20 Under 40: Missty Lechner

Photo by Nathan Ham

Missty works with communities throughout the state of Kansas to mobilize residents and leaders to advocate for public policies that increase access to healthier foods and beverages for all people.

Missty chairs the Leadership Council for Heartland Healthy Neighborhoods and is the former chair of the United Way's Eat. Move.Live. Obesity Impact Council. She was the recipient Governor's Council on Fitness Kansas Health Champion Award, the Health Strategies Revenue Generation Award, and the Health Strategies Award of Excellence.

What do you see as your role in making Topeka a better place to live and work?As a healthy food “expert” I cannot do all the work to promote wellness myself, but instead I bring together the right people, organizations and resources so all residents get the tools to drive the changes they want to build a healthier community.

Where do you see Topeka in 10 years?My hope is that in 10 years, residents and visitors of Topeka will be healthier and happier. They will have the ability to walk or bike for transportation safely on roadways and sidewalks. Healthy, local foods will be served and sold in grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurants, as well as in public venues like parks, community buildings and other public spaces.