Kristen Czugala | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
KRISTEN: I am inspired by the memory of the late Chaplain Mike May. My friend, with whom I spent many nights on crime scenes supporting victims of crime and their family members through incredibly traumatic events. His compassion for the people he served was evident at all times. He honored the experiences of others and humbled himself to support them in the ways they needed. He passed away last year in the early months of the pandemic. I got the call of his passing while I was reading a crowdfunding request posted by a friend of a friend. After I ended the call, I made a donation. Each month I make a donation to a cause or agency that catches my heart in honor of my dear friend and colleague.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
KRISTEN: I have learned that I am resilient. I have a tendency to develop and stick to routines because they are familiar. The last year and a half has certainly taught me to be flexible, to focus on what is important and not worry about the little things. We have all struggled in one way or another with the significant changes this past year and a half brought to us. We are better able to care for others if we are sharing our experiences and letting others know that we too are struggling.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
KRISTEN: I am a self-care enthusiast. Secondary trauma is real, especially for those of us who work with survivors of crime. It is so important to listen to our bodies and take time for ourselves so we can continue our work. I take care of myself by listening to my favorite music, working in my garden, and therapeutic massages. I make sure to take time off just for myself so I can focus on stress relief and making sure I am well so I can care for others.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
KRISTEN: The best advice I have ever been given came from a survivor with whom I worked years ago, who has given me permission to speak about her experiences. The offender had just been acquitted of assaulting her and I was terrified to tell her of the jury’s verdict. When I told her, she said to me, “It doesn’t matter what the jury decided. I sat in that room and I told my story. I knew, and he knew that it was the truth and he had to listen to me. All that matters is that I spoke the truth. You believed me and that was enough.” She told me to focus on what matters to each individual survivor and that my concept of justice is not necessarily the same as the survivor’s concept. I have learned a lot from her over the years, and always hear her voice when I wish I could do more for a survivor.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
KRISTEN: I envision a community where we truly listen to the experiences of others, and value those experiences. A community where we care for others who need our help. Where we humble ourselves to support others in the way that they need to be supported. A community that is centered on the greater good for all of our members. My vision has been reinforced throughout the last year and continues to grow as I learn and value the experiences of people throughout the 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?
KRISTEN: To me, the YWCA’s mission means to speak up against the injustices that we see, and to do the work to rectify those injustices. Listen to and honor the experiences and needs of those we serve. Trust that survivors know what is best for them, provide them the freedom to make their own decisions to keep themselves safe and support those decisions. Center our work around the voices of survivors as we strive to end violence against women and children.
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.
