Connie Mason Michaelis | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
CONNIE: Good conversations with honest and open people. Books, ideas, and loving relationships.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
CONNIE: The combination of a worldwide pandemic, volatile politics, racial struggles, social inequality, magnified by the fuel of social media has been overwhelming. But it is also the opportunity to consciously be part of the solution and not part of the problem. It is a time to share more love, more kindness, more forgiveness, more thoughtfulness, to everyone we come in contact with. We have a lot of work to do!
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
CONNIE: This has been a great opportunity for me to pursue my spiritual path. It is a perfect time to read the wisdom of great teachers, practice silence and meditation. The result of that is a measure of peace, inspiration, and creativity.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
CONNIE: My parents told me to do my best and be my best. And as Maya Angelou reminds us, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." So your best is constantly changing. The advice I give today is you're just now old enough to be your finest self. The third act of your life can be the best!
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
CONNIE: Topeka is coming into its own. Over my 20 years here, I've seen vast improvement in Topeka's self-image. When I first came to Topeka, I was shocked at longtime Topekans who were so negative about the possibilities of this great city. I see that is changing now. I would say that in the last few years this city has made huge progress towards a healthy self-image. The issues the world is dealing with have certainly not escaped us, but there is a sense of cooperation and willingness to find solutions. The future is bright!
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?
CONNIE: I would only add to the YWCA mission by saying that another powerful ‘ism’ that must be addressed is ageism. Ageism affects older women to a greater extent than men. Some of our most significant community resources are lost when older women are denied the same respect and opportunity as those who are younger. When we empower young women, they will grow into powerful and influential mentors, guides, and advisors to another generation. Women of all ages need empowerment!
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.
