PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For 35 years, Susan Stoltenberg has fought for equity and social justice for many non-profit agencies and now she’s being awarded for her strong record of service.
Today Stoltenberg leads Oregon’s only YWCA with a mission to empower women, eliminate racism and promote peace.
“Find your power, assert it and then share it and for a white woman, empowering others means going beyond being an ally, to opening the door and letting others step through, who haven’t been in that room before,” Stoltenberg said.
She refocused on shelter services and launched five affordable housing spots for domestic violence survivors, their children, elderly women and the formerly incarcerated to help put them on a path of self-determination.
“I love the phrase, ‘Empowered women empower women,’ so I think the first thing you can do is seize your own power, understand your gifts, understand your vulnerabilities, what you need to work on and assert yourself,” she said. “Don’t let others tell you you’re less than.”
The Oregon Commission for Women presented Stoltenberg with the Woman of Achievement Award at the State Capitol on March 13.
Every year the commission recognizes a woman who is an exemplary role model just like Stoltenberg.
“I’m humbled and honored and feel somewhat undeserving,” Stoltenberg said. “I think that executives get credit for work that’s largely done by other people and so I really had mixed feelings about it because it understates the importance and dedication and commitment of people I’ve worked with to help accomplish big changes in all the fields during my career.”