Spending Time on the Road and Finding Inspiration

Summertime is one of the best seasons of the year for DJ and me. The tranquil days provide a little slice of heaven as we enjoy our lake time with family and friends at the cabin near Table Rock Lake. Swimming, boating, hiking, and sitting around the fire pit at night are just a few of the activities we enjoy. This summer has been considerably more, fast-paced with time spent traveling and carrying out book activities.

While on the road at one of my author events, I had the honor and pleasure to be a guest lecturer at the University of Kansas for the Kansas Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) and its summer program for international participants. Young women represented six different countries including Afghanistan, Morocco, and Malaysia. Staying for lunch DJ and I interacted with them over a meal we shared together. I was reminded of the challenges young women often face internationally as they struggle to build or preserve their communities. In many cases, these young people are marginalized as women … making it even more challenging to overcome the barriers.

With programs like KWLI, I am hopeful that this talented group of young people will be inspired and carry out their extraordinary potential. I know my interaction with them inspired me as I imagined the profound difference they will make for others … tackling the challenges facing their communities and, in doing so, strengthening their families and communities. The institute embraces a bold mission to “provide a transformative experience that develops leadership competencies, cultivates a spirit of collaboration, and elevates the power of women’s voices.”

Go to http://kwli.org to learn more about the Kansas Women’s Leadership Institute and the incredible work this unique program offers for both international women and also young women of rural communities in Kansas.