Women’s Empowerment Intern Spotlight: Taniya Webber and Roseanna Brigham
We are fortunate to have some bright, hard-working interns this spring at the YW. We recently got to know two of the UNCA students who are working with Crystal Reid in Women’s Empowerment. Crystal says that Taniya Webber and Roseanna Brigham have “stepped right up, and become an integral part of the team” as they support Crystal in Getting Ahead, the YW’s financial literacy program.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and what brought you to the YWCA
Taniya: I am currently a senior at UNCA. After graduation, I plan to take a gap year and then attend graduate school for my master’s in social work and later become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to practice therapy. The YWCA’s mission is what brought me to the organization. This is one of my first internships, and I wanted to ensure I worked with an organization that valued my identity and served those in need. I’ve deeply valued learning more about all that the YWCA does for its community.
Roseanna: I’m an undergrad studying psychology at UNC Asheville. This spring, I enrolled in a new course entitled “Practicum in Health Psychology,” focusing on the bio-psycho-social model of improving health. I wanted an internship that would involve working with women’s issues in some capacity. My family lives in Winston-Salem, and I was familiar with the YWCA there, so the YWCA of Asheville was one of the places I reached out to, and I found Women’s Empowerment and (assistant director of WE) Crystal Reid.
Tell me about what you do in Women’s Empowerment.
Taniya: In Women’s Empowerment, I have been assisting Crystal Reid with preparation for the next cohort of Getting Ahead while gaining insight into the inner workings of non-profit organizations.
Roseanna: I support Crystal by figuring out the logistics that keep GA humming, like negotiating with local restaurants to provide meals for GA participants. I’m proud to be an extra set of hands, and some of the most important things I’ve learned are that the details matter, and you have to put your expectations aside and meet people where they are. Flexibility is key.
What are you most proud of in your work with the YW?
Taniya: I am most proud of the wonderful connections I have made with staff and community leaders in Asheville. I have been able to connect with other nonprofits, social workers, and mental health professionals who could help shape my future.
Roseanna: I’m proud to have a part in coordinating the support that Crystal and Getting Ahead provides to the women in the program. I’m inspired and motivated by the idea that by taking care of yourself, you are better able to take care of your community.
Who was an important or inspirational woman/person in your life growing up (and why?)
Taniya: The most inspirational woman in my life growing up has been my grandmother. Despite the hardships she has faced throughout her life, she still strives to be a kind and giving individual to any and everyone. Her soul is truly pure, and I will forever admire her for that.
Roseanna: Everyone says the most influential woman in their life is Mom, but my mother really is a big influence on me. I have a younger sister, and we like to say we are a ‘family that makes things work’.” My mother always has my back, and I know she is in my corner. I am happy to be able to provide that kind of support to the women in Getting Ahead.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Taniya: I think people would be surprised by the hardships I’ve had to endure. The hurdles I have overcome to break generational curses.
Roseanna: My whole family moved to NC from Virginia so that my sister and I could go to NC universities. My parents are older, and were thinking in terms of where to retire as well as where we could attend college.
We are lucky to have Taniya and Roseanna on our team!
