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Who We Are
- YWCA Contact Information and Team
- Women of Distinction 2025
What We Do
Get Involved
- Become A Member
- Volunteer
  - Board Nominations
  - Volunteer Opportunities
Events
Contact Us

16th Annual Women of Distinction

Our Women of Distinction Luncheon is SOLD OUT! If you didn’t get a ticket but still hope to attend, we’ve opened a wait list. Join by emailing jennifer.buchholz@ywcadn.org with the number of tickets you would like held.

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2025 Racial Justice Challenge

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Join the 2025 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge, a 4-week series of daily activities that aim to create a dedicated space for personal reflection and communal responsibility around issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.

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The number of hate crimes has been steadily rising

The number of hate crimes has been steadily rising in Connecticut in recent years. Join the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection on Thursday, May 22 at the Darien Library for a discussion about how the State and communities are responding. Learn how hate crimes are identified, reported, and investigated, and how you can play a role in preventing them.Panelists for this discussion include:

DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins
Darien Police Chief Jeremiah P. Marron Jr
Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Investigative Unit
Representative from the Chief State’s Attorney’s office

Learn more here: https://www.darienlibrary.org/event/community-education-about-hate-crimes-81859

Kicking off the week with another incredible Young

Kicking off the week with another incredible Young Women of Distinction: Bridget Moore.

When someone in Darien needs help, Bridget is often behind the wheel - literally. As Vice President of Training at Post 53, Bridget has dedicated over 3,000 hours as an EMT and ambulance driver, balancing life-saving work with her role as captain of the DHS Girls Varsity Swim & Dive team.

She’s not just showing up, she’s leading the way. Whether training new EMTs, responding to emergencies, or helping organize shifts, Bridget brings a calm strength to everything she does.

She lives by the motto: “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” It’s her daily reminder to face each challenge with optimism and confidence.

Her mentors at Post 53 say it best:
“These young women have responded to nearly 2,000 emergency calls collectively, putting in 25,000+ hours of service. They’re not only EMTs—they’re leaders, educators, and role models who make our town safer, stronger, and more compassionate.”

This fall, Bridget heads to Georgetown University to study Human Science. Let’s hear it for Bridget!

The Women of Distinction Luncheon on Friday, June 6th at Shorehaven Golf Club is at capacity. If you didn’t get a ticket but still hope to attend, please email jennifer.buchholz@ywcadn.org with the number of tickets you would like to hold on the waitlist.

#YWCAWOD2025 #YoungWomanOfDistinction #EmpoweringWomen #Post53 #YouthLeadership

We are heartbroken and outraged by yet another act

We are heartbroken and outraged by yet another act of racism at Middlesex Middle School. Hate has no home in our schools or community. Now is the time for action.

👨‍👩‍👧 Talk to your children.
🗣️ Sign the Talk Together Pledge to stand for respect, inclusion, and dialogue → https://view.genially.com/67b78ea48b3d3f72c55efb21
📚 Keep learning. Explore racial justice resources all year round at the "Until Justice Just Is" link in our bio.

Let’s create a community where every child feels safe, seen, and supported.

#TalkTogether #NoPlaceForHate #YWCA #DarienCT

Introducing you to another one of our Young Woman

Introducing you to another one of our Young Woman of Distinction this week: Riley Keating

At just 18, Riley embodies what it means to serve with compassion and lead with purpose. As a volunteer EMT with Post 53, Riley delivers life-saving care, responding to emergencies and mentoring younger riders along the way. Off the ambulance, she’s just as dedicated, helping kids with special needs build skills and confidence through Challenger Baseball and EPIC Soccer.

🫶 Riley’s take on strengthening community?
“It’s about consistently looking out for one another and offering a helping hand whenever possible. Supporting each other helps foster growth, whether it’s through small acts of kindness or stepping up in times of need.”

💬 Her guiding quote is a powerful reminder that true impact isn’t about titles, it’s about how we lift up those around us:
“Our lives aren't just measured in years. They're measured in the lives of the people we touch around us.” — Suzanne Collins

Speaking of who inspires her....Riley shared that her sister Katie has been her biggest role model and is the type of person she aspires to be.

Those who nominated Riley spoke of her “remarkable aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving,” her leadership in training others, and her ability to inspire through action.

We’re proud to celebrate her as a 2025 Young Woman of Distinction.

The Women of Distinction Luncheon on Friday, June 6th at Shorehaven Golf Club is at capacity. If you didn’t get a ticket but still hope to attend, please email jennifer.buchholz@ywcadn.org with the number of tickets you would like to hold on the waitlist.

#YWCAWomenOfDistinction #YoungWomanOfDistinction #Post53 #DarienCT #WomenInService #empoweredwomen

🌞🍹 Come Kick-Off Summer with Us! Join us fo

Meet Campbell Kelley: A senior at Darien High Scho

Meet Campbell Kelley: A senior at Darien High School and one of this year's Young Women of Distinction. Campbell brings heart, service, and strength to everything she does, whether it’s volunteering with the Noroton Heights Fire Department, advocating for mental health awareness through Wave Strong, or showing up with purpose on the field as a Blue Wave athlete.

To Campbell, building a stronger community starts with small, meaningful acts, checking in on a friend, showing kindness, or simply being present for one another. Her belief in the power of empathy and connection drives everything she does.

She shared that her greatest inspiration is her mom, Kerrie, who has taught her to live with patience, purpose, and perseverance.

This fall, Campbell is headed to Santa Clara University, where she’ll continue her journey as a student, athlete, and advocate.

💬 A quote she holds close is a reminder to us all about trusting the process, even in moments of uncertainty: “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” (John 13:7)

Campbell’s warmth, wisdom, and willingness to speak up make her a powerful force for change, and one we’re proud to honor. 💙

The Women of Distinction Luncheon on Friday, June 6th at Shorehaven Country Club is at capacity. If you didn’t get a ticket but still hope to attend, please email jennifer.buchholz@ywcadn.org with the number of tickets you would like to hold on the waitlist.

#YWCAWomenOfDistinction #YoungWomanOfDistinction #MentalHealthAwareness #WaveStrong #DarienCT #empoweredwomen

ELIMINATING RACISM, EMPOWERING WOMEN, AND ENSURING PEACE, JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ALL

#ONAMISSION

Make a difference and join us in our mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

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