Karen Smith Finds Strength in the Legacy of Her Great-Grandmother, Born into Slavery

“My mother taught me as a child that I was my master’s property and that I must be good, honest, and believe in God’s word—because He would set me free.” — Mary Grant, born into slavery in 1857

YWCA Delaware recently hosted a Lending and Homeownership Essentials series, where Sara Altagracia, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer and Clare Crossan, Vice-President - Mortgage Sales Manager from Fulton Mortgage Company and Real Estate Agent Irma Rodriguez, delivered an in-depth overview of the ins and outs of the mortgage and homebuying process.

While it’s common during Native American Heritage Month to honor historical figures, it’s equally vital to celebrate those continuing the fight for equity today. Leaders like Audra Simpson, Chrystos, Cierra Fields, Winona LaDuke, Chief Wilma Mankiller inspire us all.

This year, our theme for AANHPI Heritage Month is Empowering Communities, Advancing Justice, and it will be informed by the topics for the 2024 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge, providing an opportunity to explore how women have advanced equity for each topic of the Racial Justice Challenge and what YWCA is doing to advance equity in communities across America. From business leaders to civic leaders to YWCA Leaders, we are excited to highlight some truly incredible changemakers who are advancing justice and building a more equitable world.