Every great story has a Prologue— that single, defining moment of resilience, choice, or discovery that sets the stage for everything that follows.
Throughout 2026, community leaders will share their personal “prologue“—the powerful moment, realization, or challenge that led to where they are today.
Every story matters. When someone chooses to pick up the phone or walk through our doors, they are starting a new chapter. By sharing these moments, we are showing that courage, choice, and new beginnings are possible for everyone.
What was your prologue?
Jennifer Kasmier
(Chief Programming Officer, YWCA Northeast Indiana)
"The prologue to my journey was when I finally traded perfection for presence. A rather recent development within the past couple of years and something I continue to work on daily. I am surrendering the heavy roles of the 'perfect' mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, boss, leader, and volunteer to accept the grace of being human. I embrace integrating my worlds, realizing that my leadership belongs in the playroom with my twins as much as the office with my colleagues. By letting go of the pressure to keep up with everyone else, I'm finding that being present is enough to be worthy. I’ve stopped choosing between 'this' or 'that' and finally gave myself permission to be 'and.'"
