Dianne Bondy – is a celebrated yoga teacher, social justice activist and leading voice of the Yoga For All movement. Her inclusive view of yoga asana and philosophy inspires and empowers thousands of followers around the world – regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability.
1. What does the word tenacity mean to you OR what does the word grit mean to you?
I don’t think grit is a unique characteristic or skill. Grit eludes to this idea of toughness and hardness. I think we are all born with grit. Grit is the survival instinct. The connection to our most basic and primal selves; our grit is fuelled by the need to survive. I think we need the softer side of grit to relate to each other and to be successful. The characteristics I find most illuminating and successful are generosity, respect, integrity and truth. We need the ability to be able to listen, empathize to connect, relate and communicate more efficiently.
2. Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned about leadership.
Listen more then you speak and always have a diverse team of people around you who are passionate and focused.
3. Why do you think women supporting women is important/what does it mean to you?
Women are smart and powerful. It is necessary to stand in that power together to shift this idea that our culture teaches women that we are not enough. We can relate to each other through our lived experiences. The women’s movement taught us how when we combine our power through lived experiences we as women can do anything. Women are naturally more collaborative, and we get stuff done.
4. What’s your personal or professional motto?
Stand in your power and take up space!
5. What’s your go-to when you need inspiration or motivation?
When I need to motivate, I think of my ancestry. The powerful people who stood up and even died so that I may be free and have a chance at equality. My source of strength and inspiration:
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Maya Angelou
To hear Dianne’s story in person, make sure to grab your tickets for this year’s event. Get yours today!
News Release
CAMBRIDGE, ON – YWCA Cambridge is thrilled to announce that Soroptimist International of Cambridge has joined Greentec as a matching partner for their fundraising campaign to support the opening of a new shelter for women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. This partnership is vital to reaching the campaign goal of $125,000, which will cover the costs of fully furnishing and outfitting the shelter located in the lower level of Grace Bible Church, downtown Galt.
Local businesses have shown exceptional support for this initiative, with Greentec leading the way by matching every donation dollar for dollar up to $5,000. Their generosity inspired Soroptimist International of Cambridge to step forward with an additional $10,000 in matching donations.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from the Cambridge and broader community,” said Kim Decker, CEO of YWCA Cambridge. “Having Soroptimist join Greentec as a matching partner is an incredible testament to how businesses and organizations are coming together to ensure that women and gender-diverse individuals in our community have a safe space to call home while they worked towards meeting their housing needs. Soroptimist’s commitment to this cause helps us bring this essential shelter to life, and we are thankful for their leadership and compassion.”
Soroptimist Club President Joni Gosselin spoke about the long-standing relationship between the organization and YWCA Cambridge, noting, “Soroptimist International of Cambridge has been in partnership with YWCA for many, many years. Our mission, to better the lives of women and gender-diverse individuals, starts here. Providing a safe roof over one’s head, a warm bed, a nourishing meal, and people who care is what we strive for. Our donation will help meet the basic needs of community members who have been living without them. People are often unaware of how many women are without homes, and we thank YWCA for their vision in making this essential dream a reality.”
Once open, YWCA Cambridge’s shelter will be the only one dedicated specifically to women and gender-diverse individuals in the region. The 20-bed shelter will operate 24/7, offering on-site services that address both mental and physical health needs, along with other therapeutic and culturally responsive services. This shelter aims to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the community.
The campaign will continue until the end of the year. To donate and support the shelter initiative, please visit www.ywcacambridge.ca.
For more information, contact Roz Gunn, Director of Communications and Advocacy at YWCA Cambridge, via email at r.gunn@ywcacambridge.ca.
About Soroptimist International of Cambridge:
Soroptimist believes in the power of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to shape their own destinies when given the right support. Through their work in 120 countries, Soroptimists create opportunities for women and girls to rise above challenges and transform their lives.
About YWCA Cambridge:
For 75 years, YWCA Cambridge has been a leader in providing responsive programming and services that meet the evolving needs of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. As a member of YWCA Canada, YWCA Cambridge is part of the country’s oldest and largest multi-service women’s organization.
