My Y(W): Todd Payne is On a Mission
“The YWCA does such important work, and I hope members of the Topeka and northeast Kansas communities can rally behind that work and support it in any capacity they can. Please learn about the YWCA and the things we do. We are not a gym!”
Todd Payne has made history as the first man to ever serve on the YWCA Northeast Kansas Board of Directors, and he brings with him both expertise and a dedication to our mission to empower women and eliminate racism. In addition to serving on the board, he supports YWCA events and fundraisers throughout the year in an effort to raise awareness and increase community investment in our work. Todd and his family live in Topeka, where he serves as the President of the Topeka Rotary Foundation and is the CFO/CCO at OFG Financial Services, Inc. Read on to see why Todd is #OnAMission with YWCA Northeast Kansas.
How did you first get involved at the YWCA?
“I began to understand more about the important work of the YWCA when the new Center for Safety and Empowerment location was being renovated and established at Huntoon & Lane. I was very impressed with the YWCA leadership at that time and it has inspired me to continue to be involved with the organization and the important work it does.”
Who is the woman (real or fictional) you deeply admire, and what qualities or actions inspire you the most about her?
“My spouse, Kelly Magerkurth, who is the strongest, most independent, most empathetic person I know.”
Reflecting on your work with the YWCA, what specific achievement or impact are you most proud of?
“So far, with my finance background, I hope I can continue to help with the YWCA's budgets and finances, and provide value there. I also hope to be involved in, support, and have an impact in the YWCA's many events it hosts and gathers each year.”
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?
“All of the aspects of YWCA's mission inspire me. The biggest challenge we have to our mission is systemic racism and sexism. We need to continue to fight through barriers and to educate. We also need to continue to educate community members on what we do... we are not a gym or a pool!”
Beyond your commitments to the YWCA, how do you like to spend your free time or engage in activities for relaxation and joy?
“Free time with my family (spouse, 3 kids), maybe a vacation in the mountains or at the beach!”
Is there someone within the YWCA—whether a fellow board member, volunteer, staff member, or donor—that you look up to or find particularly inspiring? Why?
“Our YWCA Executive Director, Kathleen Marker. She is an excellent leader and an outstanding member of the Topeka community, and she has accomplished so much and made such a difference at the YWCA. I need to also mention Gina Millsap (Board President) and Allison Marker (YWCA Community Engagement Director), who are also such inspiring people.”
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 does such important work, and I hope the members of the Topeka and northeast Kansas communities can rally behind that work and support it in any capacity they can. Please learn about the YWCA and the things we do. We are not a gym!”