Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership and Forge Young Talent are excited to announce the next steps in their collaborative effort to offer Topeka-area residents a new opportunity to showcase their community pride. Starting in 2024, specially designed Topeka flag license plates approved by the State of Kansas will be available for purchase when people renew their vehicle registrations, allowing those with Topeka ties to display their capital city pride wherever they drive. Area residents eager to secure their Topeka flag license plates can take the first step by expressing their interest via an online form available at TopekaFlagPlate.com. At least 250 signatures will need to be collected in

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A new group of women leaders are ready to make their impact on the Topeka community. The Greater Topeka Partnership’s Athena program celebrated its first 16 graduates Tuesday night. The Athena program started this past year with the goal of empowering women to find places in the community they can share their voice and perspective. “This is life-changing,” Linessa Frazier, an Athena graduate, said. “It really helps to afford you the opportunity not only to meet amazing women that are within the community, but it also allows you to foster amazing leadership skills, things you can take out and use immediately.” You can find more information

 The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP/The Partnership) is proud to announce its membership in the esteemed United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), becoming the first non-Hispanic chamber in the Midwest to apply for USHCC membership. This new partnership solidifies the GTP’s commitment to promoting diversity, fostering inclusive economic growth, and supporting Hispanic-owned businesses in the region.   The USHCC is the largest Hispanic business organization in the United States, representing more than 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses nationwide. Its partnership with USHCC will provide the Greater Topeka Partnership with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to a broader network of business leaders and insights, ultimately bolstering GTP efforts to advance local and regional

The Partnership is proud to announce that Glenda Washington, Chief Equity and Opportunity Officer for the Greater Topeka Partnership, was recognized by iChange Nations™ with the iCHANGE NATIONS™ GLOBAL LIFE OF IMPACT AWARD. Previous award winners include His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba, Toro Kingdom in Uganda, Dr. Ben Shelly former President of the Navajo Nation, and Wolde Giorgis former President of Ethiopia, among others.

Founded in 1984, Leadership Greater Topeka, a Greater Topeka Partnership program, identifies aspiring and established leadership from the community to participate in an annual leadership training course. Class members attend a retreat and eight day-long sessions that begin in January and continue through May. During these classes they will learn about challenges facing Topeka and Shawnee County and how they can work to influence important community issues. The class of 2023 was selected from over 160 nominations and are: Craig Barnes                         Division Manager                                           Shawnee County Health Department Jacqueline Belden               Program