRUITMENT AND RISK
GET PAID!
| PAY PERIOD | PAY DATE |
|---|---|
| March 10 - 23, 2024 | April 2, 2024 |
| March 24 - April 6, 2024 | April 16, 2024 |
| April 7 - 20, 2024 | April 30, 2024 |
ASSOCIATE REFERRAL PROGRAM
We are growing our Y associate community and need your help. If you know someone who may be a qualified candidate for an in-demand position, such as educators and instructors, please encourage them to apply. If your referred person is hired, you can potentially earn a $150 - $500 referral bonus!
WHY RISK IT?
The Y's Risk Management Team has created a monthly newsletter to highlight key risk reduction practices, reviews and reminders. This serves as an excellent quick reference for high priority risk awareness in our Y programs, centers and sites.
ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
We have had some changes within our workforce since the last edition of US! Click below for updates.