Boldly Moving Forward Together
This is a moment that transcends politics and speaks to progress.
As the first woman of color becomes a presidential nominee for a major political party, we are reminded of the immense progress women have made and the resilience that drives our work. While we celebrate this national achievement, our focus remains on the urgent challenges right here in Clark County.
At YWCA Clark County, we are fiercely committed to leading the fight against gender-based violence, empowering our youth, and building a foundation for a safer, more equitable future for all. Violence does not discriminate—it impacts individuals and families across all walks of life, regardless of political beliefs. Tragically, over 50% of domestic violence homicides in Clark County occur within our BIPOC community, a disproportionate number that demands our immediate attention and action. This is why our work transcends politics, focusing on the universal need for safety, dignity, and justice.
Nearly 30 years ago, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed, establishing critical legal protections and resources for survivors. While VAWA was a significant milestone, the recent tragic loss of Carissa Larkin, a mother of three, to domestic violence underscores that our work is far from finished. We must do better.
In response to these tragedies, we are partnering with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and other crucial partners to form a Domestic Violence High Risk Team. This initiative, grounded in a national framework, aims to prevent intimate partner deaths through evidence-based risk assessments, increased access to services, coordinated response efforts, and enhanced offender monitoring.
To make this program a reality, we need your support. We are seeking funding to hire a dedicated team member for this critical initiative. If you can, please consider contributing to this life-saving effort. Together, we can empower survivors, raise awareness, and create safer communities. For those who want to take action in other ways, we encourage you to volunteer and be part of the solution.
I’m also proud to share a statement from Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA, reflecting on this historic time for our country. Her words echo the determination and resilience that guide us in our mission. I encourage you to read her powerful message and join us in this ongoing journey toward equity and justice.
This is a moment to come together, unite our voices, and stand firm in our commitment to creating a community where everyone can live without fear. We are excited about the future we are building—one where our collective action leads to real, lasting change.
With deep appreciation and bold determination,
Brittini Lasseigne
CEO, YWCA Clark County
STATEMENT FROM THE DESK OF CEO, MARGARET MITCHELL
You are a witness.
A witness to this moment in history.
For just the fourth time in history, following in the footsteps of Geraldine, Sarah, and Hillary, Kamala Harris, the first woman and the first woman of color to be elected and to serve as Vice President of the United States of America, is now the first woman of color to be the presidential nominee of a major political party. Regardless of political views or affiliations, this is a profound time in our nation’s history, of which we are ALL witnesses.
YWCA USA recognizes the resilience and determination of Sojourner Truth, Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Pauli Murray, Betty Friedan, Dr. Dorothy Height, Gloria Steinem, Shyamala Gopalan — women who have fought long and hard for equality, justice, and representation.
For more than 165 years, YWCA USA has been at the forefront of advocating for reproductive rights and economic empowerment of women. Today, we reflect on how this moment embodies the progress we have championed and continue to pursue.
This moment powerfully underscores the impact and influence of women. Women are equal, powerful, unstoppable.
This moment highlights the critical importance of our daily work to build and sustain a society where women of all colors and backgrounds have the agency, resources, and opportunities to achieve success beyond the wildest dreams of our ancestors and foremothers.
As we celebrate this historic moment, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing the fight for racial and gender equity. The challenges we face — from housing insecurity and childcare access to ending violence against women — requires bold, courageous action. YWCA USA will continue to lead in these areas, inspired by the progress we have made and deeply motivated by the work that still lies ahead.
YWCA USA’s deep and rich legacy of tackling the most urgent issues facing women and communities of color is not just our past, but also our present and future. Our commitment to ensuring safe and affordable housing provides countless women and families with the stability they need to thrive. We are tireless advocates for and providers of accessible and affordable childcare, recognizing it as a cornerstone of economic security and opportunity for women. Our work to end violence against women remains a central pillar of our mission, as we support survivors and advocate for policies that prevent and address intimate partner violence and sexual assault.
In this historic moment, as in those before, YWCA USA reaffirms our dedication to creating a future where every woman and girl lives free from fear, with the dignity and opportunity they rightfully deserve.
As a nonpartisan organization, YWCA USA addresses real needs regardless of the political landscape or political affiliations, and in compliance with the rules applicable to 501(c)(3) organizations. Our commitment is with the more than one million women and children we serve. We are driven by our mission, by people not politics. We reflect our principles and mission every day to build a more just and equitable society for all.
In celebrating this historic moment, we mark a significant milestone in the ongoing journey toward gender and racial equity — values that transcend political affiliations.
Margaret Mitchell, CEO
YWCA USA
