Joni Wickham

Transformational Leadership: Exhausting and Exhilarating

Wednesday, Sep. 10 at 4 p.m. | Dole Institute of Politics

Former Kansas City Mayor Sly James took office after an economic downturn and at a moment when civic pride was nonexistent. Through a systems-thinking approach to governance, strategic community engagement, and data-informed decision-making, Mayor James’ administration led the city through a renaissance that transformed everything from the city’s skyline to its sense of self. Mayor James will talk about his time in office, his leadership style and explain why transforming his hometown was both exhausting and exhilarating.

Sly James is a former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, known for leading the city’s transformation through major initiatives like a new airport terminal, a modern streetcar line, and North America’s first “Smart City” project. A Marine Corps veteran and successful trial attorney, he also championed universal pre-K and diversity in the legal profession, founding the award-winning KCMBA Diversity Initiative. His leadership earned numerous honors, including the American Graduate Champion of Education and Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers. Sly is also an author of two books focused on civic leadership and opportunity.

Turning Research, Policy Solutions and Civic Engagement into Results for Kansas Women

Wednesday, Sep. 24 at 4 p.m. | Dole Institute of Politics

United WE has been breaking down barriers to women’s economic growth and leadership since 1991. The “think and do” tank’s nonpartisan, research-backed approach has driven meaningful change across the nation, proving that when women succeed, communities and economies flourish. Kansas in particular has been fertile ground for United WE’s policy agenda, including increasing access to childcare, occupational licensing reform, fostering women’s entrepreneurship and growing the civic leadership bench with women interested in serving their communities.

Wendy Doyle is a leading advocate for women’s economic and civic advancement, serving as president and CEO of United WE. Over the past decade, she has driven impactful policy change through research, advocacy, and initiatives like the Appointments Project. Wendy regularly advises policymakers, testifies before legislatures, and champions reforms in equal pay, childcare, paid leave, and more. Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including the Missouri Lieutenant Governor’s Women of Achievement award and induction into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame. She holds a B.A. from Rockhurst University.

Bipartisan Consensus Building: Making Public Policy Work for Everyone

Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. | Dole Institute of Politics

Kansas State Representatives Laura Williams (R) and Brandon Woodard (D) are a unique team. They previously ran against each other for public office, but are now both elected officials in the Kansas House of Representatives who work together on a broad spectrum of policy issues. In this session, we’ll hear about their bipartisan public policy work, how they approach problem-solving, and why they work so well together.

Rep. Laura Williams (R) serves in the Kansas House of Representatives, representing her childhood city, Lenexa, Kansas. She serves on Commerce, Financial Institution & Pensions Committees and the Joint Committee on Fiduciary Financial Institutions Oversight. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. With a degree from the University of Kansas, Laura dove headfirst into the world of business as an independent contractor developing marketing strategies for small to medium-sized businesses. But that was just the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. In 2017, she co-founded a Creative Agency with her husband that continues to thrive today. Now serving her second term in office, Laura is using her experience and passion for entrepreneurship to drive legislative priorities that remove barriers for business owners, create affordable access to childcare, and lower the cost of living for Kansas families. She currently serves as Chair of the Kansas Republican House Campaign Committee. She has served on the Community Council for She Should Run, a non-partisan organization helping break barriers for women to consider running for elected office. She is an alumnae of the BILLD 2024 for Council of State Governments, American Council of Young Political Leaders Canada 2024, and Emerging Leader 2023 Class of GOPAC. Laura is married to her husband, Kyle Williams and celebrated their tenth year of marriage this past May. She has 2 children, Eloise and Sullivan.

Rep. Brandon Woodard (D) is a passionate community organizer, dedicated advocate, and proud lifelong Kansan who represents the 108th District in the Kansas House of Representatives, covering parts of Lenexa, Olathe, and Overland Park. With deep roots in his community and a fierce commitment to public service, Brandon has become a leading voice for human rights, economic justice, and a more equitable Kansas for all. As House Democratic Leader, elected by his colleagues in 2024, Brandon is critical in shaping the legislative agenda, advancing progressive policies, and strategizing on key issues impacting Kansans.

Journalism and Civic Engagement: Is There a Connection and Should There Be?

Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. | Dole Institute of Politics

In a world where “fake news” seems to be a permanent part of our lexicon and where individuals don’t always agree on facts, what role should the media play in civic engagement? Does the fourth estate have a duty in our system of checks and balances? In this conversation with two accomplished journalists, we’ll consider how storytelling, fact-checking, and mass media are changing, and whether reporting the news and reporters on newsmakers should be connected to civic engagement.

John Holt anchors Fox 4 News at 5, 6, and 9 p.m. at Fox 4 Kansas City. He also hosts the weekly public affairs show “4 The People,” co-hosts “KC Endzone” during the Chiefs’ season, and is a special projects reporter. John graduated from the University of Kansas Schools of Journalism and Law.

Mary Sanchez is a nationally syndicated columnist with Tribune Content Agency, specializing in Latin American issues; immigration, race, politics, education, and culture. Her columns appear in publications across the nation and internationally. She is also a frequent contributor to Kansas City-PBS, to the station’s digital magazine, and appears on weekly news shows.

High Stakes Leadership: A Leadership Case Study in Innovation, Resiliency, and Impact

Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. | Dole Institute of Politics

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu joins us to discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with running a city that aims to grow in sustainable and strategic ways. A former anchor and reporter, Mayor Wu has a unique perspective on public narrative and crisis leadership.