INAUGURAL COHORT GRADUATES FROM ATHENA LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

RISING STAR AWARD

• Kelly Rippel, RCIS Crop Adjuster, Zurich North America

• Ryan Bishop, Digital Media Specialist, Stormont Vail Health

ACTIVATOR AWARD

• Trey George, President/CEO, Topeka Housing Authority

• Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Director University Diversity and Inclusion, Washburn University

MARSHA SHEAHAN LEGACY AWARD

Topeka’s

ATHENA Leadership Program held its inaugural graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 27 at The Beacon. One participant stated, “This program has equipped me with valuable skills, knowledge, and insights necessary for effective leadership in today’s dynamic and ever-changing global landscape. Throughout the program I have gained a deep understanding of leadership principles, honed my critical thinking abilities, and enhanced my interpersonal and communication skills.” Through the program, 16 participants have learned and practiced the eight principles of Becoming ATHENA championed by ATHENA International, and are now ready to release their newfound wisdom and power in Topeka/Shawnee County. Participants pledge to Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration, Act Courageously, Advocate Fiercely, Give Back, and Celebrate. Learn more about the program at TopekaPartnership.com/becomingathena.

• Michel Philipp Cole, retired energy company executive, Evergy Inc.

Visit Topeka and Downtown Topeka have been rolling out “Topeka Spotlight” videos on social media in recent months to highlight some of the wonderful offerings our city has. Many videos have both English and Spanish versions, like the Spanishlanguage Kansas River kayaking spotlight featured here.

The GTP worked with our national public relations partner Violet PR to share our community’s story recently with Governing. com, which covered Topeka’s efforts to welcome immigrants and refugees, stand up new bilingual services, and grow our population and talent pipeline with inclusivity in mind.

Following negative remarks about Topeka made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Topeka and its leadership fired back! Responses from Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla and Visit Topeka landed us coverage in such publications as The New York Times and New York Post. Don’t worry - we took the high road!

Visit Topeka’s timely TikTok clapback to derogatory remarks by New York City’s mayor went viral in March, racking up more than 26,000 views!

Don’t miss recent episodes of the Topeka Talk: Community Conversations podcast, covering topics like Washburn University scholarships, our Top City Small Business of the Year, and the Topeka Area Sports Commission!

Topeka once again ranked among the nation’s top 10 emerging housing markets in the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com’s spring 2023 Emerging Housing Markets Index.

VISIT + DOWNTOWN TOPEKA FACEBOOK NUMBERS:

REACH - 1,061,810

NEW FOLLOWERS - 1,834

TOP PERFORMING POSTS:

Truckhenge VIDEO (63k views)

Jayhawk Theatre Renovations (61k views)

Downtown Topeka Farmers Market (51k views)

Adventure Cove at Lake Shawnee (42k views)

Giraffe & Friends VIDEO (39k views)

Toot Sweet Candy Shop (35k views)

In an effort to help us better reach the Kansas City market, Startland News out of KC has been working with GO Topeka to stand up a series of articles covering the business community, cultural events and more in the greater Topeka area.

Dine Around the World VIDEOS (30k views)