Captain Jana Harden | YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree
What inspires you to get up and do the work?
People. I am inspired by the people around me who work tirelessly to provide great service to our community. Their sacrifices, their yearning for justice, and their dedication to what can at times be a thankless, yet dangerous career, inspires me to get up and do the work every day.
What have you learned about yourself through the challenges you have overcome?
I have learned that I am much more resilient than I once thought. I have also learned that challenges become opportunities to initiate change. Change within myself, or change that is far reaching and impactful for others for years to come.
How do you take care of yourself?
I take care of myself by making time for a workout, yard work, or a small project at home. These things provide time to think, analyze, and process, so there is mental and emotional space to face the next challenge.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
To never give up. No matter the goal, no matter how miniscule or grand, put in the work and never give up. Don't assume, don't step on others and don't take anything for granted; just put in the work and never give up.
What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of recent years?
My vision for our community is that we all work together in order to provide a sense of common humanity through acts of kindness, understanding, and collaboration. The pandemic and racial justice reckoning did not change my vision; but made it imperative.
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?
The YWCA mission is one that we should all share in, and to me, it means we have work to do.
