Editor's Note: This year is the 100-year anniversary of Zonta International, a nonprofit organization that fights for women's equality while providing a plethora of services to communities in dozens of countries. To commemorate this milestone, the Jefferson City Chapter of Zonta and the News Tribune partnered to highlight seven local women each day this week who have been inspired by women at all levels, from well-known international figures to Capital City mentors. These local women have gone on to inspire community members and make a difference in Jefferson City or beyond.
Treaka Young's mentor, Vicki Myers, uses her "superwoman" powers to push Young toward success professionally, while also emphasizing giving back to the community.
Young is the outreach coordinator for the Missouri Telehealth Network at the University of Missouri, where she connects with communities to participate in MTN's Show-Me ECHO. Show-Me ECHO connects providers with experts virtually to increase learning and care, according to MTN's website.
Myers had a 40-year stint with the Missouri Department of Corrections before retiring and is active in the Capital City, volunteering on boards and with organizations.
Young met Myers after joining the local Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority chapter. The two women bonded instantly, with Myers inviting Young to events and volunteer opportunities.
Myers also encouraged Young to join the Jefferson City chapter of Zonta, which she did in 2017.
"She was continuously putting me in the atmosphere, and I don't know if she was intentionally doing that or if that's just Vicki because she is just so inspiring to so many people but she definitely has been an inspiration to me," Young said. "I realize now, as long as you follow her lead, it's going to lead you to somewhere you need to be."
Both women have loving families, strong professional careers and drive to give back to the Jefferson City community, Young said.
"My friends call me Vicki Jr. because my life has started to mirror hers, and I'm so proud of that," Young said. "If I had anybody's life to mirror, why not Vicki's?"
Myers' energy is one of her most admirable traits, Young said, adding with a chuckle that her mentor is "superwoman."
Myers' energy also encourages young women to continue pushing themselves - professionally and personally - Young said. This is a trait Young wants to emulate.
"The thing about Vicki is she makes you feel like you're the only one," she said. "I aspire to make the same impact that she's made, not just in the Jefferson City community, but in the world as a whole because I know everything she's done and everybody she's touched, they've gone on and done amazing things - so I want to make that impact as well."
The Jefferson City chapter of Zonta will host its annual 5K Superhero Stride at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at Memorial Park, 111 Memorial Drive. Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Pre-registration costs $25, while registration the day of the event is $30. Members of the Jefferson City Roadrunners can register for $20, and a team of five participants can register for $100.
Participants can register by visiting zontajcmo.org or by downloading a form to mail to the local Zonta chapter at 1030 Westwood Drive.
Zonta members encouraged participants to register by Monday to receive a shirt for the 5K Superhero Stride.
The proceeds will go to the Zonta International Foundation so the foundation can continue its global equality efforts, such as reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS through health education and increasing educational opportunities and vocational skills training for women.