By: Lauren Cheramie

Since its inception in Baton Rouge in 1968, the YWCA has been dedicated to the same mission: eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The organization has grown to offer programs like early childcare education, domestic violence services, homelessness assistance and trauma counseling.

"We have evolved from a small entity that was doing the work to empower women on a small scale, but we have grown to now be able to address women’s needs at all phases of their lives," said Dianna Payton, CEO of YWCA Greater Baton Rouge.