Jessica Lehnherr | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
JESSICA: This shouldn’t be a hard question but it’s one I’ve struggled with probably because it’s a lot of things inspire me. Other than my incredible family, I would probably say service to others. Seeing others serve our community to make it a better place for ALL truly does inspire me to do more and learn more so I can be the best person for myself, my family and my community.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
JESSICA: Probably that I'm stronger and more resilient than I thought I was. And that's it's OK to not have all the answers.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
JESSICA: I make it a priority every day to take time for myself. I have worked really hard at enforcing boundaries for myself to leave work at work so I can take care of myself and my family. I find time to do things just for me, whether that’s reading a book or going for a walk. I also try to set a good example for colleagues and family. I firmly believe if you’re going to talk the talk you must walk the walk. And laughter, lot’s and lot’s of laughter.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
JESSICA: Not sure it’s the best advice I’ve ever been given but it’s something I turn to often in life, “Delay of instant gratification for future gains and rewards.” My dad used to say that to me all the time growing up. It would drive me crazy. As a young adult it simply meant get my school work done before going out to play. Later in life it was more a mantra when I thought I was ready to move on in my career but new I needed more experience working in the “trenches” to truly understand and grow in my profession. And now it’s recognizing their may always be a quick and easy solution but true change and growth doesn’t happen overnight it takes time and a lot of work and in the end will be far more rewarding.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
JESSICA: My vision would be for us to continue to grow in our love of Topeka and everything it has to offer for everyone regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. It probably has changed some during the last year and a half. I think we’ve recognized some true gaps in how we treat others and systemic barriers that still exist. My hope is we continue the hard conversations and the hard work to really make our community a better place for everyone.
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?
JESSICA: This mission really encompasses some of my most core values. It's what I've tried to live and breath for as long as I can remember.
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.
