Rosa Cavazos | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
ROSA: My children inspire me to be the best mom and person I can be for them. They are my light and I always want to shine bright for them. I want them to know they can be strong leaders who are compassionate and giving of themselves.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
ROSA: I have learned to be patient, lead by example and to continuously count my blessings.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
ROSA: I am a reality show junkie. It helps me escape. I also love to bake and cook from scratch and share with my family and friends.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
ROSA: The best advice I was given was to put yourself in someone else's shoes when you don't understand their behavior or viewpoint. I always tell my kids, as the song Matthew West sings, "Do something, your not going to change the world by doing nothing."
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
ROSA: My vision for the community is to continue to push the boundaries. We have come so far with community pride in the last 5 years and have been the leaders of racial justice with the Brown vs. Board of Education case that we have to continue to lead and learn from 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?
ROSA: As the first Latina to be elected to the USD 450 School Board and to see other women of color and diverse backgrounds in leadership positions in our city. The YWCA encourages and focuses on empowering women through the programs offered. The mission shows they walk the talk and works to inspire women to push beyond any set of boundaries we have set for ourselves.
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.
