In Thailand, Danny Harris fought five Muay Thai matches in six months. After each fight, he would share drinks with his opponent and their family. The tradition emphasized respect and community over competition.

Laura leads the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC), where she connects students with real-world experiences through career and technical education.

Alicia oversees strategic planning, program development, fundraising and leadership growth within her team at Community Action. With more than 15 years of experience in social services, she drives change by fighting poverty, building partnerships and uplifting families across Topeka.

Cassidy oversees a 200-plus-person team that serves more than 7,000 households across the Topeka region.

At CapFed, Billy oversees retail banking operations, customer experience and wealth management services while leading a team of more than 380 employees.

Born and raised in Topeka, Dr. McGivern leads care for patients at Stormont Vail Health during some of their most challenging moments, ensuring compassionate, high-quality treatment.

Jake is a trusted advisor in transactional law, specializing in commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

Laura oversees Kansas’ largest organizational representative payee service and advocates for individuals with disabilities across five states.

At Mars, Damon leads a team focused on improving efficiency, safety and quality on the Snickers production line. Beyond the factory, he pours his energy into serving others.

India’s journey in Topeka began as a business reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. She went on to serve as vice president of marketing and communications for the Greater Topeka Partnership, bringing Topeka’s people and stories to a national stage.

For the past seven years, Madeline has been empowering students through leadership education, mentorship and community partnerships.

Through P&V Consulting & Advocacy Group, Jolie provides mentorship, training, policy consulting and advocacy to amplify marginalized voices and help others find healing and opportunity.

Connection & Belonging Manager | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS)

CJ is a financial reporting accountant at Advisors Excel where he mentors associates, leads budgeting conversations and coordinates a shadowing program to give local students real-world exposure to careers in accounting and finance.

From coaching more than 240 individuals and families in financial literacy to raising more than $157,000 for community programs, Fatima is on a mission to disrupt generational cycles of poverty.

At just 25, Jaron is already leading efforts to grow Kansas’ health care workforce, improve hospitals and ensure access to quality care.

Danielle’s journey in media began as a TV news anchor and has grown into a career fueled by her passion for media.

Chelsea has spent the last decade championing individuals of all abilities.

As part of the third generation of family ownership at R&S, Zac leads the business’ marketing, community engagement and strategic growth initiatives.

Jessie has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for vulnerable youth, especially missing and trafficked children in foster care.