Imelda Panuco | YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree
What inspires you to get up and do the work?
The opportunity to make a difference and the impact I can make in someone's life.
What have you learned about yourself through the challenges you have overcome?
That I do not believe in the impossible. Everything can be achieved with hard work but is easier if you create bridges and keep positive connections through out the journey
How do you take care of yourself?
I spend about 30 minutes to reflect on my day, focus on the positive. I believe in me even in hard times. I practice grounding, I work out , I enjoy family time.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
Wake up every day with a sense of a new opportunity and take advantage it. Never stop growing and learning. The respect of others rights equals peace, Love your neighbor
What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of recent years?
My vision is to see our community surrounded by support … To come together with a mission of breaking any barriers that our young population goes through in life, and for every vulnerable individual to know where to go for help. A strong diverse community that takes pride on building each other for a better future.
The mission of YWCA is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. What does YWCA's mission mean to you?
To combat racism through education and awareness, to promote women's sense of self-worth, the ability to influence social change for themselves and others, the right to have power of their own lives. To stimulate dignity , advocate for freedom and peace for all.
