Lyn Rantz, ED. D | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
LYN: I am inspired by others who believe in their ability to affect others in a positive way. A person should believe that their actions, whether big or small, will make a difference. My faculty believe their actions will support a student's growth and that is inspiring. Witnessing how an individual's interests and beliefs motivate them to act is inspiring. An perfect example is Susan Garlinghouse, one of the founders of Topeka Collegiate. She believed in her ability to create a school of choice for children and families in Topeka. She acted on those beliefs and values to form an independent school that made learning challenging and instilled a lifelong love of learning. It is inspiring to see that focused actions can create something wonderful that otherwise would not exist.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
LYN: During the COVID-19 pandemic I have learned that it takes a committed and talented team to successfully navigate school operations during a global pandemic. Leaders must admit they don't know everything so they must be willing to learn from and trust in others. For me, I quickly learned to trust those who had expertise in the field of Epidemiology. Almost instantaneously my go-to network shifted to skilled leaders at the Shawnee County Health Department. Topeka was fortunate to have Dr. Pezzino, Dr. Cooley, Dusty Nichols, Dr. Locke, and many other members of their team. I will forever be grateful to the members of the Shawnee County Health Department for being on our team.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
LYN: How you take care of yourself differs for each person. I have learned that listening to music, taking walks, and just have quiet rest are actions that help me relax. But my heart is filled when I am simply in my home with my husband and children; that fills my energy bucket.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
LYN: My mom gave me a bookmark when I was child that was the best advice I have ever received. It read: "Believe in your ability, God does, I do, and so do lots of other people". It resonated with me then and now. The words "Believe in Your Ability" cannot be understated. Each person's ability is in their own realm of control. So, having a belief in your own ability is where its at. And, you don't have to have everyone's support. Rather a few special people- like my mom and dad, husband, and three children, and "lots of other people" is really all it takes. So I say to others, believe in your ability to do great things. Work hard for those things and know that there ARE key folks that believe in you too.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
LYN: I envision a community that comes together to Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated. There are efforts to build relationships and systems for others. I hope these efforts continue.
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?
LYN: As the Head of School for Topeka Collegiate, I believe in the power of preparing every student for a successful future of active citizenship and humanitarian ideals. Each young person deserves a collective effort by their community to build them up, provide an outstanding education, and support their growth so they are free write their life's path. Like Topeka Collegiate, that is what the YWCA is committed to.
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.
