20 Under 40: Janice Watkins

Photo by Nathan Ham

Janice works with families from preselection to the ribbon cutting and dedication of their forever home. She is responsible for overseeing four additional housing rehabilitation programs (including the Senior Rehabilitation Program and the Hi-Crest Housing Rehabilitation Program), as well as the daily operations for the organization as a whole.

She is a member of several local organizations and volunteers for Silverbackks.

Why did you choose Topeka as the place to build your career? I like to joke that I literally grew up "nonprofit." My grandmother was the first acting director of Let's Help, and from an early age she instilled in me that the people in any community are its greatest asset. I truly believe that the people of Topeka are some of the most amazingly resilient and caring people, and my career allows me to work side-by-side with people that inspire me each and every day.

What do you see as your role in making Topeka a better place to live and work? Housing is such a critical issue nationwide and in our own community. Through our partnership housing program and housing rehabilitation projects, we are creating safer and affordable housing opportunities for individuals that are changing the trajectory of their futures.