Leadership Greater Topeka | Phelica A. Glass
Compiled by LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by BRADEN DIMICK
Who or what has had the greatest impact on your career and why?
When I was 25, my brother DeMarqus died in his sleep. Three months later, my mother Gwen had a massive stroke on her front steps that left her incapacitated for months. Five months later, I delivered micro preemies who would live in the NICU for more than a hundred days before going home with me. My grief experiences have paved the path to my Grieve Out Loud passion for helping hurting souls begin to heal. The journey of grief can be very lonely. I advocate and educate the community to partner in life's most painful experiences.
Who is your mentor and what have you learned from them?
My mother Gwen Kyles. She is my first and most active mentor. I have learned how to persevere beyond what I may see or feel, to trust my gut and how to love beyond sickness. When faced with the unimaginable, I watched her champion with love, kindness and a gentleness that only an angel could hold. I pray that I exhibit her strengths in everything that I do.
What is the biggest professional goal you have accomplished?
Gaining the trust of the community of Topeka. My name is shared in rooms with people I have never heard of or seen. I am invited into the most sacred parts of people's lives and given total trust with their deepest hurts and darkest secrets. Although there are now 34 professional letters behind my name, they mean nothing if the people don't trust and respect me.
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