YWCA AK News

Opinions & Articles on Issues We Care About

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Kara Kirkpatrick

December 17, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell For nearly two decades, Kara Kirkpatrick has been a steady and generous force in Anchorage’s art community. Born in Anchorage and raised in Palmer,… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Kara Kirkpatrick

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Corrine Digiovine

December 10, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Born and raised in the small town of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, Corrine Digiovine grew up in a place where everyone knew everyone. After attending… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Corrine Digiovine

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Vonnie Gaither

October 30, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Some people have a presence that immediately feels grounding, warm, honest, and deeply human. That is Vonnie Gaither. A celebrated artist and community advocate,… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Vonnie Gaither

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Alison Kear

October 22, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell This week’s Women Who Inspire Wednesday features Alison Kear, CEO of Covenant House Alaska and 2015 recipient of YWCA Alaska’s Women of Achievement award.… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Alison Kear

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Sharon Richards

October 1, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell This week’s Women Who Inspire Wednesday features Sharon Richard, founder of YWCA Alaska, a longtime advocate and a quiet yet powerful leader whose legacy… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Sharon Richards

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Ivy Spohnholz

September 17, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Former State Legislator & Community Leader Born in Nabesna and raised in Anchorage, Ivy Spohnholz has dedicated her life to building stronger communities across… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Ivy Spohnholz

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Beth Rose

September 10, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Co-Founder & Board Treasurer, Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) Born and raised in Alaska, Beth Rose is an Alaskan through and through. She has… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Beth Rose

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Meghan Muñoz

August 27, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell This week, we are honored to spotlight Meghan Muñoz, Senior Financial Advisor at Alaska Wealth Advisors. Meghan’s journey reflects both ambition and dedication. She… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Meghan Muñoz

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Ashley Klinger

August 20, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Raised in Eagle River, Alaska, and born in Anchorage with roots in King Salmon, Ashley Klinger is a force of nature in the human… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Ashley Klinger

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Joanie Fullwood

August 13, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Born in Dillingham, Alaska, and raised in the village of South Naknek in the Bristol Bay Region, Joanie Fullwood’s life has been shaped by… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Joanie Fullwood

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Yaso Thiru

August 6, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell “Be strong. Be independent. Be confident.” From a small village about five miles from downtown Jaffna, Sri Lanka, to the heart of Alaska’s education… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Yaso Thiru

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Danni Crombie

July 23, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell “I create for people like my brother who are fighting silent battles and just need a moment of connection, reflection, or understanding.” Born in… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Danni Crombie

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Randi Breager

July 16, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell This week’s Women Who Inspire Wednesday spotlight features Randi Breager, a powerhouse of insight, resilience, and fierce commitment to systems change and survivor advocacy.… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Randi Breager

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: ChaCha Flores

July 2, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Anchorage-based artist and community advocate ChaCha Flores is as vibrant and dynamic as the murals she paints. Known for her custom tattoos, captivating face… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: ChaCha Flores

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Cait Olson

June 25, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell This week, we are honored to highlight Cait Olson, social worker, dancer, mother, and advocate, as part of our Women Who Inspire Wednesday series.… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Cait Olson

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Tafilisaunoa Toleafoa

June 18, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell A Leader Rooted in Service and Culture Tafilisaunoa Toleafoa, known affectionately as Tafi, was born in the Independent State of Samoa and raised in… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Tafilisaunoa Toleafoa

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Jessie Lavoie

June 11, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell This week on Women Who Inspire Wednesdays, we’re honored to spotlight our very own, Jessie Lavoie, a woman whose path through science, service, and… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Jessie Lavoie

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Amanda Valenzuela

June 4, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Advocate. Leader. Policy Shaper. Mom. Born in Sacramento and raised between the quiet winters of Tok and the bustle of Anchorage, Amanda Valenzuela understands… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Amanda Valenzuela

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Blaze Bell

May 28, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Blaze Bell is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate whose journey is rooted in resilience, authenticity, and fierce compassion. Born and raised in Anchorage,… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Blaze Bell

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Adrienne Wilson

May 15, 2025

Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell Adrienne Wilson is the Events Coordinator for all the Tooth companies — Moose’s Tooth, Bear Tooth, Broken Tooth, and the newly opened Eye Tooth.… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Adrienne Wilson

Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Heidi Huppert

May 2, 2025

Written by Chris Schnell, Program Coordinator From navigating the streets of Anchorage as a teen with nowhere safe to go, to leading lifesaving programs as Chief Program Officer at Covenant… Continue Reading Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Heidi Huppert