Melanie Hasselman | YWCA Women of Excellence
Melanie Hasselman
Communications
Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
Melanie is a young woman who leads by example in her personal and professional life. Being a mother of two daughters she ensures they are put first and have great examples around them. Melanie has changed positions in our Division this last year and has taken on this new challenge with verve, as she does with everything in life. She is a leader to those around her, often mentoring other women to help them achieve their goals. Melanie is passionate and determined to the field she works in, but most importantly, a passion for spreading kindness throughout our agency and community.
Melanie has seen her share of personal tragic set backs, but never has this deterred her from going above and beyond in her daily duties at work or helping a fellow coworker or citizen within the community. Often she is seen putting work first and foremost in her life to meet agency and division goals and works tirelessly to achieving those goals. She is a team player and builds up those around her while being seen as a leader by many throughout the agency. She is fearless in that no project is too daunting, and if she hits a wall she redirects and finds a way to make it work. Her positivity is infectious in all of her interactions building relationships and connecting divisions within the agency.
Melanie is quick to volunteer for any activity or event that serves our community or an individual going through difficult times. She takes charges of our agency's Project Topeka events, Keep America Beautiful Park clean ups as well as fundraisers for families within the agency who need assistance. Due to her strong "can do it" attitude, she lead the agency's Project Topeka Team to breaking the record for money raised for their event.
TK: What inspires you?
MELANIE: My two daughters, my family and the people that I have been fortunate to work with.
TK: What advice do you have for others?
MELANIE: Never settle. Whether it’s in your personal or professional life, it is never too late to start over.
“Start over, my darling. Be brave enough to find the life you want and courageous enough to chase it. Then start over and love yourself the way you were always meant to.” —Madalyn Beck.
TK: What is the greatest lesson you have learned on your journey?
MELANIE: “You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” —Brene Brown
“You must be big enough to admit your mistakes, smart enough to learn from them, and strong enough to correct them.” —John C. Maxwell
The YWCA is on a mission to empower women at all stages in their careers. Diversity in leadership is particularly vital to our vibrant business community in the Greater Topeka Area.
The YWCA is celebrating 31 years of recognizing Women of Excellence in our community with the theme “Dare to be Powerful.” We dare to be powerful, despite whatever obstacles may present themselves along the way.
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
- Audre Lorde
