20 Under 40: Jessica Domme

Photo by Nathan Ham

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Washburn University Juris Doctor, Washburn University School of Law

Hometown: Arnold, KS Spouse: Lawrence Domme Kids: Evan (20), Alexa (5), Avary (4)

Age:  38

3 Words: Loyal Determined Brave

Role Model: Growing up my role models were Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. I admired their commitment to what was right and their ability to effectuate change. Churchill and Thatcher are great leaders and individuals who improved society by challenging the norm. Through their examples, I started down the road of public service only to find my true role model—my husband, Lawrence.

My husband served for 12 years in the Kansas Army National Guard and then joined the Topeka Police Department as a law enforcement officer. His sense of duty, commitment and loyalty are admirable and challenge me every day to do more.

Best Advice Received: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4 (NIV).

Superpower: Tenacity.  I have faced challenges, both personally and professionally, that have required strength, perseverance, and resilience.  Winston Churchill once said: “Never give in…. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense….” My tenacity allows me to successfully overcome challenges with courage, determination and spirit.

Accomplishments Most Proud Of:

Personal: I am proud to be “Mom” to Alexa and Avary and a stepmom to Evan. Motherhood provides me with balance and inspiration. I love experiencing life through their eyes, with unwavering faith, abundant joy and endless optimism. I enjoy teaching our children to be strong, confident and brave and aspire to instill in their hearts love for God, family and community. I cherish exploring the world with them, getting sand between our toes and mud on our faces along the way.

Career: I am the most proud as an Assistant Attorney General when I am able to make a difference in the life of a victim or victim’s family by holding an offender accountable.  As a domestic violence prosecutor, the cases I handle present many challenges due to the nature of the relationship between the victim and the offender. In these cases, a strong but understanding voice is needed to respect the rights of the victim and hold the offender accountable for his/her actions.

At this point in your life, what do you know for sure? I know that life is too short and each moment is a blessing. Embrace life. Seize each opportunity and adventure—run through the waves at high tide, climb a mountain and hear the rush of a waterfall, rest by a lake and take in the tranquility—live life!

“I can think of no one better qualified than Jessica to serve as an example of leadership.” - Jeffrey A. Chanay, Office of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt

“Jessica’s energy, passion, and candidness are a breath of fresh air in our 150-plus-year old church, and we are grateful for her vibrant presence among us. Our church’s mission is to “share God’s love from the heart of Topeka,” and Jessica helps us do this.” - The Rev. Sandra Stogsdill Brown, First Presbyterian Church