Young & Empowered Women

Young & Empowered Women is a nonprofit that provides professional development and networking opportunities to a diverse group of rising female leaders that are passionate about service, career advancement and empowering others. We work to raise awareness and educate others on women's rights, empowerment and equity to close the gender gap.

On average, women in Arizona earn only 83 cents for every dollar a man makes. This disparity is unacceptable, and we must take action to close the gap. Y&E is made up of 130 incredible rising female leaders. To make up the #DifferenceOnTheDollar with a $17 gift for each of them would mean Y&E has $2210 to continue closing the wage gap and advocating for gender equity. You can help us achieve achieve this vision by making a gift of $17 or more at azgives.org/youngandempowered.

ABOUT Y&E
Currently, in the workforce, women face structural and economic inequities that limit their ability to receive opportunities. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only exasperated those inequities that were already deeply entrenched within our society. Across most sectors, women are less likely to hold higher-level, high-paying jobs, resulting in the "opportunity gap". Now, more than ever, young and ambitious women need mentorship, education, and community to reach their fullest potential and break down these barriers. Young and Empowered Women was created for that exact reason.

Launched in 2020, Young & Empowered Women wanted to bring together an amazing group of rising female leaders from all backgrounds in hopes of creating a sense of community and space to overcome a difficult time. We have 200 active members who come from a diverse group of backgrounds, 65% identify as first generation and 60% as women of color. While our professional may goals differ, we all share the same vision of empowering and elevating women to reach their fullest potential.

Young & Empowered Women hosts monthly programming and annual retreats to fulfill our mission of providing professional development, networking opportunities, and educational awareness for a diverse group of rising female leaders ages 21-39 that are passionate about service, career advancement, and empowering others. Professional development includes career skills presentations (e.g., "Negotiating Salaries" and Career Planning"), keynote speakers of powerhouse female leaders, and a job board with opportunities from the Young & Empowered Women community connections. Networking opportunities include mentorship, accountability groups to support progress on goals, coaching from the founder and the board of directors, and connections to the community. Educational awareness is possible through open, honest conversations on topics of women's rights, equity issues, female empowerment, health and wellness, inclusion, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

IMPACT:
67% identify as first-generation college students
60% identify as women of color
40% have felt empowered to transition into a role that is more aligned to their career aspirations
30% have negotiated and received a higher salary for the first time

Testimonials

"Young & Empowered Women has not only given me the tools to be successful in the workplace, but has brought a sense of community I have been missing. I have used what I have learned in Y&E to network and find a new career path."

- Kelsey Carter (Member)

"I am very thankful for Young & Empowered Women because of the tools and knowledge I have gained as a member. I receive resume feedback from the career committee, support from my mentor that always checks in on my goals, and for the women who inspire me daily!"

- Luisanna Granillo (Member)

"Young & Empowered Women has helped me in more ways I could have possibly imagined. The organization hosts monthly programming and annual retreats to fulfill its mission. Because of Young and Empowered Women I had the courage to change careers! After attending our leadership retreat and hearing many empowered women about the importance of advocating for yourself, I made the switch and felt prepared. "

- Liliana Rodriguez (Member)

"I feel very lucky to have a space that provides open, honest conversations on topics that makes me more resilient to overcome any barrier I might have because I know I have a group of women lifting me up!"

- Lauren Hawks (Member)