Mindee Reece | YWCA Women of Excellence Honoree
What inspires you to get up and do the work?
I am inspired by the chance to truly touch someone's life and make a difference on a daily basis. Without the Ronald McDonald House, parents of the sickest children might not be able to see them every day. Working inside the House brings me into frequent personal contact with guest families, it's an honor getting to know them and to hear personal stories about their children's health journey. My work provides a sense of engagement at the highest level. The best part of my job is holding babies who have graduated from the NICU and came to say hello and goodbye to us, their RMHC family. Nothing is more motivating and inspiring than that.
What have you learned about yourself through the challenges you have overcome?
I've learned that the old adage is true, that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I've lost friends and family, experienced the end of relationships and an unexpected job/career loss at age 49. I am one strong person. Sure, I shed tears and feel uncertain at times, but there is a sturdy backbone inside me and a level head that allows me to stay calm and to persevere. I've learned to no longer fear change. I don't sweat the small stuff. Life is filled with obstacles to overcome. Sometimes the best thing in life can be a change, even one that isn't your idea. Being open to face what is scary, what is new, what is unknown can bring you the most unexpected blessings. I'm living proof this is true!
How do you take care of yourself?
Making sure I have a period of quiet time each day is an important part of taking care of me. Life is filled with stresses and noise. I learned late in life that silence and stillness are essential to my wellbeing. No TV, no lights, no computer, no phone, no people - just me sitting with my own thoughts and listening to my own breathing, feeling my heartbeat inside my chest. The peace and quiet outside results in improved peace and quiet inside.
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 came from my mom, over and over again throughout my childhood and young adult life, "You reap what you sow." She said it not from the perspective of doing bad has consequences, but rather that doing good and being kind often results in goodness and kindness coming back to you, that living each day with humility and grace and facing adversity the same way is the best way to live your life. Show respect, work hard, be kind, show appreciation, truly listen to others, lend a helping hand, no task is too menial or too daunting - just do your best; it's all great advice from years ago and for today.
What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of recent years?
I envision a community that is safe, healthy, inclusive and fruitful with a focus on more collaboration and less competition. The pandemic has shown me that we are all interconnected and inter-reliant. By joining forces, we can achieve more, and we can withstand more, making it through to the other side. Share what you know, ask who you know, lend a helping hand - we're all in this together.
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 I wholeheartedly believe in: to me it means we should all work collaboratively and collectively toward creation of an environment where everyone is safe from violence and free to be who they are with respect and without judgment or persecution, where each of us is treated equally and given the same opportunities for fulfillment of personal and professional goals.
