Women in Public Service

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. Membership and participation are open to all individuals working in or supporting public service roles. WPS hosts bi-monthly events throughout the year for networking and learning together at central locations in Wichita. Events are open to both members and non-members, while membership perks are exclusive to members. While WPS programming focuses on topics relevant to women in the field, all public service professionals are welcome to attend and contribute.

Become a Member

Exploring My Role: Am I a public service professional?

A professional in public service is an individual who dedicates themselves to serving the community. Our 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 service professional! WPS welcomes professionals from all backgrounds and roles who are focused on serving their communities through public or nonprofit work.

2026 Events

February Lunch & Learn

February Luncheon Event Details:

Topic: Collaborative Policing and Community Impact

Speakers: Officers Nate Schwiethale and Brittany Graham of the Wichita Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)

Date: February 26, 2026

Time: Check in: 11:45 AM | Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: Conference Room AB at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 West 2nd St N, Wichita, KS 67203

Register Now

Officer Schwiethale has been with the Wichita Police Department for 25 years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University. In 2013, Officer Schwiethale won the Officer of The Year award for developing the Wichita Police Departments Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.). This team works to help homeless into permanent on transitional housing. To date, H.O.T. has assisted over 1,600 homeless out of homelessness and worked with providers to dramatically reduce chronic homelessness. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and multiple other federal agencies have listed Wichita H.O.T. as a best practice and Officer Schwiethale is currently assisting the federal government to implement H.O.T. in other cities. Officer Schwiethale is currently a consultant on police Homeless Outreach Teams and has done consulting work for the National Advisory Board for the Department of Justice, COPS, IACP among other federal agencies. Officer Nate Schwiethale is the author of Rooster: What a Homeless Man Taught a Cop.

Brittney Graham is a 9-year Veteran of the Wichita Police Department. During that time, she served as an Animal Cruelty Investigator and was recruited to switch to Patrol in 2018. Most of her time was a Patrol officer and experienced 11 months on a Detective Rotation in Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Unit before joining the Homeless Outreach Team. She was selected to be on the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and has been on the Recruiting Team for 8 years. Officer Graham is active and involved with the Sedgwick County CIT Council. CIT Council is tasked with training local Law Enforcement Officers and Deputies around the state of Kansas to assist mentally ill individuals effectively during police interactions. Officer Graham is also currently an Adjunct Professor for WSU Tech helping teach Police Science for the Private Security classes since 2023.

Register by Feb 13th at NOON

April Lunch & Learn

April Luncheon Event Details:

Topic: Wichita Collective Impact

Date: April 16, 2026

Time: Check in: 11:45 AM | Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: PEC - Suite 310 Building - 310 S. Topeka

Register Now

Registration Deadline: April 7, 2025 at Midnight.

Speakers

Speaker: Dr. Tiffinie Irving

Dr. Tiffinie Irving is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. She currently serves as Vice President at a global education organization, where she leads strategic initiatives to support academic success in virtual learning.

Dr. Irving holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wichita State University and is an active community leader. She serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is co‑chair of TBC SMART, advocating for expanded educational opportunities and community engagement.

Speaker: Jamie Fuller, Public Policy & Management Center

Jamie is passionate about bringing qualitative and mixed methods approaches to bear on questions that directly impact people’s lives. After completing her B.A. in anthropology and M.A. in African African-American Studies at the University of Kansas, Jamie began her Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Florida. She specializes in focus group and interview facilitation, survey research, and participatory research methodologies. As a Wichita native, Jamie is excited to bring her experiences and skills back home.

Speaker: Brad Richards, Public Policy & Management Center

Brad Richards is the Community Programs Coordinator on the Access and Engagement Team at the Wichita State University Public Policy and Management Center. A Wichita native originally from Leavenworth, he holds a degree in Economic Pre‑Law from Kansas State University.

He previously served as a Lead For America fellow at The Kansas African American Museum, later continuing as Education Manager, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Wichita State University while remaining active in Wichita Urban Professionals and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; he was recognized as a 2023 NextGen Under 30 Kansas Rising Star.

Thank you to our luncheon sponsor!

June Lunch & Learn

June Lunch and Learn Details:

Topic: Engaging Community Through Collaboration

What does it look like to bring workforce, education, and small business support together in a way that truly serves a community? We're sharing how our team has connected these efforts at Empower by working closely with partners and truly listening to community needs.

We’re highlighting what’s been working, the lessons that have shaped our approach, and how collaboration can turn ideas into real impact. Join the conversation and walk away with practical ideas for building strong partnerships, encouraging meaningful engagement, and creating programs that make a difference.

Date: June 25, 2026

Time: Check in: 11:45 AM | Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: PEC - Suite 310 Building - 310 S. Topeka

You can Register to attend HERE.

