Author: t466f567@wichita.edu

Everyone is invited to join professionals, students and community leaders for the Public Policy and Management Center’s 2026 Women in Public Service conference “Engaging & Empowering Others” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Rhatigan Student Center.

The conference features an opening keynote by Dr. Katie Ervin, along with engaging sessions on leadership, resilience, financial empowerment, servant leadership, coaching and community impact. Registration is $85 for members and $130 for non-members and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Register by Monday, July 27.

Whether you’re a student, public servant, nonprofit professional or aspiring leader, this conference offers practical tools, meaningful connections and inspiration to help you grow as a leader.

Learn how to inspire and motivate others through purpose-driven leadership. Led by Kathy Sexton of the Public Policy and Management Center, this session focuses on aligning vision, values and action to create meaningful change. Join from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 21 (check-in is at 12:45 p.m.) at the Wichita Public Library Evergreen Branch, 2601 N. Arkansas Ave.

Cost is $100 per person. Shockers can use code 2025ProDev to receive 10% off registration for any class.

Turn difficult conversations into opportunities for growth. Led by Percy Turner of the WSU Community Engagement Institute, the session helps participants deliver feedback that builds trust, strengthens performance and supports continuous improvement. Join the session from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 9 (check-in at 12:45 p.m.) at the Wichita Public Library Westlink Branch, 8515 Bekemeyer St.

Cost is $100 per person. Shockers can use code 2025ProDev to receive 10% off registration for any class.

Discover how emotional intelligence strengthens leadership. Led by Brenda Deitzman of Wayfinder Consulting, this session will help participants build skills in awareness, empathy and intuition to improve decision-making and workplace relationships. Join the session from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 22 (check-in at 12:45 p.m.) at the Wichita Public Library Alford Branch, 3447 S Meridian Ave.

Cost is $100 per person. Shockers can use code 2025ProDev to receive 10% off registration for any class.

Strong teams rely on trust, alignment and shared purpose. Led by Percy Turner of the WSU Community Engagement Institute, this session will explore strategies to maintain team cohesion and accountability, even during times of change. Join from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 11 (check-in at 12:45 p.m.) at the Wichita Public Library Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St. N. Cost is $100 per person.

Shockers can use code 2025ProDev to receive 10% off registration for any class.

Learn how to stay composed and effective in high-pressure situations. Led by Percy Turner of the Community Engagement Institute, this session equips participants with emotional regulation and communication tools to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.

Join from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 21 (check-in starts at 12:45 p.m.) at the Wichita Public Library, Evergreen Branch, 2601 N Arkansas Ave. Cost is $100 per person. Shockers can use code 2025ProDev to receive 10% off registration for any class.

Explore how different generations bring unique perspectives, strengths and expectations to the workplace. Led by Brenda Deitzman of Wayfinder Consulting, this session will help participants build more inclusive, productive teams by improving communication and bridging generational gaps.

Join from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, May 4 (check-in starts at 12:45 p.m.) at the Wichita Public Library Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St. N. Cost is $100 per person. Shockers can use code 2025ProDev to receive 10% off registration for any class.

Join the Professional Development Series from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the Wichita Public Library, Rockwell Branch, 5939 E. 9th St. N, for “Projecting Your Professional Self With Confidence,” led by Percy Turner of the Community Engagement Institute. Learn practical techniques to strengthen your presence, credibility and influence in any professional setting. Registration is $100 per person.

Effective collaboration doesn’t just happen — it’s built through clear communication and shared accountability. This session, hosted by the Community Engagement Institute from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the Wichita Public Library Westlink Branch, 8515 Bekemeyer St., helps leaders create environments where ideas flow freely and teamwork thrives.

Check in is at 12:45 p.m. and registration is $100.

Learn to protect your time while supporting your team’s priorities at the session “Time is a Boundary and a Resource” with the Public Policy and Management Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 at the Wichita Public Library, presented by Percy Turner with the WSU Community Engagement Institute.

Check in is at 12:45 p.m. and registration is $100. Participants will explore techniques for setting healthy boundaries, managing workload and using time intentionally as a leadership tool.