In our “Meet Our Sheroes” series, we shine a spotlight the contributions of extraordinary women to their communities. It is with great pleasure that we present the following insights from Mayor Nancy Young, an inspiring leader who has dedicated her life to the empowerment of women and public service.
Global Women Power’s founder, Dr. Alka Madan had the privilege of interviewing Mayor Young, who has been a prominent figure in Tracy, California. Mayor Young’s journey commenced during her childhood, and she has since accumulated more than 18 years of community involvement and residency in Tracy. Her dedication to assisting others was apparent from a young age, as she assumed leadership roles in elementary school, including the position of student body president and safety monitor. Her dedication to service continued to develop, resulting in her appointment as a Sunday school instructor and the supervision of youth ministries.
She expressed her desire to participate in discussions, contribute ideas, and organise initiatives that would benefit others. This philosophy motivated her to attend city council meetings for four years prior to her own election. She was elected as a council member in 2012 and subsequently became mayor, accumulating a total of 12 years in public office.
A question that many aspiring leaders may have: “How much time does this job require?” was posed by Dr. Alka. Mayor Young underscored that the level of commitment is contingent upon one’s level of dedication. “It is a full-time position,” she clarified, mentioning that her typical workweek as mayor is approximately 60 hours. She emphasised the significance of community engagement by sharing how she used her personal time off to attend meetings and training sessions.
The discrepancy between government actions and community awareness is a substantial obstacle that numerous cities encounter. Mayor Young acknowledges this disparity and is committed to bridging it. “It is a demonstration of my genuine concern,” she clarified. Her position enables her to cultivate relationships and inspire community engagement through the promotion of initiatives.
For instance, she referenced her involvement with Tracy Connects, a program that was designed to unite the community, civic organisations, and local nonprofits. The annual event fosters a sense of connectivity by facilitating residents’ comprehension of the resources and opportunities that are available.
Mayor Young’s commitment to the empowerment of young people is demonstrated through her initiatives, such as providing paid internships for students. She stated,“I’m the first mayor to put that into place to help… not only give our students exposure to other opportunities within city government but also a paycheck.” In addition to fostering financial independence, this program also fosters a sense of community engagement and responsibility among students.
Another area in which Mayor Young concentrates her efforts is the attraction of businesses to the city. She plays a critical role in economic development by establishing relationships with potential business owners and promoting the city’s assets. She emphasised the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in order to foster community progress, stating, “It is not just about the businesses, but it is the whole pipeline,” which encompasses workforce development and mentorship programs.
Mayor Nancy Young is a genuine hero in her community, embodying the spirit of empowerment and service. The impact of dedication, leadership, and a heart for service is illustrated by her voyage. Undoubtedly, her legacy of dedication to the residents of Tracy will continue to serve as an inspiration to future leaders as she nears the conclusion of her term.
Initially, Dr. Young emphasised Tracy’s distinctive allure, a city that is steeped in history and diversity. Tracy, which was founded in 1878, has developed into a logistics centre for Northern California. Tracy is distinguished from its neighbouring cities by its dedication to community service and an expanding housing market. Tracy’s strategic advantages present more opportunities for progress and cohesion, as Dr. Young underscores, despite the commendable development of cities such as Manteca and Stockton.
Dr. Young contemplates her twelve-year journey with gratitude as her mayoral term concludes in December. Her ardour for contributing to the community is derived from a profound yearning to effect change. She recognises the difficulty of transitioning from a voluntary position to one that provides financial compensation, demonstrating her dedication to effectively balancing personal satisfaction with practical requirements.
Dr. Young’s aspiration transcends her time as mayor; she endeavours to leverage her extensive network of connections and expertise to inspire others. She humorously expressed her desire to run for governor in 2026, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to public service and leadership.
Dr. Young shared her views on ageing and the importance of maintaining a youthful spirit during a light-hearted moment. She reflected on a dream in which she experienced an abrupt ageing process with a light-hearted demeanour. She articulated her aspiration to age gracefully and accepted the wisdom that accrues from experience. Her dedication to personal positivity is apparent in her approach to well-being. Dr. Young underscores the necessity for women to prioritise their mental and emotional health and the significance of self-care. She promotes the importance of women surrounding themselves with supportive individuals who offer candid feedback and guidance.Dr. Young is a proponent of mentorship and encourages women to be courageous in their pursuit of their objectives. She advocates for women to embrace their assets and capabilities without hesitation, challenging societal norms that frequently impede women.
Dr. Young’s writing is a noteworthy component of her legacy. She intends to impart her experiences and lessons learnt to future generations by authoring numerous publications. “Authentically Me,” one of her forthcoming initiatives, aims to motivate others to embrace their distinctive journeys.
Dr. Young’s counsel resonates with individuals who are seeking to establish their legacy: “You have to just try it. All they can say is no.”By adopting this empowering perspective, we can collectively progress towards our aspirations, thereby establishing a legacy of inspiration and fortitude for future generations.
She underscored the significance of partnership and support in the pursuit of success as she contemplated her voyage. The significance of strong relationships in personal and professional development is underscored by her narrative.
