Laura Sidlinger, DNP | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
LAURA: I am inspired by my faith and the call to serve others. I am inspired by my family and how we nurture and celebrate each other, but also our efforts to care for others within our reach. I am inspired by my work colleagues and how we work to heal minds and spirits by focusing on mental health. I am inspired by meeting new people who are making difference in the community.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
LAURA: Early in the pandemic when the Safer at Home order was in place, I had the opportunity to clear my calendar of extra activities and I discovered many wonderful things. I was busy with things that were not feeding my soul, and it was a joy to let them go. I also discovered the respect the Valeo workforce had for my medical decision making and clinical judgment to keep us safe. As I would issue Staff Covid-19 Updates or release new infection control practices, staff were receptive and positive in their responses. I have answered many questions, placed many calls checking on persons who were ill, and provided direction and updates to leadership. I have the platform to dispel myths, speak truth, and effect change. I try to eliminate every barrier to care and provide a warm hand-off to those who are better equipped when the needs are beyond my capacity.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
LAURA: I am a person of Christian faith. I have a daily devotional I read and mediate on. I get my cup filled through my Adult Sunday School class as a participant, Zoom technician, and teacher. I love livestream worship with my church family. I spend time with my husband, Bob, and dog, Jake (from State Farm). We take walks together, play in the yard, and snuggle together. We love when our children and grandchildren can join us for cookouts, game night, story time, and exploring Yia-Yia's "secret garden." I also maintain a group of close friends who lift me up when I am low and who supported me during my cancer journey. During the pandemic, I have been growing a bucket garden and I am proud of my produce. I have started gardening with a young girl from my church and it amazing to see her excitement when she harvests "her" green beans.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
LAURA: My mother said to me, "no one can take away your education." That encouraged me to dream big and pursue every educational opportunity that has the potential for personal and professional growth. And my in my own personal journey as a cancer survivor, I have learned that "pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional." And my daily mantra: "you cannot pour from an empty cup."
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
LAURA: I sincerely hope we become a more compassionate and caring community. I want us to "see" from other people's perspectives and learn about their needs and obstacles. I believe if we bring the right people together, we are more than capable of resolving issues. We must understand the problem, and ask people who suffer "how best do WE restore relationships and move forward?"
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?
LAURA: Women are extraordinarily resilient and powerful. We can use our best ideas and find common ground. We are all worthy of meaningful lives, hope, and self-determination. Collectively, our voice is powerful and strong. The YWCA is a leader in lifting women up to be our best selves.
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.
