Yana Ross | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
YANA: My family and my community inspire me the most. Seeing that what I do through volunteering or my business makes a difference in other people's lives as well as in Topeka makes me want to do more. I lead an all women team and I love to be able to provide them an environment to grow, flourish and open up to an idea of leadership for themselves, no matter of what position they are in. Encouraging others to believe in themselves moves them to make an impact on people they are surrounded with who I might not be able to reach. Together we can accomplish so much more than on our own.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
YANA: Last year and a half has been the most challenging period in my life. I lost my mother due to cancer on May, 20th 2021. Being her only caretaker while managing a fast growing business has put a lot of pressure on me but I've learnt that having a reliable team as well as amazing community is very important and helpful. Together we can conquer mountains. Life is too short to have regrets. My biggest desire is to write a story for generations to come.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
YANA: Life is about balance. Too much or too little of anything is a secret to a healthy life. I try to adhere to that motto where family, friends, work and exercise all are shared equally. Sustaining this balance is difficult and sometimes impossible when you get caught in an issue that you are passionate about or life gives you no choice but to push yourself harder. After those periods I try to allow myself to get a break and go somewhere different where I can recharge and refocus.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
YANA: Be proud of who you are. You are unique. Use your uniqueness to your advantage. Every day is a gift, don't waste it. Make small changes in your life or life of others - small changes make big difference! You will never be remembered for money you make but for the impact you make on other people's lives - your family, your friends, your community need you!
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
YANA: My vision for Topeka is to continue to grow and improve, to be the place where everyone wants to work and live, where the passion and love for the city is contagious and unstoppable, where race doesn't matter and we show compassion and understanding towards each other instead of hatred. The more positive examples people set , the more we try to do our best and be our best, the better our city will become. The pandemic of 2020 showed us that we need each other, we need community and we need each other's support. Racial reckoning of 2020 have showed how much more work and education we still need to do to bring people together.
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?
YANA: The YWCA's mission encourages me to continue to move forward as a woman business owner in a predominantly man ran financial industry . It also encourages me to invest my time in building up and empowering my multi-cultural team. They all deserve an opportunity to have a successful career and make a difference in their homes and communities.
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.
