Upcoming Events

Feb
10

Career Coaching: Is Your Resume Working for You?

Make your resume work harder for you in this focused, practical workshop. Learn the key words that get past resume robots, understand why accomplishments matter, and explore different resume styles. You’ll develop a strong profile statement, master the 15-second review, and discover how to turn your resume into a powerful branding and marketing tool.

Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome.

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Feb
10

Career Coaching: Why Should I Hire You? Practice Interviewing

Step into the employer’s shoes and sharpen your interview skills in this small, personalized workshop. Practice clearly communicating the problems you can solve, telling impactful stories, and preparing for phone, Zoom, and in-person interviews. Learn how to position yourself as the best choice and leave with renewed confidence that you will be hired.

Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome.

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Feb
12

Menstrual & Reproductive Equity Event: Know Your Body Day

We created Know Your Body Day event as a way to learn, share, and have fun while exploring menstrual and reproductive health! You will get the chance to connect with awesome local organizations and clubs from Berkeley and Oakland that care about these important topics. You can also visit a period products table to create your very own menstrual kit!

Come learn, ask questions, and discover something new in a safe and supportive space!

📅 Date: Thursday February 12th
⏰ Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
📍 Location: YWCA Berkeley/Oakland – 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA
 What’s available: Workshops, resources, light refreshments, snacks, period products and more!

‼️Did You Know?‼️

February 12th is Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day!

This is a day that focuses on breaking taboos and promoting education about sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). It aims to improve the overall well-being for all ages and backgrounds through education and awareness.

Let us know you are attending
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Feb
12

Afro Dance with Karma

Afro Dance Workout with Karma is a one-hour dance class experience that features a variety of dance styles. This class incorporates the genres of dance Karma has studied throughout her career including but not limited to Afrobeats, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Congolese, and more. Each class starts with a warm up and ends with a cool down.  

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed.

RSVP HERE
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Feb
17

Wellness: Rest as Resistance with Shirley Johnson

In honor of Black History Month, this candlelit yoga and sound bath experience is rooted in the powerful affirmation that rest is a form of resistance. Inspired by the teachings of Tricia Hersey and The Nap Ministry, this gathering invites us to reclaim rest as a sacred, liberatory act in a culture that glorifies exhaustion—especially for Black bodies and communities.

Held on February 17, during the New Moon and Lunar New Year, this evening carries the energy of renewal, intention, and new beginnings. The new moon asks us to turn inward, while the Lunar New Year marks a collective threshold into a fresh cycle—making this an especially potent time to slow down, listen deeply, and set intentions rooted in restoration rather than productivity.

Through gentle movement, stillness, and immersive sound healing, we will create space to soften, exhale, and remember that rest is not a reward, but a right. Open to all, this practice centers the wisdom that slowing down is a way of healing, restoring dignity, and honoring ancestral resilience.

RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/jgkc5hWXKYGH9bw29

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Feb
19

Arts & Culture: Haitian Folkloric Dance with Portsha Jefferson

This FREE Haitian Folkloric dance and is done barefoot. Participants should wear comfortable clothing; a long, flowy Caribbean-style skirt is encouraged, but is not mandatory. The class introduces the technique of Haitian Folkloric dance, which brings to life a wide spectrum of diverse dance forms, and integrates the grace, strength, and fluidity of Haiti - the first free Black Republic in the world.

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed. 

RSVP HERE
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Feb
26

Afro Dance with Karma

Afro Dance Workout with Karma is a one-hour dance class experience that features a variety of dance styles. This class incorporates the genres of dance Karma has studied throughout her career including but not limited to Afrobeats, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Congolese, and more. Each class starts with a warm up and ends with a cool down.  

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed.

RSVP HERE
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Mar
5

Afro Dance with Karma

Afro Dance Workout with Karma is a one-hour dance class experience that features a variety of dance styles. This class incorporates the genres of dance Karma has studied throughout her career including but not limited to Afrobeats, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Congolese, and more. Each class starts with a warm up and ends with a cool down.  

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed.

RSVP HERE
View Event →

Feb
5

Arts & Culture: Haitian Folkloric Dance with Portsha Jefferson

This FREE Haitian Folkloric dance and is done barefoot. Participants should wear comfortable clothing; a long, flowy Caribbean-style skirt is encouraged, but is not mandatory. The class introduces the technique of Haitian Folkloric dance, which brings to life a wide spectrum of diverse dance forms, and integrates the grace, strength, and fluidity of Haiti - the first free Black Republic in the world.

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed. 

RSVP HERE
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Feb
3

Career Coaching: Find Meaningful Paid Work At a Nonprofit Organization

Explore rewarding career opportunities in the nonprofit sector! Identify a wide range of jobs and agencies from A to Z, discover job titles that fit your skills, and learn which websites are best for finding openings. Broaden your understanding of nonprofit work—from Human Services to Cultural organizations—and expand your possibilities to include Research and Advocacy roles. Take the next step toward meaningful, impactful work.

Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome.

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Jan
29

Afro Dance with Karma

Afro Dance Workout with Karma is a FREE one-hour dance class experience that features a variety of dance styles. This class incorporates the genres of dance Karma has studied throughout her career including but not limited to Afrobeats, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Congolese, and more. Each class starts with a warm up and ends with a cool down.  

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed.

RSVP HERE
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Jan
29

Financial Literacy Workshop: Visualizing Your Financial Future

Start the year with clarity and intention. This workshop combines financial reflection with creative vision-boarding to help participants better understand their relationship with money and set meaningful financial goals. Through conversation, prompts, and visualization, participants will reflect on where they’ve been financially, identify what they want to shift, and create a visual roadmap for the year ahead.

Doors open at 5:00PM

RSVP HERE
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Jan
27

Career Coaching: Where Can Your College Degree(s) Take You

Put your education to work with clarity and purpose. In this workshop, you’ll identify your academic and work skills, reflect on why you chose your field, and explore a wider range of career options. Expand your list of job possibilities, evaluate your network, and find where you truly fit in the world of work. Leave with a clear understanding of what it takes to move forward—and a commitment to making it happen.

Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome.

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Jan
27

Career Coaching: No College Degree - No Problem

You have more to offer than you think. In this empowering workshop, you’ll list and evaluate your skills, explore new job possibilities, and identify potential employers. Tackle your challenges with a solid plan, practice your personal pitch, and discover fresh strategies and resources. Build your network—and your confidence—as you commit to taking the next step toward success.

Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome.

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Jan
20

Career Coaching: Applying Your International Experience Here

Turn your global background into a career asset! In this workshop, you’ll name your skills, assess your unique strengths, and recognize the value of your international experience. Discover where your background can take you, who needs what you offer, and how to fill any skill gaps along the way. Explore new paths and leave with fresh ideas for putting your global expertise to work.

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Jan
20

Career Coaching: Get The Job You Want

Take charge of your career in this action-focused workshop. Assess your options, rediscover your strengths, and clarify your goals and timeline. You’ll explore the risks and rewards of change, learn how to build on your past experiences, and tap into the power of planned happenstance. Walk away ready to commit—and take the next step toward the job you want now.

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Jan
13

Career Coaching: Make Your Career Comeback

Have you been out of the paid workforce for a while, under-employed, or working below your skill level? Ready to level up but need inspiration? Wondering how to revamp your resume or improve your LinkedIn and social media presence? This workshop is designed to help you jumpstart your career, boost your confidence, and get back in the game stronger than ever.

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Career Coaching: Finding Your Career Path at Midlife
Jan
6

Career Coaching: Finding Your Career Path at Midlife

Are you in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70s? It’s time to focus on what truly matters to you—your passions, concerns, and strengths. Explore new possibilities and reflect on whether you want or need to work, and what kind of work fits your life now. Get ready to dream big and start planning your next fulfilling career chapter.

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Jan
6

Career Coaching: Turn Your Career Dreams into Reality

Get clear on what you truly want and identify what’s been holding you back. Explore what you’re already doing—and discover new actions you can take. Tap into fresh resources and ideas to break through barriers. Leave feeling unstuck, energized, and ready to move your career forward with confidence.

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Dec
20

Holiday Festival

Enjoy light refreshments, hot cocoa, face painting, games, cookie decorating, books, groceries, toy distribution and much more.

All activities and toys are free

This event is first-come, first-served. You’re welcome to call or email if you plan to join us, but it’s not required.

Disfruta de refrigerios, chocolate caliente, pintacaritas, juegos, decoración de galletas, libros, despensa, distribución de juguetes y mucho más.

Todas las actividades y juguetes son gratis

Este evento es por orden de llegada. Puedes llamarnos o enviarnos un correo si piensas acompañarnos, pero no es obligatorio. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

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Dec
18

Career Coaching

Make Your Career Comeback:

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
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Dec
18

Career Coaching

Create Your Personal Brand for Your Job Search:

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
View Event →
Dec
16

Career Coaching

Finding Your Career Path at Midlife:

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
View Event →
Dec
16

Career Coaching

Turn Your Career Dreams into Reality:

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
View Event →
Dec
9

Career Coaching

Profile Your Work Preferences:

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
View Event →
Dec
9

Career Coaching

10 Steps to a Successful Career Transition:

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
View Event →
Dec
4

Afro Dance Classes

Afro Dance with Karma is a one-hour weekly dance class experience that features a variety of dance styles. This class incorporates the genres of dance Karma has studied throughout her career including but not limited to Afrobeats, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Congolese, Bachata and more. Each class starts with a warm up and ends with a cool down. This class will give you a workout while having a lot of fun dancing to music of the African diaspora.

