Maggie Doll | YWCA Women of Excellence
TK: What inspires you?
MAGGIE: Learning, traveling, family, friends and opportunities to make a positive impact on others.
TK: What have you learned about yourself through the challenges of the past year and a half?
MAGGIE: I’ve learned that it’s okay – and actually enjoyable - to slow down and not over-schedule myself and my family.
TK: How do you take care of yourself?
MAGGIE: I’m trying to be better about taking time for myself to do things I enjoy, like reading a book, taking a bike ride, swimming, or simply taking some quiet time to clear my head.
TK: What is the best advice you've ever been given? Or what advice do you have for others?
MAGGIE: I’ve had the benefit of learning from some amazing leaders. One of the lessons I’ve learned, one that I use every day, is to ask questions and understand the why. It’s so easy to get into a routine and keep doing the same thing over and over, because it’s always been done that way. Challenge yourself and others to ask questions – if something doesn’t make sense dig a little deeper to figure it out. Make sure you understand why you’re doing something.
TK: What is your vision for our community? Has it changed through the pandemic and racial justice reckoning of 2020?
MAGGIE: My vision for Topeka is a strong, diverse, vibrant, healthy community with compassion, understanding and opportunities for everyone. I’m not sure that 2020 caused my vision to change as much as it has placed a new recognition and sense of urgency for the work it will take from all of us to accomplish that vision.
TK: 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?
MAGGIE: Eliminate, empower and promote – all are action words. It takes action, from all of us, to accomplish this mission. It’s one thing to aspire to these ideals, but another to take action to make them happen. It’s a good reminder to myself to ask each day, “What action am I going to take today to make a positive difference?”
The YWCA is on a mission to empower women at all stages in their careers. Diversity in leadership is particularly vital to our vibrant business community in the Greater Topeka Area.
