Meet this year’s YWCA Empowered Leader, Linda Aziz
The YWCA movement is powered by phenomenal women leaders who uplift us all as they blaze a path toward justice and equity. Since her first day at YWCA Northeast Kansas, Linda Aziz has been a trailblazer, providing a fresh perspective, unique skills, and a solid, encouraging energy to our team. At this year’s Women of Excellence Awards on September 14, Linda is being honored as the 2024 YWCA Empowered Leader.
Meet Linda
Originally from Singapore, Linda has traveled and lived all over the world. She has a strong business background, having started and improved several businesses including a family business that grew from 10 to 250 employees under her guidance. She moved to Topeka in 2012 and joined the YWCA team in 2023, quickly being promoted to Director of Finance.
In her role, Linda brings much-needed structure and financial expertise to our programs, which range in size, budget, and funding source. She is truly valued for her skills, and also for her friendship and dedication to the team.
“It’s easy to be intimidated by a finance person, but Linda is the most welcoming person and I always feel comfortable asking questions or going to her for help with something.” - Rachel Grollmes, CSE Public Education Coordinator
“It’s always important to step back and look at the whole picture. What’s working? What’s not working? How can things be better? There are always positives and always negatives, and I want to know the hows and the whys so that I can do what needs to be done.”
Ask Linda:
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“My father taught me to focus on what I can control. I’m in control of how I interact with and respond to others, but I can’t control how they respond to me.”
What goals do you have for your career?
“I take every day as it comes. I don’t have any set goals because I know that things are constantly changing. However, I know where I want to be every day, and what I want to be doing. I want to be at YWCA.”
How is it working in leadership at YWCA?
“Our team of directors is really a team. There is a lot of give and take. Our CEO, Cheri Faunce, lets people be who they are. I appreciate that everyone at YWCA is empowered to do the things that are important to them.”
“With a rare blend of calm under pressure, impeccable poise, and genuine empathy, Linda exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished and empowered leader. Her resilience and integrity make her an ideal awardee for the Empowered Leader distinction, shining as a role model for excellence.”
Join us in celebrating Linda and the rest of the Women of Excellence Honorees at this year’s awards program on Saturday, September 14th!