Connect

In Search for the Most Talented

Join Our Team

December 18, 2018

2018 has been a remarkable year for YPW. As an organization we evolved, built new connections, and grew our membership to over 3,800 members. 2019 is going to be an exciting year for YPW and to continue building on our successes, we are expanding our…

Founders' Day 2019

Founders' Day 2019

October 24, 2018

YPW IS SEARCHING FOR THE BRIGHTEST, MOST CREATIVE TO PLAN FOUNDERS’ DAY! Do you have a passion for event planning and overall FUN?! This might be a great opportunity for you! Young Professionals of Wichita is looking for volunteers to help with the planning of…

Young Professionals of Wichita Announces 2019 Board Members

September 21, 2018

We are excited to announce our new Board Members for YPW’s 2019 Board of Trustees. Six talented leaders will be welcomed onto our Board. Their experiences and skills will drive Young Professionals of Wichita to continue becoming the leader in talent retention and engagement in…

The Final Post

Seeing wichita through fresh eyes, part 4

August 2, 2017

We’ve discussed my favorite places and things, the thriving downtown entertainment area, adventures to be had and all the fab places to live in Wichita. You might be wondering what’s left. Are you asking yourself, isn’t there still more we can do? Well, yes, there…

11 Hand-Picked Reasons Why ICT Millennials are Proud to Call The City Their Own

Millennials Market ICT to other Millennials

October 13, 2016

In an impromptu gesture, a group of millennials decided to take it upon themselves to help market the city of Wichita to other millennials through the form of an infographic they titled “UnpredICTably Amazing.” This group said they were tired of people bagging on their…

Opportunity Capital Mindset

Expect Success

June 1, 2016

I am thrilled that Cargill has decided to stay in Wichita. I am excited that my friends who work for Cargill will still be here. I’m also excited for what this says about Wichita- as Mayor Jeff Longwell noted – this is a validation for…

What We Learned

Whine About Wichita Recap

May 12, 2016

April 1st, or April Fool’s Day, is generally known as a day when people make jokes, play pranks, and generally fool around for no better purpose than to tickle their funny bone. But when 119 YPs, City of Wichita officials, and members of the community…

1 Million Cups: Disrupting Wichita’s Business Community

April 25, 2016

1 Million Cups has been rocking the Wichita community since its start date in early February. What is it? What’s its purpose? What can we, as a community, do to support 1 Million Cups? We sat down with YPW member Jacob Wayman, one of the…

Join us at the KS YP Summit

April 21 & 22

March 17, 2016

Early-bird registration deadline extended to March 24 What is there to like about the month of April? The blooming trees? Fresh flowers and sunny days? Famous Kansas thunderstorms? How about it being the month the Kansas YP Summit is held? This is the first year…

Opportunity Capital: The One Billion Dollar Challenge

BY SAM FOREMAN, KLENDA AUSTERMAN | 2016 YPW CHAIR

March 10, 2016

What exactly would it take to add a huge number like one billion to our local economy? To have that impact in a year, each of the 300,000 workers in the Wichita MSA would have to increase their productivity by about $3,300 – or a…

Cocktails and Creativity: YPW’s Third ServeUp Project

ServeUp’s volunteer team mixes it up with the year’s first volunteer project

March 4, 2016

The Event When: March 8, 6:00 p.m. Where: Gianni Bacci’s Who: Arts Partners You like cocktails, you like being creative, and you like a good cause, making Shaken: Mixology 101 the perfect event for you. Gianni Bacci’s will be hosting the event, where you’ll be…

Help Make Wichita the Opportunity Capital

By Sam Foreman, Klenda Austerman | 2016 YPW Chair

February 10, 2016

I dare you. Imagine a perfect Wichita community. One filled with limitless opportunities for your family, friends and business. What if I told you that image is within our reach? Skeptical? I believe itis within our reach. This transformation can only be achieved if we…

Tallgrass Film Association Named Nonprofit Partner in #ILoveWichita T-shirt Contest

Wichita, Kan. – Tallgrass Film Association has been selected as the nonprofit partner for the #ILoveWichita t-shirt contest. The selection committee chose TFA, which this year is producing the 14th annual Tallgrass Film Fest, because of its connection to the creative community, its economic impact…

Five Volunteer Resolutions for 2016

By Camille Gaddis, Community Relations Action Team Volunteer

December 9, 2015

The end of 2015 is fast approaching and it is time to start thinking about resolutions for 2016. What could be better than making goals that will help your community and make you feel great? This year, challenge yourself to a volunteer resolution. Pick a…

Are You a STEM All Star?

