Today we celebrate Emily Nelson! 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 Emily.

What is one word that describes you perfectly?
Resilient.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t doubt your worth or what you can achieve. If you are not being invited to the table, make your own table. In everything you do though, practice kindness and grace.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation so that my family and I could see amazing places around the world on the weekends. I love to travel but don’t love to fly.

How do you measure success?
I believe that success looks different for every individual. Some days I feel successful as a mom, other days as a leader, on great days I feel like I manage to do both. Success for me means giving whatever I am doing my best, seeking to serve others before myself, practicing humility, and empowering others to see their potential.

I am empowered by ­­­­________________?
My amazing team at ESD 105 who are working to change systems. We have the opportunity to make change that will impact generations to come. Also, by my children and husband who encourage and inspire me to be my best.

Optional: What is your occupation?
Director of Student Support