TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – YWCA Northeast Kansas announced its honorees on Tuesday, July 14, for 2026 Women of Excellence.
Officials said the designation pays tribute to women leaders who rise above challenges, inspire greatness, and work to build a stronger and brighter future for everyone.
Honorees will be celebrated at the 38th annual Women of Excellence Awards & Gala on Sept. 12, 2026, at The Beacon.
This year’s honorees are the following:
- 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, etc.
- Dani Essman – Topeka Correctional Facility
- Sondra Geffert-Knox – Astra (Valeo)
- Hannah Hale – Community Action Inc.
- Sonia Jordan – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
- Chrisy Khatib – State of 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 – Department for Children & Families (Kansas)
- 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
Officials said an announcement of the 2026 YWCA Northeast Kansas Employer of Excellence will be scheduled at a future date.
Tickets for the Women of Excellence Gala event can be purchased at ywcaneks.org.
The Women of Excellence Gala raises crucial 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.
For more information about the event, you can contact Chelle Decker, Director of Community Engagement, at 785-233-1750 x222 or email Chelle@ywcaneks.org.
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