SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane YWCA is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Women of Achievement Award.
For the past 40 years, YWCA has highlighted women in the community for their achievements and commitment to the Y’s mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.
One mother-daughter duo who won the award share a passion for bettering their community and speaking up for those who cannot.
“Always feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, as they would say, and so it doesn’t surprise me that all of my children do exactly that,” said Stephy Nobles-Beans, 2014 WOA Honoree.
Nobles-Beans won the award for her work helping survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence find transitional housing at “Field of Diamonds, House of Blessings.”
Ten years later, her daughter, Stephaine Courtney, won the same award.
“I was more than honored. I was a proud mama,” said Nobles-Beans.
Courtney is the Executive Director of the Shades of Motherhood Network, which works to ensure every Black mother and Mother of Color has a high-quality, culturally relevant childbirth experience.
She has brought about change in her community through a variety of nonprofit initiatives, such as The Learning Project Network.
“I’ve always seen women who come from really difficult places make magic,” said Courtney.
Courtney’s currently going through a difficult time as her 2-month-old son just underwent open heart surgery.
She said she is equally inspired by both her son and her mother.
“One of the things that he has taught me is the spirit of resilience. This little boy fought so hard, but he needed his family and community to fight with him,” said Courtney.
She said she is excited for the community to nominate more women for next year.
“To give someone the opportunity to be celebrated openly by the community, it is a feeling and experience that is unforgettable,” said Courtney.
For more information on the WOA Award and to nominate someone, click HERE.
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