Lacey Bisnett | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
LACEY: Every person that takes that extra moment to make things better. When I see a person fill a blessing box. When I see someone take a skill they have and teach it to someone who needs it. When I see a kid on the playground comforting another kid who got hurt. Each tiny bit of help is inspiring. Sometimes the problems of the world seem so big and so vast that it feels hopeless. Why try? I can't even make a dent. But, then I see the helpers in the world, and I see how each little thing they do adds up. I think about how worse the world would be without any helpers. Then, I'm inspired to continue.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
LACEY: In 2020 I found myself becoming a homeschool mom of two kids while still working full-time. I saw all of us struggle through the year together. I learned we ALL have limits, and we are ALL human. Even from my place of privilege, I had to admit my own weaknesses and need for rest. The year really brought out my servant leadership mindset and how I need to bring out that same mindset for myself. There are so many clichés on the topic, 'you can't pour from an empty cup' , but it didn't really hit home for me until 2020. I really learned how to work beside a person to succeed together, and that I don't have to be perfect or an expert to help and be worthy of being helped.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
LACEY: I find I need to specifically schedule self-care into my life or it will not happen. I do this by having 30 minutes or so each night in my room, by myself, that is my 'me time'. During that time I don't need to worry about being productive, worry what the kids are doing, think about my list of action items for the next day. I just get to spoil myself with 30 minutes of true crime, crafting, reading, whatever I feel like.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
LACEY: I've spent far too much time obsessing over Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and there is a quote from her which is the best advice I could ever tell myself. "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." Ruth didn't try to tackle everything all at once and burn herself out. She worked slow and methodically year after year to make meaningful change. I have the tendency to jump in head first on every single thing. RBG reminds me to pace myself. Take the time. It is worth it.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
LACEY: Topeka is the size where it is entirely feasible for us to becoming a fully inclusion and supportive community. By that I mean that we have the resources to ensure each person is clothed, homed, fed, and educated. If we work together to build a strong support system for basic needs to be met, we can then move forward with transformative change against violence, injustice, and equity. I envision a community where a victim can come forward and be supported and not blamed. I envision a community where offenders are rehabilitated, not just punished. I envision a community that protects the environment and the wildlife in the area so that it is preserved for future generations. 2020 only encouraged me in this vision because I saw so very many helpers come out and ensure we supported each other.
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?
LACEY: To me, this mission means elevating those voices that often go overlooked. It means stepping back, acknowledging our privilege, and using it to build up others rather than break them down.
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.
