Honoring Women’s Equality Day: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
By Heather Kivatinos
August 26th marks Women’s Equality Day, a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equity and the celebration of women’s achievements throughout history. This day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which granted women the right to vote—a monumental milestone in the fight for equality.
While we honor the progress made, Women’s Equality Day also calls us to reflect on the work still ahead. True equality goes beyond voting rights—it encompasses equal access to education, leadership opportunities, fair wages, and representation across industries. That’s where organizations like Young and Empowered Women (Y&E) are making a transformative impact.
Breaking Barriers with Young and Empowered Women
Founded with a mission to uplift and equip young women for success, Y&E is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship, professional development, and leadership training. Through a dynamic network of mentors and role models, Y&E helps young women navigate the challenges of early career development, build confidence, and cultivate the skills needed to thrive in competitive environments.
Y&E programs are designed to:
Connect young women with experienced professionals who offer guidance and support.
Educate through workshops, speaker series, and hands-on training in leadership and business.
Empower by fostering a community where women can share experiences, celebrate wins, and learn from setbacks.
By investing in the next generation, Y&E is actively dismantling systemic barriers and creating pathways for women to lead boldly and authentically.
Why This Work Matters
Despite significant strides, women—especially women of color—continue to face disparities in pay, representation, and access to leadership roles. Organizations like Y&E are essential in bridging these gaps by providing resources and relationships that many young women might not otherwise have.
On Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the courage of those who fought for the rights we enjoy today and recognize the leaders who are shaping a more inclusive future. The work of Y&E exemplifies how community-driven efforts can create lasting change—one empowered woman at a time.
Get Involved
As a proud board member, I encourage you to get involved. Whether you're a young woman seeking mentorship or a professional looking to give back, Y&E offers opportunities to engage, grow, and lead. Visit yewomen.org to learn more about their programs, and how you can support Young & Empowered Women’s mission. To view upcoming events visit givebutter.com/young-empowered-women
Heather Kivatinos
Director of Sales and Business Development, Arizona PBS
Young & Empowered Women Board Advisor
