Woman stresses the power of community with every phase of life
TOPEKA (KSNT) - This month's honoree -- for our 'Everything Woman' -- grew up in the Lyon County community of Hartford, and after chatting with Jenalea Randall, you quickly understand how the small Kansas town inspired her path in life. The theme of community, connectivity and communication resonates with the people she encounters and through the projects she initiates.
She was born at Newman Memorial Hospital in Emporia and spent her entire childhood in Hartford, Kansas. Growing up in a town of just a few hundred residents had a profound effect, and she knew before leaving for college what she needed from a career.
"I found that I wanted to be connected to the people like I was connected to the folks in Hartford," Randall said. "I wanted to know their stories, I wanted to know how I could assist. I wanted to know I had resources and people who cared about me, and as a result…a lot of my life has been engaging in my community."
After graduation, she was offered a position at Capper Foundation as their Community Relations and Marketing Manager. She calls that experience a wonderful training ground because she had the chance to do a little of everything.
"I was the photographer, the graphic artist, I was writing news releases, I was creating newsletters, doing marketing for special events…so the work was deep and expansive."
After about five years, she starting working for Kansas State Treasurer, Lynn Jenkins, as her Public Information Officer. When Jenkins was elected to Congress, Jenalea continued working at the congressional office in Topeka, but she was starting to feel a little disconnected from the local community. Joining Rotary was the answer.
"For me…it means absolutely being engaged in my community, and supporting the efforts of what Topeka needs and how Topeka South can support that," she said. "As District Governor for Northeast Kansas Rotary Clubs, I try to connect our 40 club presidents with the resources that are available through Rotary International."
Her passion and involvement with Rotary was gradually increasing during her 10-year stint at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. It was also a time of personal struggle and heartache when her husband Tony was diagnosed with cancer.
"He was a great man…funny, intelligent…and he was a full-time Kansas Army National Guardmen," Randall said "He was deployed a couple of times. After he got back from Iraq…he was home for a year and a half or so and was diagnosed with brain cancer."
Tony was referred to KU Medical in Kansas City where a brain tumor board reviewed his case. He was rediagnosed…which gave them more hope, and a bit more time together.
"He just powered through and had this resiliency to him," Randall said. "He was in his 40s when he died which is just terrible. He was only in the Army for 10…maybe 15 years…and was Lieutenant Colonel. He was on track to go places and he was gonna really contribute a lot to our world."
After this painful loss, she got support from family, friends, coworkers, business contacts and Rotary members. The community she spent a lifetime developing had her back when she needed it most.
"Topeka South gave me hope. They gave me a little bit of peace…which just meant the world to me at the time," she said.
Her work now focuses on how DCF is walking alongside families and working to prevent trauma or abuse. She also spends a great deal of time away from the office fostering partnerships with Rotarians, preserving close friendships, and cherishing moments with extended family. At her core, she wants to be a story-teller and cheerleader.
"My number one strength is communication and my number two strength is woo," Randall said. "If you need hyped, I guess I'm your 'woo girl' as they say."
Jenalea Randall's work has influenced and affected so many people around Topeka -- and she's proud to be an 'Everything Woman.' She appreciates how we share a person's perspective, drive and passion so others can learn -- and take what they need from it.
If you know a woman in northeast Kansas that we should recognize in this segment, please go to ksnt.com and nominate them there. We feature these honorees on the last Tuesday of each month.