2024 Impact Awards – Early Childhood Professionals Organization of Wichita, Kansas

A group of people posing together in front of a balloon garland with green, white, and gold balloons.
A group of people posing together in front of a balloon garland with green, white, and gold balloons.

Our event was held at the Sedgwick County Extension office. DEY’s funds helped us secure our event location. One goal was to have 200 early childhood professionals nominated in our area. We are happy to report that we had 276 nomination forms come through with 201 early childhood professional nominated. In 9 years of hosting this event that was our biggest yet. Our goal is to always bring awareness to the community about the importance of early childhood education. We submitted proclamations with both our city and county along with inviting them to attend. City council Women Becky Tuttle not only took us up on our offer but was our MC for the event. We are looking forward to our future partnership with her. City County Commissioner Sarah Lopez was in attendance at our event as well.

A woman stands at a podium on a stage with several seated women and one woman standing to the right. A table with colorful boxes is in the foreground.
A woman stands at a podium on a stage with several seated women and one woman standing to the right. A table with colorful boxes is in the foreground.

This project brought together city and county officials with those who are on the front lines each day doing the work. The day of the event always brings joy to those nominated by being publicly recognized by their peers and other professionals for all the hard work they do each day. Our organization membership grows each year with this event. We had around 300 people in attendance at the event.

A group of seven people, four men in suits and three women, one holding a certificate, standing in front of steps indoors.
A group of seven people, four men in suits and three women, one holding a certificate, standing in front of steps indoors.
Four women sitting in a row of chairs, smiling and looking at the camera; one holds a drink cup. Behind them are more people seated.
Four women sitting in a row of chairs, smiling and looking at the camera; one holds a drink cup. Behind them are more people seated.