Local initiative seeks to build a STEM professional database for educators

December 3, 2015

Why STEM? Fueling a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math fields will help grow our economy and better equip current students with the skills they need to be successful. According to the National Science Foundation, “…scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as…

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

By Camille Gaddis, Community Relations Action Member

November 11, 2015

The holiday season is an exciting and busy time for the community. Everyone is in the spirit of giving and there are many options available to help those in need. If you are looking for new volunteer opportunities for this season, check out the list…

Maximize Your Volunteer Hours

By Camille Gaddis, Community Relations Action Team Volunteer & Volunteer Tracking Coordinator

September 9, 2015

When we are busy juggling work, family and other activities it can be difficult to fit volunteering in our schedule. It doesn’t matter how many hours you are able to volunteer, each hour you give is meaningful. Not only does it help an organization, but…

Quit the Cuts

YPW Board Takes Position on County Commission Budget Cuts

August 6, 2015

Last week we celebrated 10 years of uniting young professionals in Wichita. This week, the YPW Board is calling on its members to unite to effect positive change in our community by voicing your opinions on the Sedgwick County Commission’s recommended budget cuts. The Board’s…

Top 10 Things to Do This Summer

By Shea Zuckerman, Ambassadors Action Team Member

May 20, 2015

As we thaw from the deep freeze of winter, let’s look at what our city has to offer this summer for those with a drive for some sun and fun with current friends and soon-to-be friends. Check out this list of some of the best…

YPW’s First ServeUp Team Was a Success

By Carly Farr, Ambassadors Action Team Volunteer

April 17, 2015

Last November, the first YPW ServeUp Team was launched and members were determined to benefit Dress for Success Wichita. ServeUp is a program designed to pair a team of young professionals with a nonprofit organization to help plan and implement new ideas for the organization…

Top 10 Spring Attractions in Wichita

By Tim Brunson, Ambassadors Action Team Volunteer

April 15, 2015

  Great Plains Renaissance Festival (April 18-19, 10am-6pm) – Jousting knights, roast turkey legs, and the start of the Wichita Highland Games on Friday evening! What more could your medieval heart desire? Magicians & musical artists from the bygone era will entertain all guests, whether…

Top 10 Places to Live in (and around) Wichita

By Jessica Williams, Ambassadors Action Team Member

March 16, 2015

Are you a young professional looking for older homes with more character, or a converted warehouse loft? Maybe you’re a shopaholic and want to be near the best shops to add to your wardrobe collection. If you’re looking to start a family you may be…

Share Your Impact On Wichita

By Camille Gaddis, Community Relations Action Team Member

March 9, 2015

With the spring season approaching us comes opportunities to get involved and engaged in our community. An easy way to start is to update your volunteer hours for the first quarter of 2015. It is simple, fast and very important for the organization as a…

Dress for Success Wichita

BY CARLY FARR, AMBASSADORS ACTION TEAM MEMBER

February 23, 2015

Dress for Success Wichita is changing lives of deserving women every day, and for the entire month of March they are encouraging Wichita to show extra support for their organization. The mission of Dress for Success Wichita is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged…

Volunteer Mingle Recap

By Emily Reisig, Community Relations Action Team Member

November 11, 2014

On September 18, YPW members mingled with their peers and 22 nonprofit organization representatives at The Pumphouse Bar in Old Town. We had a nonprofit representative for every passion—from horticulture to financial literacy. Volunteering in our community is not only a way to make an impact on the…

Volunteer Experiences: Giving Back and Growing Together

By Emily Reisig, Community Relations Action Team Member

September 10, 2014

According to the American Cancer Society, half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetime. Founded in 1913, the American Cancer society is the nation’s largest community-based voluntary health organization. One of the many fundraising events…

Things to do in Wichita

When you have visitors

May 20, 2014

Are you having friends visit, but not sure where to take them? Are you looking to visit Wichita in the future yourself? Here are some ideas of places to check out. Events There is always something fun going on in Wichita. These are some of…

Envision embraces visually impaired staff

in inclusive business model

April 7, 2014

By David Friedberg, Allen, Gibbs & Houlik L.C. Community Relations Chair Did you know there is a manufacturing facility that is operated by the visually impaired (some completely blind!) in Wichita, Kansas? Envision hosted YPW at its Manufacturing facility on South Water Street in Wichita…

Need for Speed

YPW Member Creates Air Capital Speedskating Club

February 6, 2014

For just over three years, YPW member Craig Goodloe of Airbus Americas Engineering has been involved in organizing a short track speedskating club at the Wichita Ice Center.  Craig said, “In 2010, my good friend, Rob Davis, and I decided that we should try to…

