Caleb Soliday | LGT Class of 2026

What’s a professional challenge you’ve faced that changed how you lead or work?
Early in my career, I took a traditional 8-to-5 desk job to build discipline and structure, but I quickly realized the environment limited my creativity and impact. I do my best work when I’m engaging with people, building community relationships and developing creative and mission-driven solutions. This now shapes how I lead and where I focus my energy.

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?
Pride Palooza. Honestly, it wouldn’t have happened without the hard work of young leaders like Josh Coulter, Jaron Anthony and Eugene Jones, who built the event from the ground up. It celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and the love our city can show. We had 1,500 attendees the first year and surpassed 4,000 last year. This year, while some Pride organizations are scaling back, we’re working to make it bigger than ever and welcome even more attendees to Evergy Plaza on Saturday, June 20.

What book, quote or idea has most shaped your approach to leadership?
Harvey Milk’s quote “Hope will never be silent.” It reminds me that even in grim moments, and when others may try to silence us, our hope and commitment to creating an inclusive community for all cannot be silenced. This mindset guides me to lead with positivity, courage and persistence.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?
Every Tuesday, I head to B&B with friends for $6 movies. Sometimes we mix it up with one of their trivia nights. Those Tuesday nights give me a chance to step back and recharge, whether it’s enjoying a great film or enduring a terrible one I may or may not have been dragged in to watch.

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