The Young Women’s Christian Association of Cambridge held its 31st Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women, honoring five women for their impact in the community, and fundraising for its housing, youth, and community programming. The honorees were Jennifer Fang, Yvonne Gittens, Jennie Kwo, Ayesha Wilson and Nevaeha King.
“Their stories remind us that leadership does not take just one form,” said event emcee Amaka Ubaka, an anchorperson at 7News. “Sometimes it happens in public office or in a professional career. Sometimes it happens in a classroom, a community center, or a martial arts studio.”
Fang, a corporate partner in the Boston office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, was recognized for her work to grow life science companies that improve patients’ lives through healthcare innovations. Her background in business law has helped enterprises in cell therapy and medical devices navigate legal and business strategy. She’s also an active member of the Cambridge community, involved in the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center and the Refugee Food Festival, and mentors young professionals.
Gittens is a native lifelong Cambridge community member with a professional background in education who worked at MIT for many decades in financial aid. She was honored for her impact in Cambridge through her work at the Cambridge Community Center as a board member, teacher and cook.
Kwo is an instructor in Soo Bahk Do, a traditional Korean martial art. She was honored for her impact in building an inclusive community as head instructor of Boston Classical Soo Bahk Do. In her work she fosters an intergenerational support network with a focus on empowering young women and girls to build confidence and lead with purpose.
Wilson is a Cambridge native, social worker, and former Cambridge School Committee Member and City Councillor. She was recognized for her work in improving the community through legislative initiatives such as bringing more social workers into schools, and expanding affordable housing. She also worked to ensure marginalized people were involved in decision making processes. Wilson has a longstanding relationship with the Y as a former youth participant, volunteer for the GOLD program, and board member.
Nevaeha King, the youth honoree, is a hip hop artist and nursing assistant giving back to the community through helping other youth find their voice through music. She’s a lead instructor for Hip Hop Transformation, a program of the Cambridge Community Center, and supports youth in their journey of turning their creativity into collaborative leadership.
During the program, Wilson gave remarks on the impact of YWCA Cambridge in the community, through programs like the Tanner Residence, where over 100 women have affordable housing and a place to call home, and Renee’s Place, which houses families while they work toward stable housing. encouraging audience members to donate.
Through the youth leadership programs, she said young people have a place to find their voice, build confidence, and discover what they are capable of. “I know the power of that investment, because I was once one of those people receiving that fruit,” Wilson said. “I know what it means when a community says to a young person, ‘We see you, we believe in you, and there’s a place for you here.’”
Before the event, Wilson told Cambridge Day that she hopes her personal story can inspire young women. “I’m a role model, right? Like, you can be me. I don’t have a picture perfect story. I’m first generation (American). My mom is an immigrant from Jamaica, and I’m a single mom.”
YWCA Cambridge has worked to meet the needs of women, families, and young people in the community since its founding in 1892. Through its affordable housing, martial arts program, youth leadership programs, advocacy and community partnerships, it directly serves more than 650 individuals each year. The tribute is about lifting up women whose leadership, service and care have made a lasting difference in Cambridge.
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