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Molly Howey, president of “GO Topeka” and senior vice president of economic development for the Greater Topeka Partnership, oversees economic efforts for Shawnee County. After graduating from Washburn, Howey became a certified economic developer through the University of Oklahoma’s University Economic Development Institute. “There’s a lot of cool things I’ve gotten to be a part of,” said Howey. “However, I think what I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to be a part of so much positive change in my community. It hasn’t always been easy, but we have made great strides and we aren’t done yet!” After spending some time in marketing, Howey realized she loved creating professional connections. “I kept growing in my passion, which included knowledge of the community and economic development, and I had great support to continue my path in the leadership role I’m in today.” She also had her fair share of challenges in the workforce making and mainting relationships. “This industry was extremely male-dominated when I started out. There have been huge strides made to increase diversity, which is encouraging. However, it has been tough at times to overcome stereotypes and prove my credibility.”
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Terri Benson, advertising sales manager for USA Today/LocaliQ, manages a team of sales representatives who provide businesses with marketing solutions to reach local customers to grow their business. “I started at The Topeka Capital-Journal in 1993,” said Benson. “Four years later our content started publishing on CJOnline.com. I’ve grown professionally by learning and adapting to how the audience consumes our content and how they interact with advertising businesses.” Like Howey, Benson is also proud to live and work in Topeka. “The month after I graduated from Washburn with a BA in Communications, I began at TCJ,” said Benson. “I have been there for 26 years. In July of last year, I was named a sales manager for USA Today/ LOCALiQ and worked with a regional team in Kansas, Iowa and Missouri.” Benson said the hardest career transition was moving between director of marketing to a role as an advertising representative.” “I value partnerships with my clients, share their stories, engage with customers and help with branding. I enjoy advertising and marketing, learning and mentoring, and giving back to my community through leadership and volunteering.”
