20 Under 40: Susana Prochaska

Photo by Nathan Ham

Susana serves as the President of the Kansas School Counselor Association with an executive board of approximately 20 school counselors across the state. Susana is a graduate of the Latino Leadership Collaborative of Kansas and member of the Kansas Counseling Association board.

She has worked on community revitalization projects, volunteered at Harvesters with her three sons, and volunteers to work with youth through the Topeka Forge Leadership Pillar.

Where do you see Topeka in 10 years?I am excited about the positive energy and creative solutions being cultivated by collaborative groups of visionary Topekans. I am amazed by our local businesses who set a high standard for generosity through their sponsorships of community events and projects. Over the next 10 years, engagement and advocacy will determine how we focus our resources and energy.

What do you see as your role in making Topeka a better place to live and work? Along with developing a vibrant economy, I believe it is also important to consider the social needs and conditions of our neighborhoods. Specifically, I'm drawn to projects that promote education, career readiness, community mental health, and holistic development of the young people who will become our future leaders.