Register deadline: Monday June 22 at NOON.

Speaker: Idalia Loya

Idalia Loya is passionate about Wichita, especially the North End she calls home. Driven by a commitment to giving back, Idalia works to enrich the lives of residents through programs and initiatives focused on education, workforce readiness, and community impact.

With almost four years at Empower, Idalia leads community-focused strategies that connect residents to vital resources and develop programs that support educational growth, life skills, workforce advancement, and efforts that strengthen community. Her work centers on building partnerships, expanding access to opportunities, and creating meaningful impact.

Like many residents, Idalia is a first-generation Wichitan with family roots in Chihuahua, Mexico. She is also the founder of Latina Lider, a network of Latinas supporting one another through sisterhood, empowerment, and personal development. In her free time, Ida enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring all that Wichita has to offer

Thank you to our luncheon sponsor!

Full-Day Conference

2026 Women in Public Service Conference - Engaging and Empowering Others

Everyone is welcome to attend the Women in Public Service conference. Here is your chance to grow, network, learn from inspiring speakers on topics in a choice of workshops and main sessions.

Join us August 6, 2026!

Where: Wichita State Rhatigan Student Center

Time: Check in starts: 8:00am | Program: 8:30am-4:15pm

Conference includes light breakfast and lunch

Member - $85

Non-Member - $130

Register by July 27, 2026

Schedule

Time	Session	Session Title	Speakers	Room
8:00 AM - 8:25 AM		Registration & Light Breakfast		305 Beggs East
8:30AM - 9:30AM	Opening Keynote	You Can’t Do It All	Dr. Katie Ervin CEO, Catalyst of Development	305 Beggs East
9:45AM - 10:45AM	Breakout		Ricki Ellison Greater Wichita Partnership	265 Lucas
9:45AM - 10:45AM	Breakout		Jordan Swisher 6Meridian	266 Pike
11:00AM - 12:00PM	General	Resilience: In An Ever-Changing World	Jo Lynn Bright HopeNet Wichita	305 Beggs East
12:00PM - 12:45PM		Lunch & Networking		305 Beggs East
12:45PM - 1:45PM	Breakout		Misty Bruckner Public Policy and Management Center	265 Lucas
12:45PM - 1:45PM	Breakout	Building Chemistry for Empowering Others	Dr. Janice Perkins Capacity	266 Pike
2:00PM - 3:00PM	General		ShaQiyla Banks Sedgwick County	305 Beggs East
	Video Remarks		Governor Laura Kelly	305 Beggs East
3:15PM - 4:15PM	Closing Keynote		Niomi Thompson	305 Beggs East

Speakers

Opening Keynote Speaker: Dr. Katie Ervin

Dr.Katie

Dr. Katie Ervin is the Founder and CEO of Catalyst Development, a company she launched after 26 years in corporate HR, higher education administration, and leadership coaching. With 14 years in human resources, 12 years in higher education, and now years leading her own business, Dr. Ervin has dedicated her career to helping organizations strengthen leadership, build high-performing teams, and create intentional workplace cultures where people actually want to work.

She works with all sectors and typically works in fast-paced and high-pressure such as construction, logistics, healthcare and local government. Her approach is research-backed, people-focused, and built on practical strategies that improve performance, retention, and morale at every level of an organization.
Through leadership development programs, executive coaching, and workforce engagement strategies, Dr. Ervin drives real, actionable change that helps people and businesses thrive.

She is also the author of You Might Be An Asshole But It Might Not Be Your Fault, a 2023 #1 Best Seller in Human Resources on Amazon. The book combines research and candid insights to help readers understand what drives behavior at work and how to become better leaders because of it. Her second book, 52 weeks of LEADERship, was released in April, 2026 which became a #1 best seller in Human Resources and Education on Amazon. It is a practical leadership journal to help people at all levels build their leadership skills.

Dr. Ervin is actively involved in her community and serves on the boards of the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association, Goodwill of Kansas and Missouri, and Habitat for Humanity Kansas Affiliate Support Board. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Kansas. She also mentors women golfers through Driving Pursuits in Kansas City and Wichita combining her passion for leadership and the game.

Video Remarks: Governor Laura Kelly

Dr.Katie

After putting Kansas back on track and ending her first term with the largest budget surplus in history, Governor Laura Kelly was re-elected and sworn in for a second term as the 48th Governor of the State of Kansas on January 9, 2023. Governor Kelly is a bipartisan leader who in her first term fully funded schools, improved infrastructure and broke records for business investment and job creation. As a result, the entire state prospered.

Governor Kelly has set a North Star for her second term – to make Kansas the best place in the country to raise a family – and will continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility, affordable housing and healthcare, early childhood and economic development, access to high-speed internet, and implementing a long-term, sustainable water plan during her time in office.

