YWCA hosts 5th annual conference

By CHRIS COTELESSE

TheNewsOutlet.org

YOUNGSTOWN

The Young Women’s Christian Association of Youngstown hosted the fifth annual Women’s Leadership Conference to further one of the organization’s missions, which is to empower women.

Jackie Rogenski, a 12-year resident volunteer at YWCA, said the organization helped her get back on her feet after an abusive relationship and a battle with drug addiction.

“I’m out on my own. I don’t have to rely on nobody. I’m doing it all myself now,” she said at the Friday event.

YWCA has given her a community to involve herself while encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone.

“It’s important for your self-confidence. It’s important for your mental health to be confident, to be empowered, to be rich within yourself,” she said.

Leah Brooks, interim executive director of the YWCA, said the organization offers many programs and services for women in need. The annual conference is another opportunity to provide women with the means to shape their own futures.

This year’s focus was finances.

“Empowering women means economic empowerment for women,” she said.

Brooks said women are oftentimes paid less than men, and women need to keep their financial houses in order to succeed — women such as Caroline Velar, owner of Celebrating Homes, a home-interior company she started 12 years ago.

She said events such as the women’s conference are important networking opportunities for businesswomen.

“You come to these places so you can get that extra nudge that you need,” she said.

Brooks said the YWCA, built in 1911, plays an important role in advancing women’s issues in the area. She said the building is an example of the organization’s success.

A $10 million renovation project was executed through an all-female board of directors and designed by lead architect Mary Dennis.

“We were able to preserve a symbol of women’s history,” Brooks said.

The NewsOutlet is a joint media venture by student and professional journalists and is a collaboration of Youngstown State University, WYSU Radio and The Vindicator.