Wichita’s Wonder Women

Most communities have a few claims to fame and Wichita is no exception. The boundless plains
birthed some of our country’s biggest business success stories. This list often leads with Charles Koch, Phil Ruffin, the Carney brothers and various last names now notable as aircraft brands. We Wichitans have made many headlines in sports and innovation too, but almost always in male dominated ways.

With just a slight, but intentional, shift of focus, we see Wichita rears female powerhouses too. These ladies are living their truth out loud and taking the country by storm. These women use their voices to the benefit of others and raise their own profile as a result. Not the other way around.

They are public school graduates with a perspective that serves them well wherever they travel. They grew up among diverse populations and breathed in great big skylines. Wichita didn’t make these ladies, Wichita gave them a place to be who they are.

Sarah, Sheinelle and Joanna

Sarah Smarsh is currently the New York Times Best Selling Author of Heartland and She Come By It Natural. A true jewel on the plains. Her perspective heals. She is the rare culmination of genuine reflection sans judgement. She Comes by It Natural is the life story of Dolly Parton but it connects the struggle of all women who follow their heart and wade in uncharted waters.

Sarah Smarsh’s feminism is fashioned by midwestern values. Her ability to pull people toward the middle is powerful. She respects all creatures as complex and multidimensional. She accepts how they arrived at the present moment and recognizes everyone’s ability to expand.

Sheinelle Jones is a proud graduate of Wichita Heights and the anchor on NBC’s Today Show. Sheinelle’s genuine heart shines through each morning for the world to see. A highschool cheerleader, she keeps cheering for Wichita and the fine people of her hometown.

Sheinlle recently shared the story of the Dockum Drugstore sit-ins which launched the peaceful protest movement of the United States’ civil rights era. A piece of often overlooked history, she gave a voice to the pioneering plan that hatched in Wichita. She frequently features her mom, grandparents and other family members on the show. A working mom of three herself, managing life on the air in New York City with three small kids, Sheinelle’s greatest gift is the grace she extends to herself and others.

Joanna Gaines was born in Wichita and lived here through middle school. Most well known for interior design, cooking and jaw-dropping home renovations, it is the love oozing out of Joanna Gaines that makes us want to see more of her. The connection she shares with her husband on camera gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling. But it’s the way she tries so hard to make other people’s dreams come true, along her own trip to the top, that makes us keep cheering for her.

Being Erin Brockovich

There’s a certain accessibility in the midwest that makes your dreams attainable. Sure you’ve got to work hard and keep your word, but you don’t have to be from old money or a member of the country club to succeed. Those things help, of course. But what Wichita will teach you is that old money needs new energy. It seeks ideas with operators.

When you can look out from a hill and see for hundreds of miles, there isn’t much that seems out of reach. Middle America freely gives groundedness. There is a center here that pulls us together. This year we’ve been reminded about common ground and interconnectedness. Now we better understand that the plight of some is the concern of all. Othering our neighbors steals rich experiences from us both. Stable, functioning societies require shared resources. These ladies all understand and act on that simple truth.

Erin Brockovich grew up in Lawrence and credits her Kansas roots and encouraging parents with her stick-to-it-ness. She famously said in the movie that bears her name, “I was Miss Wichita!” This phrase works as a boost when things aren’t going quite right but you just can’t give up–try it!

Erin Brockovich believed in herself when no one else did. She is the embodiment of David vs Goliath and she did it all in a mini skirt. To this day, Erin Brockovich works to protect our most precious resources; water, air and earth. She fights pollution and corporate pillage on behalf of moms and dads all over the country whose kids get cancer from the environment. Her fight didn’t end when Julia Roberts won an Oscar for playing her character. Like the legend that she is, Erin instead used that platform to raise the profile of the least powerful people in society.

Writing about women so wise in their words is somewhat daunting. But because each of them uses their voice to make the world a better place, it feels right to amplify the messages they’ve shared that make me a better person. These fierce females have dedicated themselves to sharing what they believe to be true. They’ve faced criticism and self-doubt. In light of life’s struggles, they just keep showing up as their authentic selves. That’s their greatest gift to
anyone who hears them. They are kind and unfiltered, self-aware and reflective. They lead with compassion and they are a shining example to all of the world.

Wichita Women, Independent and Grounded

As Americans, we must gravitate toward the middle. I believe women will lead us there. Independent and grounded, Wichita women will pull you along if you let them. Instead of filling your head with cable news pundits profiting by promoting chaos, let’s lift up the voices of people more like our moms and grandmas! Let’s trust our intuition, share our struggles, look for common ground and believe that world peace is possible when it starts within.

My thanks to each of these extraordinary women. Through them, I’ve been encouraged and my thoughts expanded. They certainly aren’t the only wonder women of Wichita. Most wonder women, here and around the world, are living their lives more quietly, raising children, managing businesses, serving the community and supporting one another. Together, we prove there are opportunities for greatness for each of us and leading with compassion is courageous.

Wherever you’re from, whether it is a big city, small town, the suburbs or a rural stop sign, absorb the best of the environment. Read and reflect on the words of wise women who share with good intentions. Soak up what your home has to share. Love the place and the people. Contribute.