Eliminating racism and empowering women are words that defined the life of Ann C. Stanford. From her many years of involvement in the family business while being a committed wife and mother, Ann developed a strong belief that all women should have the ability to be financially independent. She knew no woman could be truly free to dream and control her life without having the option of providing for herself and her family.
Ann was an innovator in her time making her family business as family-friendly as possible. As head of personnel, she was adamant for women to have flexible work schedules and access to career development. Ann insisted more women get promoted based on their skills and performance. With Ann’s support, women achieved well-paying leadership positions. Ann wanted women to be the captain of their futures rather than being dependent and stuck.
Racism was witnessed by Ann and her husband when he was assigned to work on the Manhattan project in Oakridge, Tennessee during WWII. Both Black and white GIs and their families were posted to the war’s “secret city” but only the white children were able to attend the local school due to the segregation laws of the Jim Crow era in Tennessee. Ann was profoundly moved by the scourge of racism and brought this determination to fight for justice when she moved to Delaware and found YWCA in 2006.
Her daughter, Leslie Stanford, a long time supporter and volunteer with YWCA Delaware, feels empowered by her mother’s legacy. “She put her money where her values led her, “ Leslie says. “I am so proud to represent her as I work with a new generation of young women to raise funds, promote women and advance social justice through my leadership roles with the YW. Her bequest gives her and her ideals a way to live on in our hearts and our actions.”
Ann C. Stanford passed away in 2022 at the age of 97 and left a legacy gift to the YW. She truly enjoyed a life well lived and her generous contributions will ensure eliminating racism and empowering women will come closer to a reality for all of us. For her sustaining support we are grateful.
For more information on YWCA Delaware’s Planned Giving program, please visit our website https://plannedgiving.ywca.org/ywcade/.