20 under 40: Jennifer Goetz
Jennifer sets a prime example of how to lift-up communities with both creativity and kindness. Jennifer is responsible for outreach, branding and service elements of the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office, which together help to financially empower communities throughout the state of Kansas. In 2020, Jennifer developed her own creative agency, Blu Door Creative, which has helped change the shape and aesthetic of Topeka’s business scene, and acted as a vehicle for her to go deeper into both her craft and her service. She hopes to grow Blu Door’s impact and reach to include developing strategy and content for political figures in Kansas. It is also her hope to see the agency align itself with social causes like supporting survivors of domestic violence and introducing the creative industry to at-risk youth.
Jennifer was a member of Leadership Greater Topeka’s Class of 2021, and exemplifies leadership in many places outside of her employment. She serves as one of the nine commissioners on the city’s Human Relations Commission, is a member of the Topeka South Rotary, and sits on the YWCA Governance committee.
How has your professional career inspired you personally?
Every day I field concerns from people wanting local and statewide change, and yet, change can’t be accomplished if you’re only expressing opinions behind the veil of a keyboard. My professional life has deeply influenced my personal belief that you cannot demand change if you don’t get involved. Therefore, I personally get involved in my community by providing creative services and support outside of my job. There are nonprofits that serve the underserved, small businesses trying to get off the ground, and great individuals attempting to do big things in elected positions that need help I am uniquely qualified to provide.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I almost went to Wichita State on a discus scholarship but instead became the third female drum major ever at the University of Kansas as a sophomore.
How would friends describe you?
I believe my friends would describe me as funny, creative, fast paced, involved, empathetic, reliable, and always the counselor!
What trait do you most attribute to your success?
A perpetual willingness to go, “Sure! I’ll give it a shot!” mixed with a tenacious need to always be learning from other people and new experiences, and to set a standard... no, a demand, that I deserve to be at every table I’m at, even if self-doubt tries to convince me otherwise.
