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鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Home. She volunteers for BSA on the Recruitment Committee and with the United Way鈥檚 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 -
Register by Feb 10th at NOON
Thank you to our luncheon sponsor!
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.
April Luncheon Event Details:
Topic: TBD
Speaker: TBD
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: Check in: 11:45 AM | Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: PEC
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.
Summer Luncheon Event Details:
Topic: TBD
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Date: August 2025
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
closed
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Awards
At our Annual Celebration, we will recognize and honor two public service professionals鈥攐ne 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鈥檓 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