YWCA Women of Excellence: Teresa Baker

What inspires you?

It pains me to think about individuals and families who are presently suffering due to the state of our world. Though I often find inspiration by acts of kindness, small and large-scale, and I have faith that as the anthem of the civil rights movement conveys, "We Shall Overcome."

I am also inspired by: Nobile ambition; Fearless people who lack credentials yet accumulate achievements; Those who think in terms of we rather than me; People who can discuss their differences with an open mind; Individuals who strive to overcome substantial adversity with slow and arduous efforts; Witnessing people from diverse cultures uniting with community leaders, and those they perceive are causing oppression, for the outcome of gaining insight, understanding and impactful change.

What advice do you have for others?

Keep your family as your most important obligation. A negative can be turned into a positive. Take responsibility for failure as well as success. Hire people who are so good, they just may take YOUR job.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned on your journey?

Always treat people with kindness and understand you don't know what obstacles people are facing.

What does your vision for our community look like?

A community where race, color, national origin, disability, gender, and zip code do not reflect negatively on the health care, jobs, incomes, housing, schools and safety of Topekans. A culture that uses the best problem-solving, open-minded, and creative practices that convey everyone is valued, and there is zero-tolerance for disrespectful and un-inclusive behavior.

What does "Equal - Powerful - Unstoppable" mean to you?

While serving in the U.S. Army, in the early 1980s, I learned quickly that I was going to have to try harder to overcome certain obstacles because of my gender. The impact of this lesson has helped me through numerous challenges. Each day I embrace the Army's motto - suck it up and drive onward.