Lindsay Freeman | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
LINDSAY: When I'm told I "cannot" do something, it's a sure fire way to inspire me into action! My children and others who are important in my life, my mentor, and the organizations I dedicate my time to-- inspire me as well.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
LINDSAY: I have learned I am stronger that I realized and I can manage ambiguity better than I ever thought I could. If someone would have told me I'd leave an incredible company to join another incredible company, in the midst of a pandemic, I would have said there was no chance. But it happened, I did it and I've done well! Nothing has been ideal, but I've made the best of it and proven to myself that I really CAN do hard things and achieve great goals all at the same time.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
LINDSAY: I take care of myself by taking lunch breaks whenever I possibly can. I've learned I'm healthier when I take a break and step away from my duties to clear my head. Working from home tricked me into working from sun up to sundown but I realized I was not creating healthy boundaries and was burning myself out. This doesn't help me be a good wife, parent or leader. I also LOVE to read and you can usually find me with my nose in a book in the early mornings and late nights-- and honestly maybe even at a stoplight, if it's a book I truly can't put down!
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
LINDSAY: Best advice received-- Life is all about managing expectations—most of all your own. Once you understand that your own expectations are wishful thinking or your best guess for what may happen, realistically managing your own expectation is critical. What advice do I have for others-- Be kind, always. You truly never know what someone else is going through. Please be gentle, have compassion, and put yourself in their shoes.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
LINDSAY: I hope to see a more inclusive, flourishing community. There were wonderful programs already in process throughout our city prior to 2020, but perhaps some thought they were not necessary or needed. These programs had the opportunity to be highlighted and shown critical importance through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning. I love seeing people get involved who might otherwise not have, letting their voice be heard. Bringing others to the table, inviting other viewpoints, and truly listening is how we will become a stronger, more inclusive 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?
LINDSAY: I do not know of any other organization that advocates for eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all the way the YWCA does. The YWCA is at the forefront of social movements, helping others feel safe, supported and empowered to learn, to grow, to speak out, and to reach their full potential. The YWCA's mission is important to me because there is no other organization as dedicated to creating opportunities for women's growth and leadership. This is a safe space where women can unite, learn from each other, support each other and grow together for a better future.
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.