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed.

View Event →
Dec
2

Career Coaching

Find Meaningful Paid Work at a NonProfit Organization:

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
View Event →
Dec
2

Career Coaching

Find Employers That Need You: Your Proactive Job Search

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 
Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome. 
View Event →
Nov
25

Career Coaching

Small Personalized Coaching Workshops: Facilitator Claire Marchiano, Certified Career Counselor & Job Search Professional. All workshops held at Berkeley- Oakland YWCA 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley.

Email career@ywca-berkeley.org to RSVP. Drop-ins are also welcome.

View Event →
Nov
21

Turkey Food Pantry

Are you a student in the East Bay? Are you an international resident or student studying here this year? Are you a community member in the East Bay who would benefit from food assistance?

We’re excited to invite you to our YWCA Persimmon Turkey Food Pantry Distribution Day!

We’ll have fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, and more—free of charge to support our community. Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to come early with your grocery bag(s)

If you are concerned about scheduling and receiving your food, please reach out to isalinas@ywca-berkeley.org to reserve your order ahead of time.   

Distribution Day Details:
📅 Date: Thursday November 20th and Friday November 21st
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (while supplies last)
📍 Location: YWCA Berkeley/Oakland – 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA
🥕 What’s available: Fresh produce, dairy, meat, full sized frozen Turkey , eggs, and pantry staples
Questions: Call(510) 848-6370 or Email: isalinas@ywca-berkeley.org

Register here
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Nov
20

Afro Dance Classes

Afro Dance with Karma is a one-hour weekly dance class experience that features a variety of dance styles. This class incorporates the genres of dance Karma has studied throughout her career including but not limited to Afrobeats, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Congolese, Bachata and more. Each class starts with a warm up and ends with a cool down. This class will give you a workout while having a lot of fun dancing to music of the African diaspora.

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed.

View Event →
Nov
20

Turkey Food Pantry

Are you a student in the East Bay? Are you an international resident or student studying here this year? Are you a community member in the East Bay who would benefit from food assistance?

We’re excited to invite you to our YWCA Persimmon Turkey Food Pantry Distribution Day!

We’ll have fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, and more—free of charge to support our community. Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to come early with your grocery bag(s)

If you are concerned about scheduling and receiving your food, please reach out to isalinas@ywca-berkeley.org to reserve your order ahead of time.   

Distribution Day Details:
📅 Date: Thursday November 20th and Friday November 21st
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (while supplies last)
📍 Location: YWCA Berkeley/Oakland – 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA
🥕 What’s available: Fresh produce, dairy, meat, full sized frozen Turkey , eggs, and pantry staples
Questions: Call(510) 848-6370 or Email: isalinas@ywca-berkeley.org

Register here
View Event →
Nov
20

Healthy Relationships

This six session series will focus on examining the characteristics of healthy relationships. Each week will offer in depth discussion on a different characteristic. Meetings will be at 10:30AM -12:00PM each Thursday with a new topic of discussion:

- Nov 20th, 2025: Mutual respect and trust
- No meeting in December as we recharge for the new year
- Jan 22nd, 2026: Honesty, equity and consent
- Feb 19th, 2026: Compromise, interdependence and quality time
- Mar 19th, 2026: Safety: emotional, psychological and physical
- Apr 23rd, 2026: Reflective listening and emotional self regulation
- May 21st, 2026: Effective communication and conflict resolution

Come join us for light refreshments and engaging conversation on how to have healthier relationships in your life - romantic, friendship and family.

RSVP HERE
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Nov
18

Rooted in Rest: A Candlelight Yoga & Sound Journey

As autumn invites us to release and return inward, join us for an evening of slowing down in community. Join Shirley Johnson, certified yoga teacher & licensed psychotherapist, under the soft glow of candlelight. This gentle yoga and sound bath experience will guide you into deep rest and renewal. Allow the slowing rhythm of the season to remind your body how to soften, surrender, and release.

Join Shirley Johnson – LMFT, herbalist, yoga teacher, and sound healer – for 60 minutes of gentle, accessible movement, plant meditation, sound healing, and tea. We’ll begin promptly at 6:00 PM and close with an optional 15-minute conversation space for those who’d like to stay

What to Expect:

  • Gentle Yoga: Slow, soothing postures to unwind tension and ground into the body.

  • Guided Breath Meditation: Simple breathing practices to quiet the mind and balance the nervous system.

  • Sound Bath: Immersive tones of crystal bowls and gong to support deep relaxation and energetic rejuvenation.

This class is designed for all levels—no prior experience needed. Come as you are, ready to exhale, restore, and settle into the nurturing embrace of autumn’s calm.

Please bring your own yoga mat and eye mask, and any yoga props you prefer.  Dress warm in layers.

RSVP
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