Linessa Frazier | YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree
What inspires you to get up and do the work?
Knowing that what I do will impact a life. Whether it's helping someone learn something new about how to communicate through a crucial conversation on my job or having a crucial conversation with a grieving parent in my work as an end-of-life doula, my intent remains the same - to impart something that will impact their life in a meaningful way.
What have you learned about yourself through the challenges you have overcome?
I was recently sidelined by a couple of tumors on my parathyroid and what surprised me most was my inability to bounce back as quickly as I have in the past. The fatigue, weight gain, and recovery from the surgery all served to remind me of the impermanence of my existence and the need to be strategic about my absolute best yes. While not convenient, it was a necessary impetus to more balance.
How do you take care of yourself?
I intentionally employ radical self-care as a form of activism. Once a month, I maintenance my mind with a day for me that typically includes a portion of the day at Onyx. Once a week, I have a 30-minute one-on-one mental health meet-up where a friend and I discuss our Ws - our worries, woes, week, wellness, and wealth (things that bring us joy), and every day, I meditate, pray, and praise. This year I am incorporating an annual wellness retreat for one.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
The best advice I've ever been given was provided to me by my 90-year-old mother and she still shares it with me often - stay in your lane. I think it's advice we could all benefit from, but she knows that I sometimes like to run a bit close to the rumble strips, so it's really appropriate for me. The second best advice from her was - just because it comes in your size, doesn't necessarily make it right for you.
What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of recent years?
While my vision for the Topeka community has not changed in the face of the pandemic, the timeline and urgency have accelerated. My vision begins with a foundation of factual education, not merely a version of an accounting or remembrance. There's merit to the phrase - the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Upon that education, I see candid communication led by questions rather than opinions and centered in grace rather than skepticism and distrust. Those conversations will lead to relationships and, I envision those relationships will be the starting point for racial justice reckoning, power alignment and financial equity.
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's mission means that we, as a society, have a long way to go. This fight, and make no mistake, this is indeed a fight, began a long time ago. Many generations have been part of this fight and understanding that this fight doesn't even exist without someone benefitting from it is key. This mission gives me comfort in knowing that there are others who recognize this fight, align with those in the battle and are willing to go the distance to a resolution.
