Ann Shelton | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
ANN: The things that inspire me include participating in activities that require me to be creative which is typically outside my comfort zone as it does not always come easily to me. Friends that appreciate and respect me in good times and bad are an inspiration and well as participating in charitable activities alongside the individuals who never stop giving their time and resources. They always make me want to do better.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
ANN: Over the past year and a half I have learned that I can adapt when changes outside of our control impact our routine over an extended period of time. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to spend more time at home with family and being creative with activities and meal planning. I’ve realized the value of not having to be on the run day in and day out and to simply stop and enjoy what you have and do what is necessary to be safe and to take care of yourself.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
ANN: Exercising regularly is one of the most important things I do to help take care of myself. It helps me with so many things and is a great stress reliever. I strive to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep to have a good start to the day. I also like to spend time with friends who always make me feel important and are there whenever I need them.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
ANN: This is a toss-up between two regularly given by my mother and grandmother from an early age. The first advice was “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I see people hurt by words all of the time and it’s especially true in today’s environment. It’s no longer advice that children should hear but adults as well. The second is to be an independent woman and be able to take care of myself, which came as a result of my mother’s challenges from being a single mother.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
ANN: My vision for our community is to create and/or expand on initiatives to provide everyone the opportunity to excel in life and have the necessary tools at their disposal to help achieve that outcome. We need to make sure resources are readily accessible to help individuals become financially independent and take the measures necessary to live a safe and healthy life. I know programs exist to tackle these issues but are we where we need to be? Is the outreach sufficient to reach those who fall through the cracks and/or are unaware of the services that are available? Although this vision existed before the pandemic and racial injustices occurred, they further emphasize the importance of these goals and that we still have many gaps to fill to meet the needs of our community.
TK: The mission of YWCA is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. What does YWCA's mission mean to you?
ANN: What the YWCA mission means to me is working toward the creation of an environment where everyone is treated as an equal and given the same opportunities to feel important and develop self-confidence and self-esteem. It's about making positive changes to promote equity and fair treatment to all and helping women become their best selves.
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.
