Young Women's Equity Coalition
A Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program for Young BIPOC Women in Rhode Island
WHAT IS YWEC
​The Young Women’s Equity Coalition (YWEC) is a transformative 7-month training and mentorship program specifically designed for high-school-aged BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) young women in Rhode Island. This coalition seeks to empower participants to assume leadership roles in society and become champions of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in their future communities and workplaces.
WHAT DOES YWEC DO
​YWEC provides a comprehensive training program that includes skill development in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices.
Participants engage in workshops, discussions, and hands-on projects that enhance their understanding of social justice issues and equip them with the tools to advocate for change.
Additionally, the program fosters one-on-one mentorship relationships with accomplished BIWoC leaders, who serve as role models and career advisors.
This mentorship not only builds participants' confidence but also helps them develop essential networking skills, gain access to professional opportunities, and form lasting relationships with peers who share similar experiences and aspirations.
WHY WAS YWEC FOUNDED?
We created YWEC in response to unjust and long-standing disparities in pay and professional leadership opportunities for women of color in Rhode Island, with a belief that the growing field of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion offers a systemic way to address these gaps.
More and more job openings, both locally and nationally, are emphasizing experience in DEI work, and we want RI’s interested Black, Indigenous and POC young women to fill these positions—a new generation of diverse women leaders advocating for inclusive and anti-racist workplaces while building generational power and wealth in the process.
To help this become a reality, we established the Young Women’s Equity Coalition as the signature DEI training program and mentoring network for BIPOC young women in Rhode Island.
YWEC will generate awareness and excitement about DEI work, provide invaluable pre-professional training and peer support for BIPOC young women in our state, and build an intergenerational community with adult BIWoC mentors who serve as personal and career role models.
How it Works
What do YWEC participants do?
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Meet: Two Saturdays a month from October to April.
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Gain Experience: Firsthand exposure to exciting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work, building a DEI knowledge base.
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Devote Time: Work on YWEC assignments and projects outside of meetings.
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Connect: Form a relationship with a BIWoC Mentor already engaged in DEI work.
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Complete a Project: Undertake a yearlong DEI Independent Project with mentor support.
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Attend Presentations: Participate in monthly presentations from YWEC Mentors during Saturday sessions.
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Become Informed: Gain motivation to address leadership and pay disparities for BIPOC women in Rhode Island.
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Enhance Applications: Add new training and experience to college and job applications.
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Build Community: Create a diverse and cohesive network of women for ongoing professional and personal guidance.
2024-2025 YWEC Schedule
For youth participants, YWEC meets two Saturdays per month from 10 am to 2 pm. See full schedule below.
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Mentors are asked to attend the Mentor Mingle on 11/23 from 12 pm-2 pm and 12/14 from 12 pm-2 pm, and then select one other session during the year for their Mentor Visit with the full group.
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2024-2025 schedule:
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October 5 and 19, 2024: Start of YWEC, 10 am - 2 pm
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November 9 and 23, 2024: 10 am - 2 pm (Mentor Mingle: 12 pm - 2 pm)
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December 14 and 28, 2024: 10 am - 2 pm (Mentor Mingle: 12 pm - 2 pm)
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January 11 and January 25, 2025: 10 am - 2 pm
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February 8 and February 22, 2025: 10 am - 2 pm
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March 8 and March 22, 2025: 10 am - 2 pm
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April 5 and April 19, 2025: 10 am - 2 pm
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May 3, 2025: YWEC Graduation (Time: TBD)
​Patricia Holliday
​Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program
Monee Reis
City of Providence, Department of People and Culture
Kristina Moyet
University of Rhode Island, Academic Programming
Diandra Williams
Author​
Daphney Afolabi
Phoenix Rising Center
Dana Marcellus Martin
Bank of America
Carla Donatien
High Class Bookkeeping and Tax Services
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Mentees
Interested in being a part of the 2024-2025 YWEC Program? Click here.
Mentors
Interested in being a part of the 2024-2025 YWEC Mentor Team? Click here.
Community
Help spread the word! To view or download our YWEC flyer, click here. Donate to YWEC, via Paypal or Network for Good!
Special Thanks
A major thank you to the Women's Fund of Rhode Island, who believed in this program and provided us the support to make it possible. We are grateful for your commitment to advancing justice and equity for BIPOC women of all ages in Rhode Island!