The Racial Justice Challenge is a four-week learning engagement that includes daily activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, journaling, and more. The 2026 Challenge will focus exclusively on voting rights—honoring 250 years of the American democratic experiment while exposing inequities, uplifting the struggle for access to the ballot, and advocating for a future where every American’s vote is protected, valued, and accessible.
From April 6 – May 4, participants will receive one carefully curated piece of content each day, such as an article, video, podcast, or action step, designed to deepen understanding and inspire meaningful engagement. This streamlined approach allows us to dive deeply into one of the most urgent issues of our time.
New for 2026:
Racial Justice Challenge participants will receive an invitation to join our weekly virtual Connection Hour. The Connection Hour brings together YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley leadership, community partners and local thought leaders for virtual panel discussions and live Q&A sessions focused on advancing race equity in our communities. Participants will hear directly from those working at the intersections of policy, advocacy, education, public health, and community organizing, allowing participants to gain insight into what racial equity looks like in practice and how it aligns with YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Connection Hours will be hosted weekly on Fridays - details forthcoming.
This isn’t just a discussion space but is a community-building space where dialogue, learning and hope come together to explore solutions and imagine what a more just and equitable future can look like in our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods and families. Participants leave each session with greater clarity, deeper connection and a renewed commitment to building communities rooted in equity. Join us!
Don't Miss It!
FROM VOICE TO VOTE: YOUTH SHAPING THE FUTURE
Thursday, April 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
This panel will amplify youth voices and experiences, inspiring young people to recognize their agency and leadership potential in their communities, while fostering awareness of the importance of civic participation and the role of youth in shaping the next chapter of democracy.
Panelists include TEA Club students from across Santa Clara County; Moderated by Karina Andrade, Prevention Specialist, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley
LATINA CIVIC POWER: VOTING RIGHTS, REPRESENTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Friday, April 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
This panel will focus on the historical context of voting rights, including the limitations of the 19th Amendment for women of color. Latina leaders in Santa Clara County will share insights from local government, elections officials and nonprofit leaders, and will provide concrete actions that participants can take to strengthen democratic participation.
Panelists include Councilmember Pamela Campos (District 2) and Gabby Chavez-Lopez, Executive Director, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley; Moderated by Adriana Caldera Boroffice, CEO, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley.
TRANSFORMING SYSTEMS: CENTERING RACIAL EQUITY IN POLICY & PRACTICE
Friday, April 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
This panel will deepen community understanding of the intersection of racial and gender justice, illuminate the structural barriers affecting women and communities of color, and reaffirm our shared responsibility in advancing equity.
Panelists include Adriana Caldera Boroffice, CEO, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley; Melissa Luke, CPO Healing & Justice and Housing, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley; and Tuyen Fiack, CPO Economic Opportunity and Social Justice, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley; Moderated by Vanessa Torres, Associate Director Social Justice, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley
BREAKING BARRIERS: WOMEN IN UNDER-RESOURCED COMMUNITIESFriday, May 1, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This panel will explore the lived experiences of women in under-resourced communities through a balanced lens that both acknowledges persistent inequities and celebrates progress. Panelists will engage in critical dialogue around the intersections of race, gender, and economic inequality in Marin County, while also uplifting the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women, particularly women of color, who continue to navigate and challenge these systems.
The conversation will examine how systemic barriers persist across education, healthcare, housing, employment, access to a healthy environment, and mental health, while also highlighting the tangible progress that has been made and the opportunities ahead. Importantly, panelists will reflect on the critical role of policy, specifically how leaders, commissions, and community stakeholders can shape, review, and advance policies that drive systemic change and promote equity for women and girls in Marin.
Panelists include Stephany Barahona-Castro, Member, Marin Women’s Commission representing District 1; Cris Criollo, Member, Marin Women’s Commission representing District 4; and Kellye “Eboni” McKinley, Member, Marin Women’s Commission representing District 3; Moderated by Tuyen Fiack, Chief Program Officer, Economic Opportunity and Social Justice, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley.
Registration fees for the Racial Justice Challenge help YWCA move our mission forward. We are proud to offer Corporate and Group Package options. Please inquire at racialjusticechallenge@yourywca.org for details.