YWCA Women of Excellence: Meg Wilson
What inspires you?
I am inspired daily by my amazing family heritage. Against all odds my ancestors' emigrated from Ireland in the 1800's and from Norway in the early 1900's. Through their faith in Jesus Christ and their desire for a better life, they embraced the hardships of discrimination, poverty, and leaving their families behind to start a new life in this amazing country I now live. I am especially inspired when I look at my Grandma McMahon's teaching license knowing that after she raised her younger siblings, she boarded a train and traveled across Nebraska to Creighton University to earn her teaching degree in 1923.
What advice do you have for others?
We have all been blessed with inner strengths. Find your strengths, love yourself for "you are who God made you" and use your talents confidently to live a life of good works.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned on your journey?
I have learned that even though my grandparents lived in poverty, they did not have a poverty mindset. My grandparents raised my parents to be hard working, get an education, and enjoy the freedom of living in America. I have been blessed with an inner determination to continually move myself forward and truly appreciate my career choices to serve in the Education field.
What does your vision for our community look like?
My vision is that our community is a safe harbor for our families so that our youth, are our most precious natural resources, get to enjoy their childhood. I also support providing a safe platform to listen to our Topeka families and our business owners to hear their ideas for what will work to make their neighborhoods safer. Develop those ideas so we can strengthen the network of people who are working to improve safer streets, the education system, and advocating for our youth and adults who do not have a voice.
What does "Equal - Powerful - Unstoppable" mean to you?
Family-Education-Faith are key components in Equal-Powerful-Unstoppable. Integrity, determination, grit, and passion for a healthy fruitful life have no racial boundaries. These are terms of action taken not inaction waited upon to receive.
