YWCA of Greater Austin Recognizes Five Women of Merit
The Austin chapter of the YWCA, the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world, will honor five women that have impacted the Austin community at their Women of the Year Awards Luncheon. The annual event takes place on June 8 in the Mabee Ballroom at St. Edward’s University.
Five Women of Merit: Sana Naiyer, Pilar Sanchez, Katie Navine, Laura Griebel, and Audrey Selden
“Since 1986, the YWCA has honored women in our community for their outstanding service as professionals or volunteers,” said Diana Gorham, Executive Director of YWCA Greater Austin. “Of all our efforts to organize community events, honoring the achievements of women and girls at the Women of the Year Awards Luncheon most directly reflects our mission. This is truly what the YWCA is all about.”
YWCA carries out their mission statement of eliminating racism and empowering women by providing much needed services to the community. “The YWCA has a long history of providing counseling to women, couples, and families, as well as prevention and intervention services to at-risk youth. We have provided these services to Greater Austin for more than a hundred years,” said Gorham.
The women to be recognized at the event for their merit and commitment to improving the Austin community are:
- Sana Naiyer, Young Women of Achievement Award: Naiyer helps students in various schools in the Greater Austin area; as well as ranking number one in her junior class at Akins High School. She also is involved with international charities in places such as Guatemala, Haiti and India.
- Pilar Sanchez, Leader of Promise Award: Sanchez is a graduate of the 2009 Leadership Austin class. Along with serving as the chair of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, she has successfully balanced her community service with her professional accomplishments at the Austin Housing Authority, where she has contributed to the program’s success for more than 12 years.
- Katie Navine, Lifetime Achievement Award: Navine has impacted and empowered more than 200,000 individuals with programs as vice president of Goodwill’s Workforce Development Services. Navine also volunteers with organizations such as Workforce Solutions, Austin Area Human Services Association and Austin’s Basic Needs Coalition.
- Laura Griebel, Woman’s Economic Empowerment Award: Griebel has impacted the Austin Community by providing educational opportunities for youth by teaching financial independence, job skills, and mentoring on college choices to more than 650 of Austin-area youth.
- Audrey Selden, Racial Justice Award: Selden was the first African American female Assistant Secretary of State in Texas history. Today she is the Senior Associate Commissioner for Consumer Protection at the Texas Department of Insurance and is recognized by many for her efforts in creating advancement for women and minorities within her field.
More information on how to purchase tickets, the event, and the organization can be found on the YWCA website at www.YWCAaustin.org.
By Monica Pena2 Responses for “YWCA of Greater Austin Recognizes Five Women of Merit”
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Congratulation to all particularly Sana. Iam proud of you SANA.three cheers for your acheivement.
congrates to u all ,esp…to sana….good luck