Board Placement Events Deliver Results

YPW Member joins Nonprofit Board

November 20, 2013

By Matt Kochenower, Cargill Meat Solutions Ambassadors Team Member YPW’s Board Placement program connects YPs interested in serving on nonprofit boards of directors with local nonprofits in need of a YP voice. Traniece Bruce, Pre-College Advisor at Wichita State University, attended the Board Placement 101…

Luck be a lady tonight

Access presents event at Kansas Star Casino

October 29, 2013

By Shea Zuckerman, Cessna Aircraft Company Ambassadors Team Member Think there’s nothing to do in Kansas?  Think it’s just a continuous cornfield?  Think again.  In big cities many of the entertainment options one expects to find are all downtown in a small area.  Easy to…

Announcing Our Community Service Superstars!

YPW members dedicated to volunteering in the organization and the community

October 23, 2013

By Sundee Dunn, High Touch Technologies Ambassadors Team Member Since the Volunteer Hour Tracking program was launched in July of this year, YPs have donated 960 service hours to 13 different organizations in the Wichita community.  Volunteers are vital to the success of YPW and…

Community Culture

The Mosaic Action Team

October 15, 2013

By Ashley Abedini, CarMax Ambassadors Team Member Do you like being exposed to the various world religions and cultures? Do you enjoy sampling delicious ethnic cuisines? Last and most importantly: do you like champagne?   If you answered yes to any of the previous questions,…

What is Community Relations?

Connecting YPs and the Nonprofit community

October 10, 2013

By Sundee Dunn, High Touch Technologies Ambassadors Team Member Do you want to get involved in Wichita, but you don’t know where to start? Want to foster a relationship with a non-profit or do you already have a connection? Community Relations (CR) just might be…

Kansas Aviation Museum

Aviation History, Kansas History, and Kansas Aviation History

September 3, 2013

By Cory Theobald Pulse Team Member Located at the end of George Washington Boulevard, tucked up against Boeing and McConnell, the Kansas Aviation Museum houses not just aviation history, but Wichita history as well. Built in the 1930s as the terminal for the former Wichita…

YPW Launches Volunteer Tracking Program

Quantifying YP's contributions to the community

August 14, 2013

By Sundee Dunn, High Touch Technologies Ambassadors Team Member Have you ever wondered how young professionals are making a difference within Wichita or even within YPW itself? Perhaps you are curious about the impact you are making as an individual member. Now there is an…

YPW Action Team Volunteer Plans Event

First-Ever Night of the City Sensational Honors local figures

August 12, 2013

By Lamont Anderson, ALA Enterprises Leadership Link Action Member It is our mission to celebrate the culture, innovation, and diversity in Wichita with an awards and ceremony dedicated to highlighting these attributes which make Wichita great. Wichita is a city filled with a passionate community,…

Community Events for YPs

June 12, 2013

Looking for a way to support some of Wichita’s outstanding community organizations?  Summertime is full of fundraising and community events.  Keep an eye on our Community Calendar for more events throughout the year, including a brand new women’s-only fundraiser! Ballet Wichita 5K Art Run CASAino…

YPW Members Honored

Congrats to all 40 Under 40 Honorees

May 29, 2013

We’ve always known that Wichita has phenomenal young professionals, and we’re thrilled to see so many of our members honored in the Wichita Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards!  Please join us in congratulating the following YPW members: Brock Beran, Beran Concrete Inc. Angela Buzard, Wichita…

Enhance Community Project 2013

Chair recaps event successes

May 9, 2013

By George Hornbeck, Ad Astra Financial Group 2013 Enhance Chair 2013 marked the fifth annual Enhance CommunitYProject, a product of the Young Professionals of Wichita. On April 27th, with the help of 163 volunteers, 13 homes were just that – Enhanced. These volunteers dedicated their…

Electricity In the Air and On the Ice

Wichita Thunder versus fort worth brahmas

January 15, 2013

by Brant Whitelock Vice Chair of the Pulse Team The buzzer cuts through the cold air. AC/DC blasts over the speakers. The Wichita Thunder hits the ice as Thunder fans of all ages leap to their feet and start screaming. Friday night at INTRUST Bank…

Big for a Day

Volunteer in Training Event Recap

September 18, 2012

By Jennifer Collins Community Relations Team Member Last Saturday I got to meet a quiet, intelligent 10 year old girl who seems wise beyond her years. She is one of many children on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list. Community Relations was approached months…

Becoming a "Big"

Member gives back to community

June 19, 2012

“I am a true kid at heart and I saw this as an opportunity or excuse to be a kid again.  I get to go play laser tag, arcade games, football, baseball, climb the playground equipment and just act like a kid and for a…

