Her backstory:
For more than 5 years, Daquetta has been leading YWCA of the Greater Capital Region with a mission dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA-GCR is one of the area’s largest providers of affordable, safe and supportive housing to both single women and women with children who would otherwise be homeless or living in substandard housing. In addition to ecomonic empowerment, homelessness prevention, food security services and other supportive programs, every day, YWCA-GCR houses 104 women and over 50 children. She takes great pride in the work she does and is an experienced, dedicated, charismatic and visionary professional and leader with a passion for enhancing the lives of others.
What drives you to strive for greatness every day?
There is no perfection in success as we all have or will fall forward, some much more than others. Striving for greatness isn't a daily goal/aspiration of mine, it’s however; more about forward moving in my purpose, passion and life's mission. My purpose in life is to help others enhance their lives, and be a part of positive long lasting change. I'm passionate about helping the less fortunate and contributing to changing this nation (USA) and the world by fighting for social and racial justice, women/human rights, peace, dignity and equity for all—as well as speaking out for the voiceless in hopes and with faith that they too will learn to speak out and up for themselves, just as I've learnt to.
The more people we have fighting for racial and social justice, human/women rights, peace, dignity and equity, the closer we will reach the day that is JUST and where there is true social and racial justice, women/human rights, peace, dignity and equity for all; the world we've been fighting for will be upon us.
The symbol of motivation that keep me strong and on my life’s path, is my son, Dre and knowing that change is possible; change is constant. As a parent and a natural leader, there is a significant weight on my shoulders, however; it keeps me grounded, focused and energized to achieve my greatest effort every day. Even when I succeed, fail or just need to take a pause/rejuvenate/refuel/self-care, I reflect on my purpose, passion and mission. This gives me energy and a clearer path to self-actualization.
YWCA-GCR’s mission is connected to my purpose and passion and I know every single day, although the work is hard, it’s necessary to be a part of the good, hard work. YWCA-GCR is part of a global movement, serving more than 25 million women and girls and their families with a goal, “By 2035, 100 million young women and girls will transform power structures to create justice, gender equality and a world without violence and war; leading a sustainable YWCA movement, inclusive of all women.” This is a very difficult task, but in our history, there were countless laws, systems and unkind acts that were believed to never change, but they did. When I encounter challenges I reflect, refocus and re-strategize; never making it about me...it's much bigger than me and reminding myself of the why, the goal.
We must stand for something or we’ll fall for anything. I desire to stand for something and be a change agent to make our world a better place. My mission is to Live, Give, Be A Positive Change Agent/Community Leader and Plan for my future, so in my future I can continue to live my purpose, passion and mission!
My advice to being successful in your chosen profession is this: Know your purpose, passion, mission and maintain a laser focus on carrying out your purpose, and always practice self-care!
“The water that runneth over your cup is for others and what's in your cup is for YOU”—Iyanla Vanzant.
Remember, you are never alone and it’s important you know your tribe, ask for help, have fun, smile often, love what you do, do it afraid, be kind, enjoy the journey and carry your mission and symbol of motivation in your heart, and on your mind. I leave you with this quote by Audre Lorde, “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
Be Empowered, Empower Others & Always Smile.
About the Author
Miriam Dushane, Managing Partner, Alaant Workforce Solutions
Miriam is all in when it comes to doing whatever she can to help the area grow and thrive. She is passionate about the work she does helping talented professionals find the right job opportunity and her work in the community is focused on furthering this area as a center for economic growth and vitality. Miriam likes to garden and take care of her pets and animals. She is a member of an adult only skate group where she roller blades every week. She loves the Mets! And she is completely obsessed with vacuum cleaners; she really likes to vacuum and has 6 right now.