Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations : Discussing Depression in Women

Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations is a community conversation on topics rarely discussed openly. On November 15, attendees will hear from a panel of community and business leaders on a variety of important issues, including: gender discrimination, assault and abuse, sexual harassment, race relations, women and depression, unhealthy relationships and diversity and inclusion. We sat down with panelist Phelica Glass, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, to discuss her specific topic, depression in women. According to the World Health Organization, depression affects 1 in 3 people. Furthermore, depression is twice as common in women. “Not only is it more common in women but it is also more persistent in women,” says Phelica. “Factors… Read More

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Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations: Discussing Diversity and Inclusion (and Equity)

Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations is a community conversation on topics rarely discussed openly. On November 15, attendees will hear from a panel of community and business leaders on a variety of important issues, including: gender discrimination, assault and abuse, sexual harassment, race relations, women and depression, unhealthy relationships and diversity and inclusion. We sat down with panelist Kathleen Marker with the YWCA of Northeast Kansas to discuss her specific topic, diversity and inclusion (and equity). Having diversity in our workforce means being inclusive and should encompass everything from race to gender and beyond; e.g. age, experience, education, background, upbringing, marital status, country of origin, religious views, political affiliation, learning styles, conflict styles… Read More

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Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations: Discussing Sexual Harassment

Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations is a community conversation on topics rarely discussed openly. On November 15, attendees will hear from a panel of community and business leaders on a variety of important issues, including: gender discrimination, assault and abuse, sexual harassment, race relations, women and depression, unhealthy relationships and diversity and inclusion. We sat down with panelist Amanda Kiefer, FHLBank Topeka, to discuss her specific topic, sexual harassment. Sexual harassment has become an ever-growing discussion point at present. Historically, it has gone overlooked in the workplace, and in many offices today harassment still goes unreported. This kind of misconduct is not only unwarranted and demeaning, it impedes upon women’s ability to… Read More

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Women’s Forum- Quiet Conversations: Discussing Gender Discrimination

Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations is a community conversation on topics rarely discussed openly. On November 15, attendees will hear from a panel of community and business leaders on a variety of important issues, including: gender discrimination, assault and abuse, sexual harassment, race relations, women and depression, unhealthy relationships and diversity and inclusion. We sat down with panelist Amber Oetting, Kansas Gas Service, to discuss her specific topic, gender discrimination in the workplace. An age-old issue, gender discrimination is every bit as prevalent now as it was when women entered the workforce. And, unfortunately, it is an issue many victims, bystanders and managerial staff remain silent on. But why do so… Read More

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Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations : Discussing Race Relations

Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations is a community conversation on topics rarely discussed openly. On November 15, attendees will hear from a panel of community and business leaders on a variety of important issues, including: gender discrimination, assault and abuse, sexual harassment, race relations, women and depression, unhealthy relationships and diversity and inclusion. We sat down with panelist Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Washburn University, to discuss her specific topic, race relations.  Race Relations  Upon addressing why the topic of race relations is not discussed more openly, Danielle acknowledges that she believes, “women, particularly women of color, discuss this among themselves all the time. It may be in our sororities, with our mentors or… Read More

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October Milestone Anniversaries

The Partnership is pleased to recognize and celebrate its members who have reached membership milestones in October! We thank each of our members for their loyalty and support – we’re glad you’re here!   45 YEARS Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority    Topeka Metro wins state and regional awards Veterans Ride Free in November   25 YEARS Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson Counties, Inc           15 YEARS Midwest Single Source         West Indian Hills Management, LLC      Valeo Behavioral Health Care         5 YEARS Brown V Board National Park Service          Sprout Communications, LLC           1 YEAR AT&T on Wanamaker     Auburn Washburn Public Schools Foundation     Chocolatey Software       Crimson Corporation   … Read More

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Get To Know Our New Members

The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to introduce a few of our new members! Please welcome them by stopping by their business to introduce yourself and visit their website or social channels. Click on any of the new members below for their Directory Listing! Topeka Fit Body Boot Camp     Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office   4 Guys Bar & Grill   Mike Emmert at New York Life   KIC, LLC. (dba Kansas.gov)    College Hill Pizza Pub    2 Chefs Catering    Free State Oils   Shannon Nichol, REALTOR   Agent Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services   Glaciers Edge Winery   Society for Human Resource Management     Cosmos IT Solutions, Inc    Valor Tax Services, LLC (dba Jackson Hewitt Tax)    Top… Read More

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Free State Oils

Free State Oils supplies quality Full Spectrum CBD products for people and pets. CEO Joy Neely is a jack of all trades, donning multiple hats as a realtor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. But she swears by CBD and its many practical uses. Joy worked for on the legislative side, trying to get CBD legalized in the state of Kansas. After legislation passed in May 2018, she launched Free State Oils Kansas Brand the following month. Joy’s product is now available in stores, chiropractor offices, and pharmacies. Additionally, you may purchase her CBD products at her three Kansas outlets in Topeka, Holton, and Overland Park.   Free State Oils offers a variety of CBD… Read More

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4 Guys Bar & Grill

On October 1, 2018, the doors opened to 4 Guys Bar & Grill, an Asian and American Fusion! A local favorite in the food truck scene, brothers Tuan and Viet Lam expanded their business to include a restaurant and bar. The duo dreamed of opening their own restaurant while experimenting in the kitchen for years. Their shared hobby turned into a profession in January 2017 when the Lam brothers opened their first food truck, 4 Guys Grill. Inspired by their Vietnamese heritage, Viet and Tuan decided to offer a unique fusion between Asian and American cuisine. At 4 Guys Bar & Grill you can savor appetizers such as the 4 Guys… Read More

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U.S. Engineering

U.S. Engineering was established in Kansas City in 1893. Though to be fair, their roots run all the way back to 1855 – to a small shop in Cologne, Germany – owned and operated by Gustav Nottberg.  125 years later, they are one of the largest Specialty Mechanical Contractors in the Midwest. U.S. Engineering specializes in Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Refrigeration, Controls, and Sheet Metal. The Mission: Leave a Legacy The Vision: Be the Best They do this by taking a holistic approach to facility solutions and focus on the total cost of ownership. Some little-known facts about the organization include:  The current Chairman and CEO is the fifth generation… Read More

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