Local Public Health Leadership Series - Alumni Event
Alumni of the Local Public Health Leadership Series gathered for a Fall 2025 event tailored to their needs as public health leaders in Kansas communities. Held in Topeka on August 26–27, 2025, the program brought together 11 participants for an engaging two-day experience designed to build skills, encourage connection, and strengthen leadership capacity.
The sessions emphasized empowering participants with innovative strategies to apply directly in their communities while reinforcing the value of ongoing professional development. All classroom instruction was led by the leadership development team from Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute (WSU CEI).
The agenda included a variety of learning opportunities. Alumni explored “Taking Care of Yourself as an Act of Leadership” to address burnout and renewal, examined adaptive strategies in “Using Heat as a Resource,” and participated in peer coaching breakout sessions to work through real-world challenges. The program also revisited the Kansas Leadership Center’s key leadership components to enhance skills and practices.
A highlight of the event was a keynote from Lalo Muñoz, Executive Director of El Centro of Topeka, KLC teaching team member, and Topeka Public Schools Board of Education member. His insights challenged participants to reflect on how they could exercise leadership differently within their own communities.
Alumni also enjoyed a speed networking session with the newest Local Public Health Leadership Series class, fostering both new relationships and stronger alumni connections.
This special event was made possible thanks to the ongoing sponsorship of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) through the Title XIX Medicaid Contract for Technical Assistance, Training, and Evaluation Services.
Special thanks to the Kansas Health Institute staff for their logistical and event support.
Photo Caption: Attendees pose for photo with statue of Dr. Samuel Crumbine and the state capitol in the background: Front Row (L-R): Brittany Overmiller (Smith County), Monique Eaton (Thomas County), Candice Sauers (Saline County), Kendra Baldridge (KDHE), Misty Trudeau (Barton County), Sonja Armbruster (WSU CEI) Back Row (L-R): Candace Davidson (Reno County), Wanda Agnew (Jefferson County), Jason Tiller (Saline County), Seth Bate (WSU CEI), Alison Koonce (Lawrence Memorial Hospital), Tracy Hall (Butler County), Arlene Doll (Lane County), Tina Payne (WSU CEI)