Tracy O'Rourke | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
TRACY: I believe in lifelong learning, and I am inspired by how education can develop someone’s potential at any time in life. For me, my parents always made sure I had opportunities for education growing up, and not just in a classroom, but through many venues and experiences. That foundation for learning has been important many times, but particularly this last year when addressing the pandemic's many challenges. Likewise, I believe that education is where opportunities start; it opens our minds and creates a more interesting and inspiring world. Each of us, no matter what our role or position, can be a conduit for encouraging others to take advantage of education, to be lifelong learners, and to engage in professional growth. I am inspired at Stormont Vail where I experience daily how investing in learning creates a stronger and more creative team. I am also proud that we focus on our community's youth and young adults by partnering with education institutions to create school to career experiences and learning pathways for students. Education empowers us to be the best we can be.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
TRACY: This past year gave me a greater appreciation for the value of a diverse and dedicated team and what we can accomplish working together with a common purpose. I am so proud to be at Stormont Vail in this moment, serving this community. We are a great team at Stormont, and together, we courageously responded to the demands of this pandemic and implemented amazing solutions and programs that helped us take care of our patients. The pandemic challenged all of us personally and professionally, but I am stronger, more grateful and more resilient today because of my family and the people I work beside.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
TRACY: During the past year I took the opportunity to recommit to my own health and well-being. Long days and higher stress early in the pandemic were certainly a catalyst for renewing a focus on healthy eating, regular exercise and a good night’s sleep. I do make time for fun and relaxation with my family and friends. And I enjoy photography and gardening. Balance is important.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
TRACY: Live with purpose, gratitude and a sense of humor. I’d offer the same advice to others.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
TRACY: When my family and I moved here in 2015, we liked Topeka from the start. We were excited to find a community redefining itself and creating a vision and momentum to achieve it. It has been great to see how those initiatives have moved the community forward. The pandemic and unrest of 2020 certainly illuminated areas of great concern, and resulted in a call for action and change for the betterment of our community. I support creating space for conversation and understanding, to ensure everyone is treated with respect, and to celebrate our diversity. But it was also during this time of unrest and unknowns, that we were a community that came together through compassion, kindness, healing and resilience. It is my hope that we move forward in that spirit.
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?
TRACY: The YWCA mission asks us as a community and individually to be intentional in how we engage, embrace and respect one another. To me, that means we listen and appreciate other viewpoints and we treat everyone with the dignity they deserve. Empowerment brings people together, and that is when change can happen.
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.
