Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/54008
The Visionary: Rachel Krinsky The future is on Rachel Krinsky's mind. Not her own—though as she moves into the top role at the YWCA Madison, she's paving a new path for her- self as well. Her focus is on those in need. In the face of a stubborn recession Krinsky is stepping up to help all those her organization reaches move forward with tools that create a lifetime of change. You've just stepped into your new role as CEO of YWCA Madison. What inspired you to make this move? I had been at The Road Home [a homeless services organization] for almost 12 years, and accom- plished many of the things I wanted to. Here at the YWCA, I'll continue to work on poverty issues, but expand to some other pieces of the YWCA mission including racial justice, which I have a passion for. Why are women, in particular, struggling with poverty issues? There is more than one reason, but to start, women are still not on an equal playing field. They still earn less pay for the same work. Also, women more often have children with them, which makes it much harder on low wages to support yourself. As the recession stretches on, where is your focus? Employment [and training]. It's become much harder for low-income people, people with little education, criminal backgrounds or little employment history to find jobs or keep jobs. The Mentors: Melissa Wardy The Activities Director: Lucy Chaffin Madison School and Community Recreation has come a long way in 85 years. Originally focused on providing an avenue for locals to participate in group sports, the organization has evolved, expanding its recreational offerings for the whole family. "The kids are still getting fun and exciting enrichment," explains Executive Director Lucy Chaffin, "but our fastest-growing group of fitness classes are for those over 50." A former aerobics instructor herself, Chaffin has led the organization for 15 years, helping to implement the diverse range of programs that have made it a household name. Whether you're looking to try your hand at pottery, learn to ski or explore the latest fitness craze, MSCR most likely has an offering. It's this reaction to trends—and an emphasis on low prices and accessibility—that has helped hold MSCR on strong footing. Looking ahead, Chaffin says the future is all about keeping her organization, and Madi- son, moving. "We're going to continue meeting the needs of our city," Chaffin says. "And for me, one of the goals is keeping that emphasis on getting kids and families healthy." 46 BRAVA Magazine January 2012 Owner/founder of Pigtail Pals Her mission: To "redefine girly" by think- ing outside the pretty princess box and cel- ebrating all a girl can be—from a ballerina to a basketball star, scientist and more. How she gets it done: Wardy runs an on- line retail shop boasting gear with positive messages such as "Full of Awesome" and "Pretty's Got Nothing to do With It." The response: Overwhelming: Sales in- creased 700 percent last year. Wardy also has a following of 16,000 people who pas- sionately air their frustrations about the marketing messages sent to young girls. Why the message matters: "Pigtail Pals is helping create a real awakening in par- enting communities [about] how the over- sexualization of what's marketed to girls can lead to low self-esteem, poor perfor- mance in school, eating disorders … and rob them of their girlhood."