This April, we are embracing progress, power, and determination at YWCA Princeton With exciting upcoming events, meaningful ways to get involved, and the programs you know and love, April is a reminder that the work is far from over.
Before we look ahead, we want to take a moment to reflect on the close of Women’s History Month and the incredible women who continue to stand with us. At the end of March, we proudly hosted our 42nd Annual Tribute to Women event an inspiring celebration of our 2026 honorees We are deeply grateful to everyone who came out to support these remarkable women and our shared mission.
Keep reading for a message from our CEO, Rose Wong, as she reflects on the Tribute to Women event and the meaning behind this beautiful celebration.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF ROSE WONG, CEO
YWCA PRINCETON
DearFriends,
As we close out Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting not only on the extraordinary women who came before us, but on the powerful community of women and allies who stand beside us today.
This month has been a celebration of courage, resilience, and progress. It has been a reminder that the path we walk was paved by trailblazers who refused to accept injustice and instead chose to lead, to advocate, and to lift others along the way. Their legacy lives on in the work we do every single day at the YWCA.
Our recent Tribute to Women Awards was a beautiful and inspiring reflection of that legacy in action.
Surrounded by a room full of supporters, partners, and friends, we had the privilege of honoring remarkable women who are living our mission - eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Their stories reminded us that leadership takes many forms, and that impact is created not just through bold action, but through compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to others.
In times like these, when the world can feel uncertain and divided, the importance of lifting one another up has never been more critical.
Sisterhood is not just a sentiment; it is a force. It is found in the way we support, advocate, mentor, and stand up for one another.
It is in the quiet moments of encouragement and the collective moments of action. It is how we move forward together.
As we look ahead, let us carry the spirit of this month with us. Let us continue to amplify voices, open doors, and create pathways for those who will follow. Let us be intentional about building each other up, knowing that when one of us rises, we all rise.
Thank you for being part of this powerful community. Together, we are not only honoring history - we are shaping the future.
Yoursinsolidarity,
RoseWong ChiefExecutiveOfficer YWCAPrinceton
Leanna Janke; Educator Award Recipient
Dee Goldstein; Business Leader Recipient
Sharon Campbell accepting the award on behalf of Shirley Satterfield; Susie Waxwood Lifetime Achievement Award
Nia Sharif; Young Advocate Recipient
Allison Howe; Community Leader Recipient
YWCA Princeton’s Until Justice
Just Is Student Competition
YWCA Princeton’s second annual Until Justice Just Is Student Competition is officially open for submissions! This year ’ s theme will center around the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and asks area youth what they feel should be honored.
New this year, the competition is open to high school students attending school or residing in Central New Jersey (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Somerset Counties).
Students have the option of submitting an essay, video, artwork , or photography that they feel best answers the prompt.
Winners will be selected based on the creativity, thoughtfulness, and originality of their submission.
Submissions are due by midnight on Sunday April 19th. Finalists will be notified by Tuesday April 22nd and winners will be announced during Stand Against Racism on Thursday April 23rd, 6:30 pm at YWCA Princeton.
All participants of this competition and their families are encouraged to attend the award ceremony, winners will be expected to present their work.
If you have any questions or issues submitting, please reach out to Darlene Nawuridam, Equity and Outreach Coordinator at DNawuridam@ywcaprinceton.org.
This year ’ s prompt is:
“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, imagine you are tasked with rewriting the Declaration of Independence for today OR designing a monument to commemorate this moment. What truths about racial justice, equity, and inclusion must be included in a modern declaration of freedom? Who or what would your monument honor, and what would it look like to truly reflect the America we aspire to become?”"
Join YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) on Sunday, May 3 at 10:00 AM at Princeton University’s WeaverTrack and Field Stadium (45 Ivy Ln, Princeton, NJ) for our 4th Annual Warrior Walk, honoring breast cancer survivors and thrivers.
Can’t join in person? Register to walk virtually! Want some company? Form a corporate or social team.
Prizes will be awarded tothe topthree individual fundraisers and thetop fundraising team.
Bloom Where You're Planted with
Newcomers & Friends at YWCA Princeton
Registration for a new year of our Newcomers & Friends at YWCA Princeton is still underway! For over 65 years, the Newcomers have welcomed women to our community from around the world, nation, and state.
We have many Interest Groups for you to participate in. Whether you like hiking, biking, card playing or dining out, we have it for you with our 35 different Interest Groups.
You don’t have to live in Princeton to be a part of Newcomers & Friends. Members come from all over including Mercer, Somerset, Middlesex, and Bucks Counties. Whether you are a seasoned resident or new to our area, Newcomers & Friends welcome you to bloom where you are planted!
