Lyn Lemke | YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree
What inspires you to get up and do the work?
What inspires me every day to get up and do the work is knowing that what I do in my role with Polo Custom Products, makes a positive difference in people's quality of life both for their physical health and their leisure time.
What have you learned about yourself through the challenges you have overcome?
What I have learned about myself through the challenges that I have overcome is that I am stronger than I may have given myself credit for. I am resilient and driven to improve every day and view obstacles as opportunities for growth.
How do you take care of yourself?
I take care of myself by relaxing through various meditation, reading and physical fitness.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
Progress over perfection and being mindful of having life balance in your professional and personal life. The advice I would give others is to be kind to yourself and to grant yourself grace. Too often we are our own worst critic and while it may seem to improve results short-term but for the long road, it can be counterproductive.
What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of recent years?
My vision of Topeka as a community is that we are, as a whole, a very supporting and inclusive community. My perspective is that the pandemic actually improved us, I feel we are stronger than ever before and we will continue to get better.
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 statement speaks to me in such a positive and significant way, we need to support one another, regardless of gender, race or political affiliation, there should be equality for ALL people. I am so thankful for the YWCA and all that it promotes and gives back to our community. With organizations such as the YWCA, our ability to improve the lives in our community and beyond become so much more of a reality.
