symposium

Thanks to everyone who attended this year's symposium!

Celebrating a Decade of Impact: 10th Annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium

The Kansas Community Health Worker (CHW) Coalition kicked off June by hosting the highly anticipated 10th Annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium. The celebration began on May 28, 2025, in Topeka, where coalition members joined Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for a proclamation signing officially declaring June 13, 2025, as Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium Day.

To see a copy of the proclamation, click here.

Held at the Wichita State University Eugene M. Hughes Metroplex, this year’s event brought together more than 150 CHWs and their allies from across the state. The day was filled with energy, reflection, and celebration, honoring a decade of dedication to community health. The theme, “A Decade of Impact: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future for CHWs in Kansas,” reflected on the legacy of CHWs while looking ahead to the continued journey toward health equity and community wellness.

The symposium featured a robust agenda of speakers, breakout sessions, and engaging activities centered around the theme. Chantal Nez, Public Health Program Manager at the WSU Community Engagement Institute, opened the day with a heartfelt welcome and land acknowledgment. Coalition Co-President Angela Scott and Secretary Lucy Watie followed, highlighting the vital role CHWs play across Kansas and offering thanks to the planning committee for their dedication.

The opening plenary session featured a powerful panel discussion with Treva Smith, B.S., Ton Mirás Neira, B.S., and Erika Saleski, MPP. Panelists reflected on the evolution of the CHW workforce in Kansas, discussing pivotal moments, the workforce’s resilience, and how the identity and culture of CHWs have transformed over time. The session invited attendees to consider what is needed to sustain and strengthen the field moving forward.

Breakout sessions offered attendees the opportunity to dive deeper into specific topics, including:

Integrating CHWs in an Organization – Kaitlin Woods & Callier Dyer
Working with the Unhoused – Kayla Knier & Molly Mendenhall, LMSW
Mental Health Coping Strategies (Spanish) – Catalina Garcia, LPN, CHW
Understanding the Effects of Poverty – Kendra Davila, LMSW
Mental Health Coping Strategies – Hillary Zwetzig

Throughout the day, attendees explored sponsor and vendor booths, snapped photos at a lively photobooth, and shared moments of connection and joy. During lunch, Veronica Reyes of United Healthcare was named the 2025 CHW of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contributions and embodiment of the Kansas CHW Core Competencies.

The event concluded with a special 10th Anniversary Celebration, where participants reflected on the collective impact of the past ten years and shared memories that underscored the power of community-driven health work.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the Kansas CHW Coalition Symposium Planning Committee and the following sponsors whose support made this event possible:

We’re already looking ahead to the next symposium and can’t wait to see everyone again!

2024 Symposium

Evolving CHWs: Fostering Leaders, Amplifying Voices, and Advocating for Sustainability

Symposium Recap

The Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition kicked off June by hosting the highly anticipated 9th Annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium. On May 30, 2024, coalition members attended a proclamation signing in Topeka, where Kansas Governor Laura Kelly declared June 10-11, 2024, as Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium Day.

Held at the Wichita State University Rhatigan Student Center on June 10-11, 2024, the symposium attracted close to 300 Community Health Workers (CHWs) and their allies, creating an atmosphere buzzing with excitement and energy.

The pre-symposium event offered attendees insights into the Kansas State Plan Amendment for CHW reimbursement and skill-building sessions on topics such as public speaking, advocating for CHWs, notetaking, and addressing Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia in communities. The day concluded with the premiere of the documentary "A Day in the Life of a CHW" and a social gathering at Social Tap.

The symposium featured a full-day agenda of speakers, breakout sessions, and activities centered around the theme "Evolving CHWs: Fostering Leaders, Amplifying Voices, and Advocating for Sustainability." Chantal Nez, Public Health Program Manager at the WSU Community Engagement Institute, opened the event with a warm welcome and land acknowledgment. Kansas CHW Coalition President Elaine Johannes emphasized the importance of CHWs across the state and thanked the Symposium Committee for their efforts.

Keynote speakers Noelle Wiggins and Victoria Adewumi, Co-Executive Directors of the Community Health Worker Center for Research and Evaluation, shared their extensive experience in advancing health and educational equity through the CHW model and participatory research. Noelle has worked with CHWs for over 35 years, including directing La Familia Sana in Oregon, while Victoria has facilitated community empowerment and health equity interventions for marginalized populations.

