Deb Yocum | YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree
What inspires you to get up and do the work?
The work I do is meaningful to my teammates and the community we serve. There are few things more important than a person's health and contributing in some way to improving that motivates me.
What have you learned about yourself through the challenges you have overcome?
If you put your heart, mind and soul into it, there isn't anything you can't do. Of course, that doesn't apply to a physical task. I am a lightweight in that arena.
How do you take care of yourself?
I laugh. If you can't find something that is funny every day, you have wasted the opportunity of the day.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
Hire people smarter than you and then get out of their way.
What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of recent years?
I am more aware of the social inequities in our community. It is important that we all work together to lift each other up. That was the driving force behind the development of the Stormont Vail Mobile Clinic. By going into the community to provide care to those who have financial or transportation issues or are just afraid of seeking care, we can improve their lives.
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?
In these times of divisiveness and violence, I wish this could be every individual's personal mission.
