Moving with the Spirit of a Hummingbird: An Open Letter from YWCA Madison’s Executive Director

Gery Paredes Vásquez, Executive Director of YWCA Madison, shares a reflection as she prepares to attend a national gathering of YWCA executive directors in Phoenix. Drawing inspiration from a story she heard in Teotihuacan, Mexico—from an elder named Toñita—Gery recounts the tale of Coatlicue, the Earth Goddess, who, despite vulnerability, births a powerful warrior to protect the world. This story becomes a metaphor for resilience, transformation, and hidden strength during uncertain times.