Ariane Davis | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
Ariane: My children inspire me to get up each day and go beyond my best. I not only want to be a great mother to them I want to be a great role model. A role model that puts family and community first, a role model that believes hard work, determination, and never giving up are keys to success, a role model that believes we are all phenomenal and capable of great things.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
Ariane: I have learned how important mental health and self care are to being your best and for giving your best. I’ve learned that I can live out all my dreams and goals by trusting in God and never giving up.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
Ariane: I have days where I disconnect from my community work and focus on my family and myself. Whether it be spa days, travel, dinner dates with family and friends or cooking at home while watching movies.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
Ariane: The best advice that I have been given is to make others around me better that’s the definition of a leader. Inspiring others to go beyond their best. Serve others in every thing we do! People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
Ariane: My vision for our community is to create an environment where all people in the community are thriving. Where we all believe we are a part of the vision of making Topeka the best. Where quality of life and health is afforded to everyone. Where affordable housing is top priority. Where we aren’t judged by the color of our skin or limited by the color of our skin but our talents match the opportunities that we receive. Where everyone feels included in their place of business or in an organization. There’s room for all of us to win for all of us to be prosperous and for all of us to go out and and pursue happiness!
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?
Ariane: What the mission means to me is that if we all lived this mission consistently and enthusiastically our community will be one of the best places to live work and play for every person in Topeka. It takes all of us to make this mission come to life. We have to not just say those words but live them in action in our home, our place of business, our organizations, our sports teams, and with our neighbors.
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.
