2025 Events
Spring Luncheon Event Details:
Topic: State of the Girl
Join us to discuss the impact of Girls on the Run nationally as well as in South Central Kansas. She will share relevant data from sources who have conducted research to understand girls’ experiences from elementary through high school in extracurricular program. Learn and discuss some of those challenges girls face and how this program is meeting the needs of today’s girls.
Speaker: Christy Thomas, MSW | Founder and Executive Director Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas
Christy Thomas founded the Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas council in 2011. Under her tenure, the organization has served more than 11,000 youth in South Central Kansas. Her prior nonprofit experience includes working with numerous organizations including, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, HospiceCare of Kansas, United Methodist Youthville and the Wichita Children’s Home. She volunteers for BSA on the Recruitment Committee and with the United Way’s Read to Succeed program. Christy enjoys running, yoga and family time with her 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
Date: February 13, 2025
Time: Check in: 11:45 AM | Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: PEC - Suite 310 Building - 310 S. Topeka
Register by Feb 10th at NOON
Thank you to our luncheon sponsor!
April Luncheon Event Details:
Topic: The Neighboring Movement
Join us to hear from the team of the The Neighboring Movement (TNM) What is The Neighboring Movement? It’s a local group of change makers that believe an asset-based approach to neighboring can create lasting change in the world, reduce a host of social issues and increase the quality of life for individuals, communities, and beyond.
Learn about their work and the WE CARE ICT initiative, that is aiming to create a more connected community, the easy ways to share they care for their neighbors of all kinds, in all types of homes, to shift our mindset of community into mindset of abundance. Learn about the impact and changes they have seen in the SoCe neighborhood and collaborations with TNM.
Speaker: Mike Hoheisel | Council Member - District III
Mike Hoheisel was elected to serve as District III's council member in November 2021, and was officially sworn in on January 10, 2022. A resident of Wichita for more than 30 years, Hoheisel has been an active leader in neighborhood and regional civic activities and has been employed in the construction industry for more than 20 years. Before his election to the Wichita City Council, Mike has been active in a variety of social causes including criminal justice reform and voting rights reform.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Christina Coldiron, he has 11 siblings, most of whom continue to live in the Wichita area. Mike and Christina have two children, Audy and Henry. Mike graduated from West High in Wichita and attended both Wichita State and Fort Hays State Universities where he studied literature and political science.
An active volunteer in the community, Mike enjoys coaching youth sports including baseball, wrestling and football.
Speaker: Becca Johnson | Community Service Representative - District III
Becca Johnson is the Community Services Representative for District 3 at the City of Wichita. Becca moved to Wichita, KS in 2017 after completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in New York University. Becca’s degrees focused on education, literacy, and serving diverse urban populations. Becca was raised in a military family and spent her formative years moving around the globe, including a stint in Wichita for most of elementary school.
Prior to becoming the Community Service Representative for District 3, Becca worked at Wichita State University for four years. During her time at WSU, Becca managed the day-to-day operations of all three of WSU’s current residence halls, responded to emergent mental health and physical safety situations, and oversaw multiple committees and programs, including designing diversity, equity, and inclusion plans and trainings for her department.
At the City of Wichita Becca has excelled in community outreach, project management, and creating lean processes. On top of her normal CSR duties, Becca cofacilitates the City’s Civic Engagement Academy and LEAD ICT programs. In addition to her work at the City of Wichita, Becca volunteers at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit and sits on the boards for The Neighboring Movement and Friends of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit.
Speaker: Tasha Hayes | Program Director - The Neighboring Movement
Tasha Hayes is the Program Director at The Neighboring Movement, an organization dedicated to nurturing authentic, gifts-focused connections that foster neighbor-centered leadership. In her role, Tasha leads the We Care ICT initiative, working to build stronger, more connected communities and shift mindsets toward abundance.
She is passionate about empowering individuals to embrace the power of neighboring, encouraging lasting positive change in their neighborhoods. Through her dedication and leadership, Tasha continues to inspire and cultivate a culture of connection and community engagement.
