A Letter From Our Founder: Reflecting on a Year of Courage, Community, and Change
As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not only on what we accomplished—but on who we became together.
This year reminded me why Women Speak Up exists. It reminded me that when women are given space to be heard, something powerful happens. Healing begins. Courage grows. Community forms. And change follows.
There were moments this year that were heavy—moments when the stories shared with us carried grief, loss, fear, and uncertainty. But there were also moments filled with hope, strength, and resilience. Time and time again, I watched women show up for one another with honesty and compassion, proving that no woman should ever have to navigate life’s hardest moments alone.
To every woman who trusted us with her voice—thank you. Your courage is the foundation of this organization.
I am deeply grateful to our volunteers, interns, partners, and supporters who believed in this mission and poured their time, energy, and hearts into our work. Your dedication allowed us to expand conversations, strengthen programs, and reach women who needed support, advocacy, and understanding. Women Speak Up is not built by one person—it is built by a community that believes women deserve to be heard, protected, and empowered.
This year, we didn’t just grow—we listened. We learned. We adapted. We continued to create safe spaces for dialogue, education, and healing, and we laid the groundwork for programs that will deepen our impact moving forward, including initiatives designed to support women through pregnancy, loss, and life transitions. Each step forward was guided by the voices of the women we serve.
Looking ahead, I am filled with purpose and responsibility. The work is far from done. Too many women are still silenced. Too many stories go unheard. And too many systems continue to overlook women’s needs. In the year ahead, we remain committed to advocacy, education, and creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to speak their truth.
As we enter a new year, I invite you to continue this journey with us. Share your voice. Support another woman. Speak up—even when it feels difficult. Because every voice matters, and together, our voices are unstoppable.
If this mission has resonated with you, there are many ways to stand with us. Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, sharing our work, or simply starting conversations that matter—your support helps ensure that women continue to have a safe space to be heard and supported. Every contribution, in any form, strengthens our ability to serve women and expand our impact in the year ahead.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Thank you for believing in the power of women. And thank you for helping us build a future where women are not just heard—but valued.
With gratitude and purpose,
Yanel Rivera
Founder, Women Speak Up
