Catch up with Trudy Ender, CEO of Women's Resource Center.
After graduating from Central Michigan University, Trudy Ender's first job was working as a legal secretary for Michigan Protection & Advocacy, where she focused on disability rights. This experience ignited Ender's passion for advocacy, and she has since spent 13 years leading and serving at three non-profit organizations in West Michigan: Susan G. Komen, Refugee Education Center, and Humane Society of West Michigan. Ender has also dedicated 12 years to government service and working in human resources and community outreach with for profit businesses.
Ender's passion for serving others has only grown over the years. Early this past summer, she was announced as the new CEO of Women's Resource Center (WRC). At the heart of WRC, Ender says, lies the resilience and strength of the women they serve. We caught up with Ender as she takes on the honor of leading WRC into its next chapter, building on its strong foundation and exploring new avenues for empowerment and advocacy.
What makes you passionate about ensuring women in our community have the resources and support needed to thrive?
As a firm believer in Roma Gupta Sinha's words, "Empowered women, empower women," I've experienced firsthand the positive ripple effect of our mission, focusing on workforce development for women, on their families and the community. Just as other women have walked alongside me, I'm grateful for the opportunity to do the same. Every woman deserves to be empowered and supported to enhance their financial independence.
Many of our participants face numerous challenges, including gender inequity, racism, limited access to education, healthcare and sanitation, transportation, housing, affordable daycare, family caregiving responsibilities, the costs and burdens of pregnancy, inadequate social safety nets, low-paying work and violence. Support, resources, economic independence, and empowerment are fundamental rights for women, and WRC is an important community resource for overcoming these barriers.
I have a deep personal connection to WRC's mission. My mom, Joan, worked multiple part-time jobs while raising our family. When my sisters and I were old enough to be home in the afternoons after school, she was encouraged to apply for a full-time job in the kitchen at the local hospital. With her friend's encouragement, my mom helped our family achieve greater financial stability and added so much to her own life.
Under your leadership, how do you plan to grow WRC's efforts?
WRC has been a cornerstone in the community, offering a wide range of services including counseling, educational programs, job training and more. With our fantastic team and volunteers, WRC will continue to expand our reach and enhance programs to meet the evolving needs of women in local communities and beyond. I'd love to see a WRC in each major city in the nation. For local and continued growth, we have and will continue to collaborate and grow partnerships to sustain and soar in our mission.
How can the community aid in WRC's mission and vision?
Together, we'll continue to create opportunities for growth, healing and empowerment, ensuring that every woman we serve has the resources and support she needs to thrive. Collaboration and connection are critical, and community support is crucial. Thankfully, we have a strong community that cares. Specific ways the community can get involved include volunteering, donations, and advocacy.
Learn more at grwrc.org.
Edited by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Oct/Nov '24 issue of West Michigan Woman.
Photo courtesy of Jesamin Danielson of Emery & Co. Photography.
