Today we celebrate Vanessa Guzmán! 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 Vanessa..

What is one word that describes you perfectly?
Soulful

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Never stop getting to know yourself aside from societal standards, your careers, who people say you are and your family dynamics. The more awareness you have of and about yourself the smoother it’ll be to navigate life. Learn about your triggers, your traumas, what makes you, you. Figure out how your mind operates in this lifetime and why. All of this will help you to live a fuller and happier life because you’ll know who you are and what you want out of this life.

What makes you happy?

Simplicity is my favorite thing, enjoying nature in the forest or on a beach, hanging out with my sisters, traveling abroad, wholesome conversations or brainstorming marketing campaigns.

How do you measure success?
Through internal peace. The more peace I have in different aspects of life the better I am doing in general.

What historical event inspires you the most?
Ruby Bridges. She was the first black person to desegregate the white school systems. Her bravery as a 6 year old inspires me the most.

What is your favorite quote and why?
“No seas del monton”- Maria Guzman Rodriguez which translates to “don’t be a part of the bunch.” It is my favorite quote because it has always pushed me to strive for being a better version of myself daily, in my career, fashion, mindset and relationships. This quote has always reminded me that I have my own vision, my own dreams for what I want out of life and that I can be whoever I want to be apart from what society says I need to be and do.