Transforming Lives: Maranda’s Journey with YWCA Greater Atlanta
YWCA Greater Atlanta has long been a cornerstone of support for women, girls and their families in our community since its founding at Spelman College in 1902. By taking a “whole woman approach”, we acknowledge that women’s lives are multi-dimensional, and that true empowerment requires addressing their physical well-being, mental health, financial security, access to opportunities, and social services support. By holistically addressing these needs, we create pathways for women to thrive personally, professionally, and within their spheres of influence. This approach has transformed countless lives, including Maranda’s.
Maranda is mother to a beautiful daughter, an entrepreneur, resilient advocate, dedicated learner, creative thinker, compassionate leader, and determined changemaker.
Balancing a job that was not financially sustaining her dreams, Maranda found herself at a crossroads. She longed to turn her passion for meditation into a successful business but did not have the flexibility and necessary resources. Her mother sent Maranda a link to our Digital Skills Academy (DSA) 24 hours before the application deadline. What do I have to lose?” Maranda thought.
What she discovered was a program and a community of support that changed her life. Through the Digital Skills Academy, Maranda improved her computer skills, refined the business plan for her meditation company, and connected with women who also were driven to succeed. She even won two pitch competitions, including a prize for a branding package that helped launch her business, Meditationize.
Maranda’s journey was not without challenges. While in the program, her father was diagnosed with cancer for a second time. “I was overwhelmed,” she recalls, “but the YWCA Greater Atlanta team met me with grace and understanding, offering the flexibility I needed to support my family while completing the program.”
Now, Maranda proudly shares her experience of the profound support, resources, and opportunities she has received at YWCA Greater Atlanta. She is thriving as an entrepreneur and member of the YWCA Greater Atlanta team. She works at our Early Learning Academy as a lead teacher, earning a living wage and accessing safe, affordable childcare for her daughter, all while continuing to grow Meditationize and inspiring others to embrace their -dreams.
The Broader Impact of YWCA Greater Atlanta
Maranda’s story is just one of many of our points of pride. YWCA Greater Atlanta delivers on its mission of empowering women and girls, and strengthening their families via the following transformative programs:
Empowering women and supporting their families through the Digital Skills Academy, providing career development, digital literacy training, entrepreneurial support, and financial empowerment to help achieve their professional goals.
Advancing health equity through our ENCOREplus program, offering breast health education, outreach in underserved communities, and free mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women.
Supporting families through our Early Learning Academy, providing high-quality early childhood education, safe, affordable childcare for parents, and a living wage for teachers, enhancing their economic stability.
Inspiring advocacy through the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute, where women leaders learn to shape public policy and create lasting change in critical areas such as healthcare access and affordable housing.
Re-launching Teen Girls in Technology, a pilot at Therrell High School providing digital literacy, STEAM, and skills education to 100 9th grade girls.
Building a Resilient Future for Atlanta
YWCA Greater Atlanta’s programs are woven into the fabric of our community, addressing critical needs and fostering resilience. The organization’s impact is evident in the lives of women like Maranda, who are shaping a brighter future for themselves and their families.
As we begin this new year, YWCA Greater Atlanta remains steadfast in its commitment to creating opportunities for women, girls and their families. Please continue to lend your support or become a part of our “village” by donating at ywcaatlanta.org.
View this article on the Saporta report here: https://saportareport.com/transforming-lives-marandas-journey-with-ywca-greater-atlanta/thought-leadership/securing-atlantas-future/ywca/