Program Alumni

Current Fellows

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Brooke Kauchak

Brooke Kauchak is a transplant to Wichita, Kansas and grew up in a small town in Granville, Ohio not far from the City of Columbus where she went to school for her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences at the Ohio State University with an emphasis in international development and a Minor in Spanish. Upon graduation in May 2021, she gained valuable experience in youth services at Gladden Community House and discovered a passion for social justice and environmental equity. Brooke is currently servings as a Fellow for Lead for Kansas and is supporting Kansas communities in retaining young leaders and building transformative capacity to foster the next generation of civic leadership. She hopes to advocate for underrepresented groups in local government and explore Wichita’s most prominent challenges through a policy-oriented lens while grasping a deeper understanding of the complex socio-environmental factors influencing diverse communities.

 

Josie Dolenz

Josie Dolenz is a Wichita native that received her undergraduate degree in Musical Theatre from Friends University. While getting the opportunity to make short films and perform in live theaters locally, she also worked in the private sector in project management, sales, administrative roles and even some technical work in theaters across the state of Kansas. Josie returned to school to continue her education in Public Administration and stands to graduate this December with certification in city management as well as nonprofit governance. Josie has been serving on the board of directors for Kansel; an organization focused on raising the literacy rates of young adults by providing services aimed at helping people earn their diplomas. Josie hopes that her time with the City of Wichita will prove to be a meaningful experience that creates lasting relationships and opportunities for growth within the community.