Jacqueline Hyland, MD | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
HYLAND: I am inspired by my children, Sam and Lolly and my husband, Tim. I am inspired when I see people who are scared or nervous, reaching out for help because they know we all must move forward despite the obstacles. I am inspired by the nursing leadership at TUKHS St. Francis Campus because they are the hardest working group of women and men with huge hearts working tirelessly together to make sure their patients receive the best care possible.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
HYLAND: I love working and being on a team with kind, compassionate people who's mission is to help others and make the world a better place. If you have good, kind, hardworking and aligned teammates and a common goal bigger than any individual in the group, you can accomplish anything.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
HYLAND: I have the best husband in the world who takes really good care of me. He never stops me from doing what I am passionate about and is always there when I need to rest or for a shoulder to cry on. He is also a wonderful cook and the funniest person I have ever met. I feel very grateful to be with someone who not only makes me smile everyday but make be belly laugh everyday. I also love to exercise and I try to sleep enough and eat well and prioritize my day to do all the important things but take time to notice the little things because I am finding they are often the important things.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
HYLAND: Start by doing what is necessary; then what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. Quote from St. Francis of Assisi. I say this to myself when feeling overwhelmed and needing to take baby steps toward a big goal. I also love Anne Lamott's book "Bird by Bird" giving the same sentiment.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
HYLAND: My vision for this community if for everyone to feel safe walking down the street at night no matter where they are or what they look like. My vision has not changed because of the last year but I feel it more to my core. Its been a heart breaking year seeing the regressive behaviors of many traditional leaders showing us structural racism and sexism is still profoundly prevalent in our society and community today. We have a lot of work to do both on ourselves as individuals and as a 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?
HYLAND: The mission of YWCA is one of hope and peace. Bringing women together, to work on eliminating racial and economic barriers so all humans can learn, explore and flourish in their communities and beyond.
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.
