More Than 200 Attend YWCA's 'State Of Women Of Color' Event

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- A capacity crowd of more than 200 people learned about the State of Women of Color at the YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester's annual Human Rights Day event on Dec. 10.

YWCA organizers/volunteers from symposium on the State of Women of Color with speakers (seated from left to right) moderator Judith Beville, Dr. Jin Li, Belinda Miles and Zenaida Mendez.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Frank Mojica

12/24/2015 4:30 p.m.

“We should lead by example, pave the way for the next generation, and commit ourselves to opening doors of access and opportunity for our girls and women of color," said keynote speaker Belinda Miles, president of Westchester Community College. "Their future and our future depends on it.”

Maria Imperial, chief executive officer of the YWCA, greeted guests and County Executive Rob Astorino demonstrate the potential of women and girls with the story of Malala Yousfzai. Zenaida Mendez, director of Manhattan Neighborhood Network and a former president of the National Organization for Women in New York State (NOW-NYS), spoke about the marginalization of women of color.

“Health is a critical component of women’s economic security and overall well-being," said Dr. Jin Li, associate professor of clinical neurology, New York Medical College. "Poor health can pose obstacles to financial stability, educational attainment, and employment.”

According to a YWCA USA 2015 report on racism, women of color will make up 53 percent of all women in the U.S. by 2050 but continue to be marginalized.

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