by: Ben Nash
Posted: Jul 14, 2026 / 07:26 PM CDT
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Northeast Kansas will hold its 38th annual Women of Excellence Awards & Gala on September 12, 2026.
Chelle Decker with YWCA said the designation pays tribute to women leaders who rise above challenges, inspire greatness and work to build a stronger, brighter future for everybody.
This year’s honorees are:
Shanae’ Calhoun – Willow Consulting
Jaclyn Cazier – Team Blake Foundation
Tanya Dorf Brunner – American Network of Oral Health Coalitions
Glenda Dubois – Kansas AARP
Ethel Edwards – Shawnee County Democrats, League of Women Voters, Topeka Public Schools, Foundation, Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Dani Essman – Topeka Correctional Facility
Sondra Geffert-Knox – Astra
Hannah Hale – Community Action Inc.
Sonia Jordan – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Chrisy Khatib – Kansas Department for Children and Families
Sheila Krohe – Topeka High School
Leslie Leifer – University of Kansas, Saint Francis Hospital
Jolie Lippitt – Community advocate
Abriona Markham – Topeka Doula Project
Christina Morris – CVS Health
Michelle McCormick – Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jessica Pauly – Omni Circle Group
Kim Priest – Mary Cotton Library
Jill Rice – SENT Inc.
Amber Saale-Burger – Kaylee’s Dad is Mad, TK Fights Fentanyl Inc
Brandi Turner – Kansas Department for Children & Families
Elizabeth VanVleck – DCF Rehabilitation Services
Karen Watson – Topeka and Shawnee County Library
Candace Williams – Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Ashlee York – Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
The Women of Excellence Gala raises funds for YWCA Northeast Kansas. Money raised supports services for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, stalking and human trafficking, as well as support for Kids Quest programming and the Capital Peace Project, according to YWCA.
For more information about the event click here, send an email chelle@ywcaneks.org or call 785-233-1750. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.