Dr. Young’s journey commenced during her high school years when she encountered her spouse, a pastor and publisher. Their pathways crossed numerous times during church events, which ultimately resulted in a partnership in ministry. A testament to their shared dedication to community service, they co-founded His Image Ministries.
Dr. Young’s enthusiasm for volunteerism is consistent with her husband’s involvement in local organisations and mentoring. She emphasised the significance of having a supportive partner, stating, “He is a strong man that I lean back on.” Dr. Young is of the opinion that the success of an individual is frequently contingent upon the presence of a strong companion, which serves to reinforce the notion that the strength of relationships is a significant factor in individual success. Dr. Young establishes analogies between her experiences and those of Simone Biles, the accomplished gymnast. She comprehends the importance of having a strong support system, as does Biles. Dr. Young declared, ““You need people that are going to help build you.” As she recalled, this concept extends beyond personal relationships and incorporates the broader community and mentorship. She encouraged a young girl to attempt reading with confidence.
Evelyn Tolbert, her mentor, encouraged her to pursue a career in politics, as she recognised potential in her that Dr. Young had not yet acknowledged. Tolbert, in a bold move, encouraged her to run for council and even facilitated the process by having her sign the requisite documents. “Sometimes we have to recognize that in other people and push them and say you’re ready. So it’s time to do it,” She commented, “It is now time to take action,” emphasising the significance of mentorship and confidence in others.
When questioned about her candidature for mayor, Dr Young contemplated the uncertainties that overshadowed her campaign. She ultimately achieved success, despite her reluctance, demonstrating that occasionally venturing beyond one’s comfort zone can result in unforeseen success.
Dr. Nancy Young’s narrative demonstrates that the power of mentorship, community, and partnership can inspire individuals to achieve excellence. Her narrative inspires women to cultivate the next generation of leaders by fostering supportive relationships and serving as mentors themselves.
Let us all endeavour to empower one another in the manner of Dr. Young’s wisdom, acknowledging that we can accomplish extraordinary feats when we work together. Therefore, whether you are a woman who aspires to make a significant impact or an individual who can motivate others, it is important to remember that “all they can say is no.” Therefore, embark on your journey, embrace your identity, and establish the legacy you aspire to.
In high school, Dr. Young initiated her leadership journey by running for the position of student body vice president. She was taken aback when she discovered that she had won without having submitted her own vote. “I forgot to vote for myself because I was at a meeting that afternoon,,” she explained. Her sister and best companion also neglected to provide their support. Dr. Young emerged victorious, which marked the beginning of her journey into leadership, despite their absence.
Her unexpected victory established the foundation for her subsequent endeavour: the subsequent year, she ran for student body president, a position that no one opposed her for. This experience instilled in her the significance of establishing connections with others. She underscored the importance of consistently ascertaining the concerns of individuals. She was able to establish a community around her leadership by respectfully listening to and valuing the voices of others.
The power of representation was a valuable lesson that Dr. Young learnt from her experience in student government. “When we give people a chance to have their voice, it truly does matter,” she stated, emphasising the importance of inclusive dialogue in any leadership position.
The same principles are reflected in her transition from student leadership to the position of mayor. She is of the opinion that the favour and support one receives in elections can be derived from the ability to comprehend and address the requirements of the community, irrespective of one’s background or resources. She further emphasised her conviction that genuine leadership is derived from a dedication to service, rather than wealth or prestige, by stating, “God can give favour to whomever He wants.”
With an eye towards her future, Dr. Young is considering her political aspirations, which include the possibility of running for governor. She observed, “Being elected as the president of the PTA requires the same level of favouritism as being elected as governor.” Her self-assurance in her abilities is indicative of a profound comprehension of the political environment, emphasising that success is achievable for anyone who is prepared to contribute to their community.
Dr. Young’s narrative serves as a poignant reminder that leadership is not exclusively determined by affluence or connections. Rather, it is centred on the capacity to listen, comprehend, and advocate for those you support. As she prepares to make a lasting impact on Tracy and potentially beyond, her journey serves as an inspiration to others to engage in the democratic process, elevate their voices, and step forward.
Dr. Nancy Young’s journey functions as a beacon for all aspiring leaders. It underscores that genuine leadership is founded on a steadfast dedication to community service, comprehension, and connection. Whether you are a student contemplating your first leadership role or a seasoned professional seeking to make a difference, it is important to remember that your voice is significant. Step out with confidence, listen to the demands of your community, and engage with them. Ultimately, the path to leadership commences with a single action, a concept that Dr. Young has enthusiastically adopted.
At Global Women Power, we are of the opinion that each woman possesses the capacity to serve as a leader in her own right. A shining example of how a single woman’s dedication to service and community can motivate change on a larger scale is Dr. Nancy Young’s narrative. We aspire to encourage more women to assume leadership positions and make a positive impact on their communities by continuing to showcase the tales of extraordinary women in our “Meet Our Sheroes” series.
Dr. Young’s legacy of community engagement, mentorship, and leadership is a source of inspiration for future generations. We anticipate the numerous methods by which she will continue to inspire and empower those in her vicinity as she advances in her life. Let her story serve as a reminder to us all to utilise our voices, provide mutual support, and endeavour to achieve excellence in all aspects of our lives.
