YWCA Mankato is so excited to have a tree at this year’s Kiwanis Lights in Mankato, MN. Our tree’s theme this year; “Tree of Resilience: Rooted in Herstory” is a tribute to the strength, courage, and brilliance of women of color, both past and present. Each ornament represents a powerful figure whose contributions have shaped our world, from activists and leaders to artists and innovators.

At YWCA Mankato, we are committed to eliminating racism and empowering women. This tree reflects our mission by honoring the legacies of those who have paved the way for justice, equality, and empowerment, and by inspiring future generations to continue this vital work. Rooted in the values of resilience and community, this tree serves as a symbol of the ongoing fight for equity and social change.

Read about the incredible women featured on our tree below:

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977)

A tireless advocate for voting rights and women's rights, Fannie Lou Hamer was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Hamer’s activism began with her efforts to register Black voters in Mississippi, facing violence and oppression but never backing down. She co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and famously declared, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” becoming a symbol of courage and resilience in the fight for justice.

Ella Baker (1903–1986)

A leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Ella Baker was known for her grassroots activism and dedication to empowering young people. She worked behind the scenes with organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and helped guide the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Her philosophy of participatory democracy and collective leadership left a lasting legacy in social justice movements.

Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)

Frida Kahlo is celebrated for her powerful self-portraits and unapologetic depiction of personal pain and Mexican culture. As a feminist icon, Kahlo’s work continues to inspire, challenging societal norms about beauty, gender, and identity. Her unique combination of surrealism, folklore, and vivid colors has made her an enduring symbol of strength and creativity.

Maya Angelou (1928–2014)

A renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou’s life and works inspired generations. Her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and her poem “Still I Rise” embody resilience, self-love, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Angelou's advocacy for equality, freedom, and human dignity continues to influence literature, activism, and social justice.

Katherine Johnson (1918–2020)

A pioneering mathematician at NASA, Katherine Johnson made critical contributions to the success of the U.S. space program, calculating flight paths and trajectories for astronauts. Despite the racial and gender barriers she faced, Johnson’s work helped pave the way for future generations of women and people of color in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992)

Marsha P. Johnson was a Black transgender activist and co-founder of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization that supported homeless and LGBTQ+ youth. Johnson’s role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 cemented her as a key figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and her fight for trans rights and liberation continues to inspire activists today.

Autumn Peltier 

A passionate Anishinaabe water rights advocate from Canada, Autumn Peltier has been an outspoken voice for environmental justice since she was a child. Her work focuses on protecting freshwater resources and raising awareness about the impact of climate change on Indigenous communities. Peltier’s dedication to preserving water as a sacred resource has made her a global symbol of environmental activism.

Laverne Cox 

An Emmy-nominated actress and LGBTQ+ advocate, Laverne Cox broke barriers as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, Cox uses her platform to raise awareness about transgender issues, fight for equality, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

Malala Yousafzai 

A Pakistani advocate for girls’ education, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate in 2014. After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban for advocating girls' right to education, Malala’s global activism has inspired millions and continues to lead efforts to ensure all girls can access education worldwide.

Ilhan Omar

Ilhan Omar made history as the first Somali-American elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Minnesota’s 5th district. As a progressive voice for human rights, justice, and equality, Omar has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights, climate justice, and racial equity. Her rise to political power continues to inspire young women of color to engage in politics and social change.

Claudia Sheinbaum

A scientist and politician, Claudia Sheinbaum became the first woman elected as President of Mexico. Known for her work in environmental science and her progressive policies, Sheinbaum advocates for sustainability, gender equality, and social justice, making significant strides in transforming urban policy in Mexico.

Winona LaDuke 

An environmental activist from the White Earth Nation, Winona LaDuke is a powerful advocate for Indigenous rights, sustainable farming, and climate justice. She co-founded the Indigenous environmental organization Honor the Earth, and her work centers around preserving Indigenous land and culture while fighting for environmental sustainability.

Rima Sultana Rimu 

Rima Sultana Rimu is a Bangladeshi human rights activist who advocates for the rights of marginalized groups, including women and refugees. She has dedicated her life to fighting gender-based violence, promoting social justice, and empowering women in her community, working with various organizations to create a more inclusive society.

Sarah Mardini

A Syrian refugee and athlete, Sarah Mardini became a symbol of resilience after she helped save fellow refugees by swimming across the Aegean Sea to reach safety. Since then, she has been a passionate advocate for refugee rights, focusing on issues such as migration, access to safety, and the protection of human dignity.

Megan Bull Bear 

The owner of Lakota Made, Megan Bull Bear is a fierce advocate for Native culture, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Through her work, she honors Lakota traditions and crafts while building economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. Bull Bear’s entrepreneurial efforts also emphasize ethical practices and support for Native artists.

Dr. Dani Scott 

Dr. Dani Scott is a professor and social justice activist committed to education and equity. As an advocate for marginalized communities, Scott’s work focuses on creating inclusive spaces in higher education while promoting the values of diversity and community engagement.

Saarah Hassan

A Mankato West alumnus, Saarah Hassan is an outspoken activist for social justice, particularly focusing on issues related to racial equality, education, and immigrant rights. Her leadership in various local initiatives has made her a prominent young voice for change in the Mankato community.

Ciree Cox

A graduate of Minnesota State University, Ciree Cox is a health equity activist who works to address disparities in healthcare and promote wellness in marginalized communities. Her advocacy for inclusive health policies and community-driven solutions continues to make an impact in promoting health justice.

Peggy Flanagan

Peggy Flanagan is the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota and the first Native American woman to hold this office in the state’s history. As a member of the White Earth Nation, Flanagan’s political career has focused on social justice, economic equity, and Indigenous rights. Her leadership continues to inspire the next generation of political leaders.

Najwa Massad

The first woman to serve as Mayor of Mankato, Najwa Massad is a trailblazer in local politics, working to enhance community engagement and create policies that promote inclusivity and justice. Her leadership has brought new perspectives and opportunities to Mankato, especially for underrepresented communities.