Editor’s note: The following Q&A is part of Xpress‘ annual Women’s Issue.
Shaneka Haynes, director of women’s empowerment at the YWCA, discusses role models, making connections and respecting women’s needs.
Who is a local woman you admire and why?
A woman that I admire is my sister Jerrika. She is 10 years older than I am, and I have always looked at her as a mother figure and role model. She has consistently shown how resilient, strong, courageous and bold she is. I have never seen her give up, she always has her head held high, and she never backs down from a challenge. I aspire to be just like her.
What is one specific way women can help uplift other women within your industry?
Focus on making connections with each other and for each other. The ultimate goal is to help and uplift our community as individuals and as professionals.
What’s one way men can better support women in WNC?
We can all better support women in WNC by listening to their needs first. Men can reflect on their power and privilege by putting into action to support, protect and respect women’s wants and needs.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.