Today we celebrate Janae Iverson! YWCA Yakima is on a mission to empower women. #52women52weeks was created to celebrate and highlight the amazing women & #SHEros in the #yakimavalley. We are proud to share more about Janae..

What is one word that describes you perfectly? Driven

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
There are many people that will be resistant to the kind of change that you will bring, but they are usually more afraid that their own status in the world will change than they are of you – forge ahead anyway and stay true to that which you feel in your heart is right and good.

What makes you happy?
Feeling accomplished and spending time with my children and family. Also, chips and salsa. 

How do you measure success?
I measure success by how I feel at the end of the day – was I kind to people? Patient? Empathetic? Did I work hard? Did I make the impact I was capable of making? If I can answer yes to each of these questions, I was successful.

What historical event inspires you the most?
I’m not sure that any singular event inspires me the most – I find that I am inspired by the people that stood up / stand up for those that had / have no voice themselves. I am inspired by those that are willing to sacrifice what they have for those that have less. That is powerful.

What is your favorite quote and why?
“The strongest souls are seared with scars” is one of my favorite quotes because I believe that those that have walked through the darkest nights bring about the brightest light to the rest of the world.