My Y(W): Tara Wallace is On a Mission
“[I admire] the strong Black woman who has been told she is too much of everything for ‘civilized society’ to handle.”
Bringing her expertise as a therapist and her experience working with marginalized communities, Tara Wallace, MSW, LSCSW, CTF-CBT/PSB, RYT, SLC, is an invaluable member of the YWCA Board of Directors and Chair of the Advocacy Committee. She is tireless in her efforts to bring dignity, healing, and justice to low-access communities. You may have read some of her work in the Kansas Reflector, or seen her teaching an Art of Yoga course for children. She is also the founder and CEO of Lighthouse TCO. At YWCA, she builds partnerships with like-minded organizations and leaders to amplify our work and increase access to crucial services. Read on to see why Tara is #OnAMission with YWCA Northeast Kansas.
How did you first get involved at the YWCA?
“I participated in the the lunchtime presentations prior to joining the Advocacy Committee and the Board.”
Who is the woman (real or fictional) you deeply admire, and what qualities or actions inspire you the most about her?
“The strong Black woman who has been told she is too much of everything for "civilized society" to handle.”
Reflecting on your work with the YWCA, what specific achievement or impact are you most proud of?
“The Art of Yoga therapy groups I provided for Kids Quest. The premise of AYP is empowerment and self-awareness. I saw the change in many of the participants at the end of summer and have seen them in school using the skills learned during group.”
What valuable insight or lesson have you gained during your tenure on the board that you'd like to share with someone new to board service or a leadership role?
“Board governance is critical to the success of the organization because it supports the work of everyone involved. It also builds relationship to make employees feel valued.”
What fuels your dedication to this vital work? Additionally, what do you consider the most challenging obstacle in our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women?
“Knowing that this work raises awareness and makes society better for us all. The most challenging obstacle would be attitudes and a lack of introspection to understand what contributes to the problems.”
Beyond your commitments to the YWCA, how do you like to spend your free time or engage in activities for relaxation and joy?
“Drawing, reading, writing, and listening to music.”
Any additional insights or thoughts you’d like to share about your service on the board, the YWCA, or our work in the greater Topeka community?
“The YWCA has always been involved with the messy work that many organizations only dream of doing. The ripple effect in individual lives will be felt for years to come. To be part of an organization that humanizes individuals simply because it is the commonsense thing to do changes the lives of everyone involved.”