Advocate: ‘We are stronger together’

Advocate Alisha Gonzales stands by YWCA medallion outside front doors

After a 17-year career in various healthcare positions, Alisha Gonzales was ready for a change.

“After the years of COVID-19, it felt like time to try a new route, to figure out what I was truly passionate about and go for it,” she said.

She always knew she wanted to help women and children, and a neighbor suggested she apply at the YWCA as an advocate.

After a few inquiries, she said, “I was finally given the opportunity to interview!” Soon after, she joyfully accepted a job offer, grateful for a journey that, she said, “landed me here at the YWCA with all these amazing people!”

Though happily married to her best friend with whom she shares four children, ages 12 through 17, previous life experiences gave her a heart for struggling families.

ADVOCACY MATTERS
“I believe this work is important because we are helping people in some of their darkest hours; we are helping people when they feel like their world is crumbling.”
It’s important to Alisha to show survivors they are not alone, that they are loved, wanted, and cared about.

“For someone like me, who has been in some really hard situations, it feels like a blessing to help others through the same things, no matter how big or small their needs are.”

Most of all, she said, “I feel like we are stronger together and when we are loving each other through the pain.”