Millin Young Among 80 Named ‘United State of Women’ Ambassador To Lead Local Gender Equity Movements In Cities Across U.S.

The United State of Women on Tuesday announced its second class of ambassadors as part of a new program to train and equip women to take action for gender equity in their communities. Eighty ambassadors, who represent forty states across the U.S., were accepted into the one-year program. Janette Millin Young, the former senator who served four terms in the Senate beginning in the 29th Legislature, has been chosen to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The ambassador program is an opportunity for current and future leaders passionate about improving gender equity, no matter their background or previous experience, U.S.O.W. said. Ambassadors represent cities and states across the U.S. and work with U.S.O.W. staff to bring together a wide range of stakeholders in their community interested in achieving a more united #StateofWomen.

In their new roles, ambassadors will build and support coalitions with community leaders, organizations, and fellow activists who are working towards gender equity in their communities as well as amplify the work happening in their community through U.S.O.W.’s national channels, according to the release.

The expanded second cohort is due to the incredible work of the inaugural class of U.S.O.W. ambassadors. From pushing for the Tallahassee City Commission to adopt gender-neutral language in the city charter to supporting the launch of the Sacramento County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, U.S.O.W. Ambassadors are galvanizing communities across the country, the organization said.

“At USOW, we recognize that local organizers are already leading gender equity movements in their communities. Our goal is to amplify the phenomenal work of these activists by providing them with the tools, access, and connections that are necessary to enact change,” said Jordan Brooks, executive director of the United State of Women. “We believe that when those who know their communities the best are supported in their efforts to create change, we can make great strides in the fight for gender equity.”

Throughout the year, the United State of Women will offer ambassadors training sessions on key organizing skills, provide hands-on strategic support for projects, and connect them with experts and veteran organizers for guidance and mentorship.