York College Joins YWCA York’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®
Downtown York got a splash of pink Friday evening as York College President Thomas Burns laced up his pink Converse and joined other members of the York College community for YWCA York’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event.
The annual walk invites men to literally step into women’s shoes, often high heels or other bold footwear, to spark conversation and raise awareness about ending sexual violence against women. YWCA York’s event raises vital funds for the organization’s Victim Services programming, which provides free, safe, and confidential support for survivors of sexualized violence in York County.
York College’s group of 25 walkers included students, faculty, staff, and York Country Day School employees, showing the College’s commitment to rallying around important causes in the York community. Students from YCCOSP, the Promise Program, and Eisenhart Scholars had a strong presence at the event, alongside members of several fraternities and sororities, underscoring the wide-reaching engagement across campus.
Thanks to the generosity of a donor, who is also a York College Trustee, all College walkers had their registration sponsored, helping ensure strong student involvement in the walk.
“This event is such a powerful reminder that change begins when we band together,” Dr. Burns said. “I’m proud of our students and colleagues for showing up in such a meaningful way. York College is deeply committed to being part of the solution in raising awareness and supporting survivors.”
Carly Legg Wood, Executive Director of the York College Center for Community Engagement, helped organize the College’s participation. She was thrilled to see such a strong turnout. “It’s inspiring to watch our community lean into this event with both energy and compassion. It shows that York College is not only invested in education, but also in standing alongside our partners in York to create a safer, more supportive community.”
YWCA York CEO Kim Bracey praised the College’s strong showing. “Having York College stand with us in this walk is so meaningful,” Bracey said. “It sends a clear message that our community’s leaders, educators, and students are united in saying no to sexual violence and yes to healing and hope. Together, we are walking toward a safer York.”
As York College’s team walked shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of others through downtown York, the mood was upbeat, spirited, and full of pink. Behind the smiles and laughter, however, was a serious and unifying purpose: taking steps toward ending sexual violence.
York College’s participation in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is one of many ways the College lives out its mission of service and community partnership. By joining with organizations like YWCA York, the College continues to demonstrate its dedication not only to educating students inside the classroom, but also to empowering them to be active citizens who help build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate York.
