Emeritus Award Honoree | Kak Eli-Schneider
TK: What does this honor mean to you both personally and professionally?
Kak: Personally I am completely humbled to even be considered as a Woman of Influence in Topeka. This city is full of incredible women who are movers in their careers. The recognition is nice, especially being a recent retiree. I worked for 30 yrs hoping to make an impact in the lives of young people.
Professionally my desire has always been to be a voice in the community promoting
Inclusion. I have strived to do this through providing inclusive opportunities for youth & young adults. I was blessed to teach for 25yrs at Washburn Rural High School and they supported me exploring and creating programs that brought ALL students together, modeling that we are all more alike than different. Currently with Young Life Capernaum I opened the doors to teaching the gospel through fun & adventure in a manner more easily understood to our friends identified with disabilities alongside their non identified peers. Woolly Farms Foundation, a non-profit I direct, has provided a space to allow adults of all abilities to grow, shine and give back to the community in which they live. This award breeds awareness of the importance of including all people. It's ok to think outside the box; isn’t the world a more beautiful place when diversity and inclusion are evident, I think so!
TK: How would you describe your leadership style?
Kak: I would say my leadership style is most like a servant/coach style. I try to lead by example, motivating through positive interactions and earning the right to be heard by those I work with or serve. I am a relationship person and thrive in environments that allow me to be hands on teaching, learning or demonstrating. I am extremely protective of those I work with and for. I will go to extreme lengths to advocate for them.
TK: Who has inspired you the most throughout your journey?
Kak: My students & the adults I have worked with who are identified with disabilities. Experiencing their pride in accomplishment, the joy of participation, their longing for acceptance and the gifts they have to share is intoxicating. Being witness to the lessons they teach those of us not identified with a disability is undeniably beautiful.
TK: What is one piece of advice you have for young females at the beginning stages of their careers?
Kak: Follow your heart, be true to you & don’t be afraid to push the boundaries!
TK: If you could have one superpower what would it be?
Kak: If I had a Superpower I would want to be invisible. So I could just hang out and take things in & no one would know I was there.
