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Leadership Wichita

Advance Leadership. Broaden Perspective. Strengthen Community.

Leadership Wichita is an immersive program that aims to motivate individuals to take up influential roles in their community. The program offers valuable insights into various areas such as local government, economic development, education and media. It is an excellent opportunity for individuals who aspire to be community leaders and make a positive impact. 

These sessions provide participants with first-hand experiences like acting as principal for a day, doing a police ride-along, firearm simulation, meeting Wichita City Council Members and Sedgwick County Commissioners, influential business leaders, reporters, economists, students, inmates and more.

Leadership Wichita was introduced in 1983 with more than 1,000 local business, community, government and military leaders graduating from the program with a commitment to becoming stronger leaders for the community.

Those interested in participating in Leadership Wichita must be nominated, submit an application, and have their reference submit a letter of recommendation or complete an online reference form. The Leadership Wichita Board of Trustees selects 30 individuals, who will attend sessions from August through December. Sessions focus on peer networking and introducing community issues.

Nominations opens for the Class of 2026 on May 11. View application dates and class schedule here

Presenting Sponsor

 
 
 
 
 

  

 

Leadership Wichita Board of Trustees 2026

 
Alicia Sanchez | Chair
State Advocacy and Global Engagement Manager
The Boeing Company
Class of 2016
 
Rachel Thomas-Murphy | Co-Chair
Creative Director
Greyten 
Class of 2018
 
Danielle Johnson
Executive Director
Wichita Habitat for Humanity
Class of 2017

Mandy Fouse
Executive Director, Public Affairs and Executive Communications
WSU Tech
Class of 2023
 
Teresa Veazey
Community Services Representative, Districts 2&5
City of Wichita
Class of 2014
 
Ricki Ellison
Director of Talent, Workforce Development, and Community Engagement
Greater Wichita Partnership
Class of 2022
 
Tanya Bulluck
Executive Director
Child Start
Class of 2023
 
Becky Tuttle
City Council Member, District II
City of Wichita
Class of 2015
 
Niki Childers
Executive Director
The Pando Initiative
Class of 2025
 
Dawn Shepler
Business Development
Rhoden Roofing
Class of 2023
  
Fabian Armendariz
Director, Division of Operations
Wichita Public Schools
Class of 2019
 
Bobby Berry
Assistant Dean for Students and Experience
College of Applied Studies, Wichita State University
Class of 2023
 
Jamil Malone
Category Intelligence Manager – Retail Primary
Cargill Protein North America
Class of 2024
 
Whitney Vliet Ward
Commercial Associate
Weigand Real Estate
Class of 2024
 
Jamee Ross
Vice President of Advancement
Heartspring
Class of 2007
 
Jess Sojka
Assistant Vice President & Private Client Advisor
Commerce Bank
Class of 2025

Stay Connected

We have several events each year designed to keep our Leadership Wichita alumni network connected. Please ensure you’re connected in the following ways:

  • Join the Leadership Wichita Alumni group on .
  • Complete this contact form so we have your current contact information. Providing your email will opt you in to the alumni newsletter and invites for special events.
For more information about this program, please contact Angie Elliott, Chief Programming Officer.
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