A Conversation With - Susan Rosas, YWCA

Updated about 21 hours ago

In 'Inside YWCA Kalamazoo: A Conversation with Susan Rosas,' Kristen Aguirre sits down with Susan Rosas, CEO of YWCA Kalamazoo, to discuss the organization's vital role in the community. They delve into the YWCA's services, including victim support, maternal health, and early childhood education. Rosas shares insights on the organization's adaptive strategies and the recent funding challenges they face, urging community support. This episode highlights the YWCA's commitment to equity and justice while reclaiming narratives in a progressive campaign.

Chapters

Introduction and Guests (00:00:14)
Kristen Aguirre introduces herself and the guest, Susan Rosas from YWCA Kalamazoo, discussing an upcoming celebration.

Krista Aguirre, representing Public Media Network, introduces herself and the guest from YWCA Kalamazoo Susan Rosas, who are getting ready for a big celebration related to the organization's centennial.
YWCA Kalamazoo's Services (00:00:30)
The YWCA's services focus on victim support, maternal health, and early childhood education.

Susan explains the various services provided by YWCA Kalamazoo, which include victim support for various forms of violence, maternal and child health services with programs like Cradle Kalamazoo, and early childhood education to provide quality care.
Cradle Kalamazoo Initiative (00:01:33)
Discussion on the impact and development of the Cradle Kalamazoo initiative to reduce infant mortality.

Susan talks about the Cradle Kalamazoo initiative, which was launched to reduce infant mortality and address racial disparities. The program collects data to understand the causes of infant mortality and develop effective interventions.
Adapting to Community Needs (00:02:26)
YWCA adapts its services based on community needs, anti-violence movements, and addressing inequities.

Susan discusses how YWCA Kalamazoo adapts its services over time based on community needs and broader anti-violence movements. The organization focuses on addressing inequities and has evolved into an anti-racist feminist organization.
Reclaiming 'Woke' in Campaign (00:03:27)
YWCA Kalamazoo reclaims the term 'woke' in a campaign to address racial inequities.

Susan describes a campaign where YWCA Kalamazoo reclaims the term 'woke', often used pejoratively, to highlight their commitment to addressing racial inequities and being on the progressive side of history.
Challenges with Funding and Leadership (00:05:00)
Susan discusses the funding challenges and her leadership role in addressing these issues.

Susan explains the challenges faced by YWCA Kalamazoo due to funding freezes and cuts, particularly after the inauguration of a new administration. She describes her leadership role in convening other nonprofit executives to address these challenges collectively.
Addressing Social Media and Negative Feedback (00:07:59)
Susan manages social media presence and deals with negative feedback while focusing on outcomes.

Susan talks about her approach to social media, where she shares her thoughts directly, receiving both support and negative feedback. She emphasizes that the focus is on outcomes and making a difference rather than popularity.
Personal Inspiration and Background (00:09:06)
Susan shares her personal background and inspiration for her work in social justice.

Susan shares the personal stories of her parents and grandparents, who faced adversity and inspired her to pursue social justice. She discusses her family's background and how it influenced her career path and commitment to making an impact.
Impact of State and Federal Budget Cuts (00:12:33)
YWCA Kalamazoo faces impacts from state and federal budget cuts on victim services and maternal health.

Susan explains how budget cuts at the state and federal level have affected YWCA Kalamazoo's ability to provide victim services and maternal health programs. She highlights the potential increase in violence and infant mortality due to reduced funding.
Community Mobilization and Support (00:17:23)
Susan calls for community mobilization to support YWCA's funding needs and ongoing programs.

Susan urges the community to support YWCA Kalamazoo by attending their gala and becoming recurring donors to help backfill budget shortfalls. She emphasizes the importance of community support in ensuring the continuation of essential services.
Conclusion and Call to Action (00:21:09)
The interview concludes with a call to action for Kalamazoo to decide its stance on social justice.

In the conclusion, Susan calls on the Kalamazoo community to act now in support of social justice efforts. She highlights Kalamazoo's history of leading in social justice and stresses that immediate action is needed to address current challenges.