Women of Distinction Leadership Awards are present to outstanding women leaders for their community service, professional achievement, integrity, leadership, and dedication to the lives of others and to the quality of life for all. They are a reflection of the YWCA’s historic mission and values.

YWCA Madison invites you to an afternoon of practice and movement-building with beloved civil rights leader Valarie Kaur, who offers us the compass of Revolutionary Love - intentional practices that call us to cultivate love for Ourselves, Others and our Opponents.

Valarie’s offering will include storytelling, music performance and guided meditations. You will be invited into deep reflection with other participants across generations and justice movements in multiracial and gender diverse community. Your conversation and practice will be nurtured and supported by one of our brilliant YWCA Madison community practitioners.

Valarie will be available after the event to sign books, and you’ll be invited to explore a pop-up market presented by local practitioners, artists and justice movements.

With this event, YWCA Madison is launching our Critical Connections Campaign: opportunities that extend the learning, unlearning and community-building we offer at our annual Racial Justice Summit with the ultimate goal of supporting movement-building and action for change.

By deepening our practice, commitments and relationships with one another, we can fortify and connect our justice movements and bring to life a future where intersectional racial justice, collective healing and liberation are a reality.

Circle is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the YWCA. Funds donated by guests at the event will support YWCA Madison’s programs for race & gender equity, job training & transportation, and housing & shelter.