YWCA Mankato and Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Launch Greater Mankato Cabinet

YWCA Mankato and Women’s Foundation of Minnesota are proud to announce the launch of its Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota Greater Mankato Cabinet, a new regional effort to engage young women and gender-expansive youth in policy, advocacy, and community change. The Greater Mankato Cabinet is a vital component of YWI MN’s mission to address systemic inequities and build a more just and inclusive society.

The Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota focuses on young women and gender-expansive youth aged 16 to 24. This initiative is a partnership between the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Governor’s Office. Through statewide and regional cabinets, YWI MN facilitates the creation of connections and partnerships, leadership development, policy-making training, and advocacy skill-building. The goal is to empower young individuals to harness their collective power to drive social change.

Facilitated by YWCA Mankato, the Greater Mankato Cabinet is the second regional cabinet established under YWI MN. This cabinet is dedicated to creating an intersectional brave space that fosters liberation, social action, healing, and joy. By prioritizing the lived experiences of young women and gender-expansive people in the community, the Greater Mankato Cabinet ensures that its work remains relevant and impactful.

“The launch of the Greater Mankato Cabinet marks a significant step in our efforts to engage young leaders in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within their communities,” said Ceceli Polzin, Executive Director of YWCA Mankato. “We are committed to providing a platform where young women and gender-expansive youth can voice their experiences and drive meaningful change.”

Members of the Greater Mankato Cabinet will play a crucial role in ensuring that the initiatives and solutions developed by YWI MN are rooted in the real-life experiences and insights of the community. By doing so, the cabinet aims to create effective, community-specific strategies to combat systemic inequities.

“We’re excited to expand our YWI program to Mankato and look forward to seeing the policy agendas and community change efforts that they initiate!” said Gloria Perez, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota.

Applications for the Greater Mankato Cabinet are open now. Priority registration closes August 23, 2024. For more information about the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota and the Greater Mankato Cabinet, please visit ywcamankato.org or contact Sophie Hoiseth at sophie@ywcamankato.org.

About Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota (YWI MN):
The Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota is a statewide initiative dedicated to addressing systemic inequities faced by young women and gender-expansive youth. In partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Governor’s Office, YWI MN focuses on leadership development, policy-making training, and advocacy skill-building to empower young individuals to drive social change.

About YWCA Mankato:
YWCA Mankato is committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. By facilitating the Greater Mankato Cabinet, YWCA Mankato plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of YWI MN in the local community.