The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland is introducing the Strong Women For These Times campaign for 2025.  As a result of these rapidly changing political and social times, it is pertinent now more than ever to root ourselves in the YWCA mission of empowering women and eliminating racism. As our current administration slashes resources and rights for women, LGBTQ+, immigrants, and many other communities, it is vital that we create and find support within our community.

  • Workforce Development builds confidence through career workshops, leadership training, and financial literacy, empowering individuals to succeed and create change.

  • Confidence grows through well-being workshops and access to essential resources like food, beauty, and menstrual products, ensuring stability and self-care.

  • Events such as speaker series, socials, luncheons, that encourage support.

WHY

NOW?

As a result of rapidly changing political and social times, reaffirming our mission to empower women and eliminate racism is more urgent than ever. As the current administration strips away resources and rights from women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and other marginalized communities, it is crucial to build strength and solidarity within our community.

Join us this spring for the series of Speakers for These Times, a powerful speaker series featuring local women leaders who are making an impact in our community. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage, learn, and be empowered by the women shaping our future. Stay tuned for speaker announcements and event details!

Nominate a STRONG WOMAN in Your Life!

Our Strong Women for These Times campaign not only highlights prominent women figures but also celebrates the invaluable leadership of women in our community that often goes unrecognized. If there's a Strong Woman in your life you’d like to recognize, submit a form below with their information and a message about why they inspire you as a leader. Examples include mothers, aunts, friends, teachers, and more! They will be featured on our campaign website and will receive an email sharing why they were nominated.

Career Workshops

  • Gain real-world skills with our career workshops and leadership training designed to help you succeed.

Financial Literacy

  • Learn how to manage money confidently with our financial literacy training.

Get Involved

  • Discover how you can create positive change in your community and personal life.

Health

  • Join supportive group workshops focused on mental and physical health.

Free Products

  • Access free food, beauty, and menstrual products whenever you need them.

  • Get free makeup, skincare, and menstrual products at the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland, just ask at the front desk!

Support

  • Your generosity and involvement help create a stronger, more just world.

Our Impact on the Berkeley/Oakland Community

Community Clothing Drive

5,383 women’s and children’s clothing items were donated directly to families.

Toy Drive

120 children were recorded in benefiting from our annual toy drive.

English in Action

We have EIA partners from 11 countries: China, Colombia, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, South Korea, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.

47 partnerships were formed from September 2024 to December 2024.

Get Out to Vote!

Over 1,000 community members were educated on the process of voting and the electoral system, registered to vote, and/or voted at our polling center.

Turkey Holiday Giveaway

In partnership with Umoja Health, which generously provided the turkey dinners, the YWCA distributed over $2,700 worth of turkey and produce to low-income families.

The event successfully served over 120 meals to more than 30 families!

You Make It Possible

These events and programs thrive because of community support. Your donation empowers women, provides mentorship, and uplifts marginalized communities.

Every contribution makes a difference — help us continue this vital work!