KRISTEN SHOOK | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Kristen is the program manager for the Work for Success program at Mirror, Inc. Since May 2023, she has been instrumental in developing partnerships with community resources, managing staff training and overseeing case management services. Her role also involves grant management, social media oversight and program growth.
She actively contributes to the Shawnee County Reentry Council and the Community Action Against Human Trafficking Rotary Club, and is involved with Communities Organizing to Promote Equity and Topeka Rescue Mission.
Kristen also works with Intersection to Care, a mentorship program for incarcerated women, and runs her own podcast called Reentry Reframed. She has been named a NextGen Under 30 Kansas Honoree and a Paul Harris Fellow.
What’s the biggest professional goal you’ve accomplished?
Creating the Reentry Reframed podcast, which highlights the journeys of people returning to the community after incarceration. Our mission is to reframe the perception of reentry while offering hope to those navigating this process. We raise awareness about the challenges justice-involved individuals face and bring together like-minded individuals to collaboratively develop solutions. I’ve also had the opportunity to help develop Intersection to Care, a mentorship program for women incarcerated in Shawnee County Jail.
What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey?
I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors who taught me the value of having “courageous conversations.” I’ve also had the support to take risks and pursue my goals and dreams. One thing I wish I had been told — and that I now tell others — is this: Your dreams are possible. Writing them down brings them into reality, giving them physical form. Creating a plan and working toward it is what brings them to fruition.
What would we mostly likely see you doing on the weekend?
You would either catch me outside in nature exploring some trails, or indulging in our local art and music scene in NOTO!