The Priority Project

YPW partners with Visioneering Wichita and Wichita Downtown Development

June 18, 2012

In 2004, thousands of people in communities across south central Kansas set the region’s 20-year plan. Since then hundreds of groups and volunteers have been using this plan to make our region a great place for people of all ages to live and work (YPW…

Ride and Drive

Electric Cars in Wichita

May 31, 2012

You may have heard about them or even seen them around town. The electric vehicle is now available in Kansas and we want you to come give them a test drive. On Friday, June 8 from 5:30pm-9:00pm at Exploration Place, Westar Energy’s ElectroGo program will be…

Congratulations to 2012 40 Under 40 YPW Members

May 9, 2012

The Wichita Business Journal has announced their 40 under 40 class of 2012. We would like to congratulate those winners that are also members of YPW! Kristine Contemplacion, Grant Thornton LLP John DeCesaro, Armstrong Shank Scott Hale, Koch Industries Inc Rachel Mendoza Banning, Families Together, Inc Lindsey…

May 2012 Donation Drive

Dog N Bone Rescue

May 4, 2012

Dog N’ Bone is a new rescue located in Wichita, KS. The organization’s goal is to try to help as many animals as it can that, through no fault of their own, ended up in animal shelters with no hope of being adopted. Items being…

Fight for Air Climb

Volunteer in Training Event Recap

April 24, 2012

By Jennifer Collins Community Relations Team Member Saturday, I volunteered with YPs at the 2012 Fight for Air Climb at the Cessna Stadium at Wichita State University.  The Fight for Air Climb benefits the American Lung Association, and raises money for the research, education and…

Hospitals of Hope

Volunteer in Training Event Recap

April 12, 2012

by Jennifer Collins Community Relations Team Member On April 3, I visited Hospitals of Hope with a group of YP volunteers to learn about their Clinic in a Can program, and see what we could do to help. As the first segment in Community Relations “Volunteers…

YPW Ambassador Hotel Forum

February 24, 2012

On Tuesday, February 28th Wichita voters will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to allow the Ambassador Hotel developers to retain a percentage of the guest tax (charged to those renting rooms). This past Tuesday YPW held a forum in which representatives…

Announcing the Emerging Leaders Program

Visioneering Wichita welcomes YPW members to apply for City-to-City Trip

June 30, 2011

In an effort to reach out to young community leaders, Visioneering Wichita is continuing the Emerging Leaders Program for individuals between the ages of 25 and 39 years old. The Emerging Leaders Program is a scholarship opportunity for young professionals to be involved in Visioneering…

Congratulations to 2011 40 Under 40 YPW Members

May 6, 2011

Congratulations to all the YPW Members selected for the Wichita Business Journal’s 2011 40 Under 40 Class! We’re so proud to have so many oustanding members. Brandon Baker — The Carnahan Group Stephanie Bowen — Flint Hills Resources LP Karla Campbell — Spirit AeroSystems Inc…

Project Downtown

Downtown Master Plan Revealed

September 10, 2010

Your input has shaped the plan and future of our Downtown. Project Downtown: The Master Plan for Wichita is ready to be presented, and you’re invited to this major event. The Project Downtown consulting team led by Goody Clancy will outline the master plan, including…

New Board Specifically for YPs

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas

August 24, 2010

The Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas is starting a Young Executive Board and are inviting YPs to be a part of it. The Boys & Girls Clubs Young Executive Board is a chance for younger members of the community to give back…

Go Play Kansas Expands

July 7, 2010

Summer is officially here, signaling the time to get outside to hike, bike and play. Launched last year as a go-to-guide for everything outdoors in Wichita, the online resource GoPlayKansas.com has significantly expanded to include all parks and recreation spaces in the state. Now no…

Congratulations to 2010 40 Under 40 YPW Members

June 1, 2010

Congratulations to the YPW members who were selected for Wichita Business Journal’s 2010 40 Under 40 class! Julie Allen, Kennedy & Koe LLC Prisca Barnes, The Kansas African American Museum Kim Doze, Martin Pringle Oliver Wallace & Bauer LLP P. Scott Flemming, Sullivan Higdon &…

Bike to Work in May

A message from the Health & Wellness Coalition

April 5, 2010

May is the perfect time to bike to work. Biking to work builds moral, encourages camaraderie, and is a great way to get active in your community. Active employees are more alert, take fewer sick days and are more productive. Biking also reduces your carbon…

2010 KCLI Facilitators Workshop

Learn to be a better community facilitator

March 24, 2010

The Kansas Leadership Center is offering a unique and exciting opportunity to improve your facilitation skills. The Kansas Community Leadership Initiative (KCLI) Facilitators Workshop has been designed to increase the facilitation effectiveness of community leadership program facilitators. The KCLI Workshop will benefit anyone regardless of…

