Les Anderson invited me to my first Wichita Professional Communicators luncheon. At the time, I was a student in his classes at Wichita State University’s Elliott School of Communication. With his guidance, I developed a love for journalism and the AP Stylebook, and a deep hate for the word “very.” Les encouraged me to write for The Sunflower, apply for scholarships and serve on the WSU Board of Student Publications. He helped me find a Read more…
Why do you think groups like Wichita Professional Communicators are important? Those of us who work independently – or as the sole communications professional for a small business or organization – really need to connect socially and professionally with other communicators. WPC offers that opportunity, as a home for all manner of communicators – writers, designers, marketing and PR pros, photographers and more. We support and learn from each other, through both informal interactions and Read more…
The annual WPC mixer and scholarship fundraiser returned Sept. 1 to the east-side Wichita Marriott. More than 60 attendees raised an estimated $2,700 for the organization’s scholar-ship fund. It was WPC’s first in-person mixer since 2019. Last year’s event was virtual, due to COVID-19 restrictions. “This was a great show of support for our scholarship fund, coming just two months after our return to in-person monthly meetings,” said WPC scholarship co-chair Judy Conkling. “We can Read more…
Whether you can travel to Wichita, Kansas or not, the 2021 Tallgrass Film Festival offers films created by filmmakers from all over the world available to you in person or virtually. Tallgrass believes in showcasing the best filmmaking experience possible, according to Melanie Addington, the new Tallgrass Film Association’s executive director, who relocated from Mississippi to join her new filming team. Addington says the film festival offers something for all ages. With these uncertain times, Read more…
What is your current profession? Community Engagement Coordinator at KMUW What do you love the most about your field? I love the breadth of the work we do at KMUW. KMUW is more than just news, it’s creativity, engagement, and relationship building with the community. Every day is different, and I love being able to regularly dip my toes into various projects like grant writing, event planning, audio production and so much more. What is Read more…
I use social media for a variety of reasons: work, to stay connected with family and friends, and to stay updated on my children’s activities or my own interests. Social media can be overwhelming when you look at it too much. It’s helped people, but it’s also distributed lies. In this era in which anyone can be a digital publisher, I’ve been rethinking George Orwell’s famous quote: “Journalism is printing what someone else does not Read more…
Elections for the 2022 WPC executive board members took place during the Nov. 3 meeting at Larkspur Bistro & Bar. The following slate was voted on and approved by all members in attendance. Congratulations to the 2022 WPC executive board members! Sean Jones, president: Sean is the communication specialist for the Wichita Public Library, where he oversees all marketing, communications and public relations. He works closely with each library division to promote programs, resources and services. Read more…
Why join WPC? Here’s what KMUW General Manager Debra Fraser has to say: “I’ve led communications professional groups in another city, and I believe the best services a communications organization can provide are professional development and scholarships. WPC does both with monthly speakers on topics relevant to anyone in communications and an annual scholarship program. I appreciate that WPC is welcoming to all communicators, including marketers, journalists, sales and anyone who’s part of the media Read more…
Conni Mansaw was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts at Wichita State University in gerontology and Master of Education in organizational leadership. at Newman University in 2017. A wife to Bryan, mother to Sydney and Savannah and an active member of the community, she dedicates her time, talents, and passion to many organizations and efforts in Wichita. What is your job title and what do you do? I currently Read more…
Your social media is your personal brand. For many people, especially communication professionals, that may be common sense. Unfortunately, it isn’t innate knowledge for everyone. I’m endlessly surprised by what I see show up in my social media feeds simply based on my connections’ and friends’ “likes.” And I’ll be honest, there have been numerous times when I would’ve preferred not to see the content a connection has given a thumbs-up to. (Like the self-proclaimed Read more…