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: Check in: 11:45 AM | Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: PEC - Suite 310 Building - 310 S. Topeka
Registration Deadline: April 7, 2025 at Midnight.
Thank you to our luncheon sponsor!
Summer Luncheon Event Details:
Topic: Turning Pride Into Action - Calling Wichitans to step out from the comfort zones and do something big or small to make a better community.
Janelle leads meaningful collaborations and social movements finding ways to bring the community together as a whole and uniting people through the arts. Because of her love for Wichita, she continues to work toward a more vibrant, dynamic community and encourages each and every one of you to roll up your sleeves, get a little dirty or uncomfortable and join in. Janelle will be discussing her work in the community both past & present and share what’s next for her and her impactful journey in this community to support peers, aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, to activate spaces, and to enrich our core through meaningful experiences, retail and the arts.
Speaker: Janelle King | Program Director - The Workroom, Owner & The Garages, Founder
Janelle King is an art advocate, community activist, interior designer, entrepreneur and owner of multiple businesses including The Workroom, celebrating 11 years and currently on the move! As a champion of Wichita, KS she is a go-to spokesperson for Wichita pride, and a leader and innovator for retail entrepreneurial concepts.
Date: June 18
Time: Check in: 11:45 AM | Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Marcus Welcome Center
Registration Deadline: June 11, 2025
Date: August 2025
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
closed
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Women in Public Service (WPS) is an association of public service professionals created to inspire past, current, and future generations by addressing topics relevant to women in public service, while instilling knowledge through education, networking and professional development that strengthens the leadership in our local government and communities.
Exploring My Role: Am I a public service professional?
A woman in public service is an individual who dedicates herself to serving the community. These roles encompass diverse professions, such as educators molding young minds, healthcare professionals ensuring public well-being, and government officials and nonprofit organizations addressing societal needs. If you serve the community in any form, public or private, you are a public servant.
Belonging to WPS
Membership includes three (bi-monthly) luncheons and one ticket to the annual evening event.
Annual Membership: $120
“New Professional” Membership (for individuals who have been in their current role for three years or less): $75
Other Benefits for Members:
Informative articles sent to members three times per year.
Personalized career mentoring session with WPS
Annual, organized, volunteer/service opportunity.
Annual WPS Conference
WPS hosts a one-day conference that historically brings more than 50 women together for a day of inspired learning. This is the space where women of service are recognized with Spark, Torch Bearer, and Standing Ovation awards. Members will get a discounted fee.
Become a sponsor of WPS! We are actively looking for June Luncheon and Conference Sponsors. Please consider supporting Women in Public Service in your community.
Contact Laura laura.baxter@wichita.edu or Jamie jamie.buster@wichita.edu with your choice.
Awards
At our Annual Celebration, we will recognize and honor two public service professionals—one as a Torch Bearer nominee and the other as a Spark nominee.
| Award | Description |
|---|---|
| Torch Bearer | Torch Bearer is a career public servant who has created a legacy of excellence in public service and is now ready to pass the torch. |
| Spark | Spark nominee is an emerging leader whose passion for public service sparks improvement in their community and inspires their colleagues. |
Membership Options
| WPS Membership | New Professional |
|---|---|
| Year-Long Membership (3 Lunchtime Events + 1 Evening Event) | Year-Long Membership |
| Informative Articles (3 per Year) | Available for Students and Those New in their Career (3 Years or Newer) |
| An Invitation to an Organized Service Opportunity | Same Perks as Regular Membership |
| Personalized career mentoring upon request (2 Sessions) | |
| Cost: $120 | Cost: $75 |
No refunds will be issued for cancellation of membership. However, memberships can be transferred to other colleagues.
"WPS was a huge motivator that got me interested in getting a master's in public administration and working for local government. Changing jobs was scary, but I’m so happy that I did! I am now the Economic Development Director for the City of Haysville. I am very grateful to WPS."
- Danielle Gabor