YWCA Spokane announced the 2026 Women of Achievement honorees yesterday, an annual recognition of women whose leadership, vision, and dedication have shaped Spokane for the better.
Among this year’s honorees are several with close ties to Spokane Public Schools, including Shadle Park High School senior Anesu Whacha!
After becoming a Highlander her junior year, Anesu stepped into leadership roles in her school and the Spokane community immediately; she has served as president of the school’s Black Student Union, was elected Associated Student Body president this year, was crowned the inaugural Miss Juneteenth of Spokane, and became a Youth Connection columnist for The Black Lens. She also participates in cross country and wrestling, and serves in the MultiCare COPE Junior Health Scholars program with aspirations to become a pediatrician.
Also among this year’s honorees are Rogers High School teacher Jaime Stacy and Dr. Gloria Aston-Baynes, who began her career teaching reading and English in Spokane Public Schools and served in multiple roles before retiring in 2013.
Congratulations to these amazing women in our community!