Annual Evening Event

Where: Club 95 - Wichita State University Innovation Campus

Date: November 2026

Sponsorship

BECOME A SPONSOR!

Women in Public Service Conference 2026

Rhatigan Student Center | Wichita, KS

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 those in public service, while instilling knowledge through education, networking and professional development that strengthens the leadership in our local government and communities.

Along with several luncheons throughout the year we host an annual conference and a give-back event. These are open to anyone in the public service fields.

For 2026 we want to expand our reach and are seeking sponsorship for the Annual Conference and Evening Give Back event.

Sponsor Registration

Please review the sponsorship levels, we welcome support of all amounts. If you would like to sponsor at a different level, please contact us.

Click image to download .pdf

Qualified sponsored gifts will be publicly recognized to show appreciation for your support.

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. The Torch Bearer and Spark Awards are open to any WPS member who demonstrates strong leadership, dedication, and service, regardless of gender.

Award	Description
Torch Bearer	Torch Bearer The Torchbearer Award honors a distinguished leader in public service who has demonstrated excellence, created a lasting legacy, and served as a mentor to others in the field. This individual leads by example, inspires others and lights the way for future generations. Eligibility Criteria: • Must have an active paid membership of Women in Public Service (WPS). • Must have at least two years, paid, active membership in WPS. • Preferred to have 10 or more years of experience in public service. Selection Criteria: Nominees should demonstrate the following: • Excellence in Public Service: A proven track record of impactful work, innovation, or leadership that has advanced the mission of public service. • Legacy of Leadership: Has created or contributed to initiatives, programs, policies, or changes that have had a lasting, positive impact on an organization or community. • Mentorship and Influence: Actively supports and uplifts others in the field through mentorship, coaching, or leadership development. • Inspiration and Integrity: Served or is serving as a role model through their values, professionalism, and commitment to service.
Spark	Spark The Spark Award honors a rising leader in public service whose early contributions demonstrate a strong commitment to community impact and service excellence. The recipient is someone who embodies the spirit of advocacy and inspires others through their passion and dedication. Eligibility Criteria: • Must have an active paid membership of Women in Public Service (WPS). • Must be within the first five years of their involvement in the public service field. • Must be actively working in a public service role (government, nonprofit, education, or related sectors). Selection Criteria: Nominees should demonstrate the following: • Advocacy in Action: Actively champions causes or initiatives that benefit the public and promote community well-being. • Service-Oriented Leadership: Shows a strong commitment to serving others and improving systems or services within their community or organization. • Inspirational Impact: Motivates and uplifts others through their work, attitude, and dedication to public service. • Early Career Excellence: Has made meaningful contributions or shown exceptional promise in their early years of public service.

Award

Description

Torch Bearer

The Torchbearer Award honors a distinguished leader in public service who has demonstrated excellence, created a lasting legacy, and served as a mentor to others in the field. This individual leads by example, inspires others and lights the way for future generations.

Eligibility Criteria:
• Must have an active paid membership of Women in Public Service (WPS).
• Must have at least two years, paid, active membership in WPS.
• Preferred to have 10 or more years of experience in public service.

Selection Criteria: Nominees should demonstrate the following:
• Excellence in Public Service: A proven track record of impactful work, innovation, or leadership that has advanced the mission of public service.
• Legacy of Leadership: Has created or contributed to initiatives, programs, policies, or changes that have had a lasting, positive impact on an organization or community.
• Mentorship and Influence: Actively supports and uplifts others in the field through mentorship, coaching, or leadership development.
• Inspiration and Integrity: Served or is serving as a role model through their values, professionalism, and commitment to service.

Spark

The Spark Award honors a rising leader in public service whose early contributions demonstrate a strong commitment to community impact and service excellence. The recipient is someone who embodies the spirit of advocacy and inspires others through their passion and dedication.

Eligibility Criteria:
• Must have an active paid membership of Women in Public Service (WPS).
• Must be within the first five years of their involvement in the public service field.
• Must be actively working in a public service role (government, nonprofit, education, or related sectors).

Selection Criteria: Nominees should demonstrate the following:
• Advocacy in Action: Actively champions causes or initiatives that benefit the public and promote community well-being.
• Service-Oriented Leadership: Shows a strong commitment to serving others and improving systems or services within their community or organization.
• Inspirational Impact: Motivates and uplifts others through their work, attitude, and dedication to public service.
• Early Career Excellence: Has made meaningful contributions or shown exceptional promise in their early years of public service.

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

Learn More about Women in Public Service

No refunds will be issued for cancellation of membership. However, memberships can be transferred to other colleagues.

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"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