Cocoa Dolce Named Finalist

March 15, 2010

Cocoa Dolce was one of 7 small businesses selected as a finalist for the US Chamber’s 2010 Dream Big Small Business of the year award. One finalist will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award on May 18 during America’s Small…

Dowtown Market Findings

And Upcoming Events

January 22, 2010

Downtown Market Findings Event a Success! On January 13th, over 300 individuals attended Downtown Market Findings: Discoveries. We hope you enjoyed the event as much as we did. On our website, we have placed copies of the Goody Clancy presentations on the hotel, housing, office,…

Where to Park

Helping you navigate downtown Wichita

December 15, 2009

Wichita Downtown Development Corporation is working with the City of Wichita and Wichita Transit to help you find one of thousands of available parking spaces for INTRUST Bank Arena, Century II, and other downtown events. WDDC invites you to visit an interactive map of downtown…

Wichita Transit Adds Rider Amenity

Bike Racks are here!

October 29, 2009

The Wichita Transit Department has added bike racks to all of the Transit buses to accommodate the needs of riders. Each bus is equipped with one bike rack which can hold two bicycles. The bike racks increase transportation options by allowing a bicycle trip to…

Learn How You Can Help Clean Up the River

October 9, 2009

Wichita Wraps Community-Wide Stakeholder Meetings These meetings are designed to educate the community about the WRAPS process. WRAPS stands for Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy. WRAPS is a process where Wichita residents, businesses and other organizations have the opportunity to identify watershed needs, and with…

August 2009 First Friday

July 21, 2009

If you’re looking for something fun to do in Wichita, check out First Friday in August! Now in its fifth month, Wichita’s music crawl, presented by House of Schwan, KMUW, & Heffys BBQ Sauce, promises to be an event to remember as Wichitans continue enjoying…

Wichita Named All American City

June 25, 2009

There were 3 projects that were included in Wichita’s presentation, Visioneering (inlcuding YPW), Opportunity Drive, and Mennonite Housing. Our very own, Heather Denker had a starring role presenting Visioneering and YPW. View the video of the presentation here! For more information, check out the tweets…

Vote ICT

May 27, 2009

Music, barbeque, and voting—all part of June’s First Friday! Now in its third month, Wichita’s music crawl, presented by House of Schwan, KMUW, & Heffys BBQ Sauce, promises to be an event to remember as Wichitans start their summer. 22 venues will showcase 24 artists…

Enhance is Coming to Life

May 13, 2009

We’re just one month out from the Enhance CommunitYProject. Why does this matter to you? This is your chance to take a few hours out of one Saturday to give back to the community and really make a difference. Enhance falls within the YPW Community…

Thank you from KPTS

March 24, 2009

KPTS wants to thank YPW and those that volunteered their time at the March 2009 Membership Drive. See what they say below. Thank you so much for organizing volunteers to participate our March 2009 Membership Drive! We raised $112,975 and gained 512 new members! KPTS…

Launch of Enhance CommunitYProject

March 20, 2009

At the February Monthly Mingle, YPW rolled out “Enhance CommunitYProject”. Through Enhance CommunitYProject the Young Professionals of Wichita will develop and organize an annual community service event which will focus on enriching the Wichita area while providing the members of YPW the opportunity to give…

YPW Event with Visioneering Recap

March 16, 2009

Jon Rolph explaining Visioneering to a group of YPs. The “Review, Revise, Refocus” project Visioneering is currently undertaking to further advance south central Kansas. This meeting was one in a series of 20 meetings to reintroduce citizens to our long range plan; celebrate successes and…

Wichita Video

January 28, 2009

A new video highlighting Wichita from digitalBrand.

Investing in our community

December 5, 2008

As we approach the holiday season and new year, it’s a good time to review how we feel about our individual contribution to society. Yes, our investments, including our retirement accounts, have lost money. No, there is not constant job security for most employees. However,…

Chat with a Changer

Jared Brickman, ROKICT.com

December 2, 2008

In this town, right now, there’s a group of young professionals poised for world domination with “world” being that individual area of expertise and passion that drives that person to create dynamic community change. In this week’s Chats w/Changers, I spoke with Jared Brickman, the…

Diversity Through the Eyes of an Air Force Major

August 1, 2008

Alaska. Seattle. Colorado. Boston. Germany. Alabama. Wichita. These are some of the places that Major James Eldridge Davis has lived throughout his life and his career in the United States Air Force. Each new place brought with it diversity issues that Major Davis had to…