York, PA – (August 15, 2022) YWCA York announces Lizaida Morales as the 2022 Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award recipient, as selected by the board’s advocacy committee. This award is sponsored by Stock and Leader Attorneys at Law.

In 1995, YWCA York created the Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award to recognize women advocates for their work on social issues. The award honors community volunteer achievement and celebrates women who are champions for equity, and embody YWCA’s mission of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. Each honoree receives a framed copy of the poem Watcher of the Skies which was particularly important to Dorrie Leader.

Lizaida Morales embodies the spirit of the Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award. Currently, she is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the nonprofit organization, Unstoppable You Ministries, Inc. whose mission includes providing emergency services and supportive resources to the community and especially those affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, and homelessness.

“We are excited to award Liz with the Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award and highlight the work she has led towards bringing more awareness and resources to impacted individuals,” said YWCA York CEO, C. Kim Bracey.

As a conduit of change Morales’s efforts include coordinating the Unstoppable You H.E.A.R.T. (Healthy Eliminating Abuse Relationship Talk) Workshop, the Red Sand project and the Blind Eyes Opened documentary earlier this year. She is a dedicated healthcare professional, and is currently employed at UPMC. Morales also serves as a volunteer advocate with the American Heart Association.  After her then three-day-old daughter endured six hours of open-heart surgery she made it her personal mission to promote heart health and overall wellness.

“I am beyond honored to be chosen as this year’s Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award recipient. I work hard for things I care about and I never dreamed I would be nominated, much less be chosen for this recognition. Thank you to YWCA York. Advocacy work is what I do and I appreciate the YWCA York for choosing me,” said Morales.

The award was established to honor Dorrie Leader’s dedication to fighting for civil rights, the empowerment of women, and advocating for social justice. Leader served as YWCA York’s president in the early 1950s before going on to serve on the National Board of the YWCA from 1958 to 1976. She was present in 1963 at the March on Washington, accompanied by her two oldest daughters, to hear Dr. Martin Luther King speak of his dream for America. She shared that dream and was steadfast in her commitment to helping achieve it nationally and here in York. Her fierce advocacy for racial justice undoubtedly laid the groundwork for YWCA’s prioritization of the elimination of racism as national mission work.

YWCA York is grateful for the opportunity to honor Dorrie Leader’s tremendous work as a champion for women, persons of color, and the economically disadvantaged and to celebrate Lizaida Morales as an advocate committed to improving the quality of life in York County.

ABOUT YWCA York
YWCA York is a nonprofit organization with the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Chartered in 1891, YWCA York has a long and rich history of creating opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power through a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  Over 28,000 people are serve each year through the programs and services offered throughout York County. Worldwide, the YWCA impacts more than 25 million people in over 120 countries. For information about the YWCA York, visit our website, www.ywcayork.org.

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