We are so very excited to have some wonderful women join us as members of the YWCA Board of Directors! We plan to take a few Monday’s in the next month or so to introduce them to you! First up is Ms. Avis Agustine-Miller!
Avis joined us toward the end of the 2018-2019 year to step in for a Director who needed to take a bit of time away. She has since been nominated and elected to a full three-year term!
We asked each of the new members a set of questions, and here are Avis’s answers!
What does the YWCA mean to you?
The YWCA is a safe space for women needing support and shelter. It is home to broken women where they can go to begin the healing process on the road to recovery.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
From childhood, community service, through church youth groups, has been a part of my life. I come from a family of public servants and have worked in public service also. Not only has this been a way of life that I grew up with, but as someone who has needed the assistance of public servants as a victim of domestic violence, I understand the need for advocates and people willing to provide help and support in the community.
How you do empower women and/or promote diversity in your own life?
Through my job at Horizon Behavioral Health, working in both Emergency Services and Crisis Stabilization, opportunities are presented to me daily to serve and empower women in crisis by ensuring that they are provided optimal care and linked with the necessary resources after treatment. In addition to clients, I am in the unique position to have majority diversified staff on my teams as a Program Manager. When hiring, promoting diversity is key especially since Clinicians of color were at one time a rarity in this area. I endeavor to also empower my staff through training and support so that they can confidently provide the best care to clients. Last but not least, as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the commitment to serve women and all mankind through volunteering in the community, further provides opportunities to empower women and promote diversity in my life.
What song is your favorite empowerment jam!
Sia- Unstoppable!
What book has meant the most to you in your life?
In the Castle of My Skin by George Lamming