Attendees chose from a variety of breakout sessions, including:

-“Cultivating Leaders Beyond Education: Pathways for CHWs in Kansas” presented by Hannayd Ruiz, Mid-America Regional Council, Community Health Project Manager

-“Supporting CHW Supervisors Through Professional Development” presented by Angela Scott, COPE Community Health Worker Field Supervisor

-“Sustainable Funding for CHWs” presented by Erika Saleski, Health Policy Consultant, ES Advisors, LLC; Jackie Catron, MPH, Section Director for Community Health Workers Section, Bureau of Health Promotion, Kansas Department of Health and Environment

-“Advocating for The Formerly Incarcerated” presented by Suzana Hernandez, Overdose Prevention & CHW Coordinator, KCPM, Sedgwick County Health Department; Monalynn Decker, CHC/SEK Community Health Worker, Crawford County Corrections

-“Cultivating Leaders in the CHW Field” presented by Claudia A. Yaujar-Amar, Executive Director of AB&C Bilingual Resources, LLC; Editor in Chief of Planeta Venus

-“Dual Role of CHW as a Community Interpreter” presented by Marixendra Alvarez, CJS Translation Services, LLC

Throughout the day, attendees visited sponsor and vendor booths, got new headshots, and enjoyed a photobooth for fun group photos. During lunch, Hailey Collins was announced as the 2024 CHW of the Year, recognizing her exemplary qualities and adherence to Kansas CHW Core Competencies.

The event concluded with a closing panel discussion on "CHWs: Multi-faceted and Evolving Roles," featuring Angela Scott, COPE Community Health Worker Field Supervisor; Wendy James, CHW Program Director, Wichit Family Medicine Specialists; Jackie Betance, Health Promoter, Kansas Statewide Farmworker Health Program; and Janette Carroll, CHW, Amberwell Atchison.

We are so thankful to the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition Symposium committee for all their hard work planning the event and to the our sponsors for their support. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Pre-Symposium Presentation Slides

- Review of the Kansas State Plan Amendment for Community Health Worker Reimbursement in Kansas | Jackie Catron
- Your Voice Matters: Addressing Public Speaking and Advocating for CHWs | Shalese Clay
- Notetaking and Documentation in Practice | Guadalupe Tredway
- Assess, Connect and Educate: Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in Your Community | Kelly G. Loeb

Education Pathway Requirements

- Taking It to the Next Level: CHW Leadership to Sustain the Profession | Noelle Wiggins, EdD, MSPH and Victoria Adewumi, MA, CHW, MPH
- Cultivating Leaders Beyond Education: Pathways for CHWs in Kansas | Hannayd Ruiz
- Supporting CHW Supervisors Through Professional Development | Angela Scott
- Sustainable Funding for CHWs | Erika Saleski, Jackie Catron
- Advocating for The Formerly Incarcerated | Suzana Hernandez, Monalynn Decker
- Cultivating Leaders in the CHW Field | Claudia A. Yaujar-Amar
- Dual Role of CHW as a Community Interpreter | Marixendra Alvarez

2023 Symposium

Strengthening CHWs/Promotoras De Salud in Kansas: Cultivating Health, Healing, and Balance

Symposium Recap

The Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition kicked off the month of June by hosting one of the highly anticipated annual events, the 8^th Annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium!

To make it official, on May 25, 2023, Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition members attended the proclamation signing in Topeka by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly declaring June 15, 2023, as Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium Day.

The 8^th Annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium took place on June 15, 2023, at the Wichita State University Rhatigan Student Center in Wichita, KS. An overwhelming 200+ Community Health Workers and their allies attended the event, and it was buzzing with exciting energy.

The agenda for the full day event was filled with a wide variety of speakers, breakout sessions, and activities, all focused on topics chosen by the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition surrounding the symposium theme of “Strengthening CHWs/Promotoras De Salud in Kansas: Cultivating Health, Healing, and Balance.”

Crystal Rodriguez, Program Manager at the Kansas Department of Health & Environment CHW Section, shared a warm heartfelt welcome to a full room of attendees and reiterated the importance of CHW work within all communities and the importance of celebrating our Kansas CHWs. CHWS in attendance that had completed the education program had a moment of recognition for their hard work and commitment. This year’s keynote speaker was Wandy D. Hernandez-Gordon, AA, CLC, CD/BDT(DONA), CCE, CHW. Wandy has over 28 years of experience working alongside Community Health Workers/Promotoras de Salud and within the black and brown communities. Wandy shared a passionate presentation that started with a quick dance break that got everyone in the room moving and proceeded to share her expertise on “Advancing the CHW Profession: The Moment or the Movement?”

Attendees were able to choose several breakout sessions that covered a variety of topics such as:

Fearless & Female: Personal Safety and Self-Defense at Work, Home, or Play presented by Cindy Coughenour, Founder, Fearless & Female
Is Self-Care Out of Your Comfort Zone? presented by Franchon Francees, LCMHC, CTRT, Founder, Healing Your Almond
Walking Alongside Grief presented by Joy Bishop, MSW, LSCSW, Compassionate Bereavement Care Certification, Death and Grief Studies Certification, Joy Bishop Counseling
CHWs and Incarceration presented by Suzana Hernandez, Sedgwick County Health Department

Throughout the day attendees also had the opportunity to visit vendor booths from supporting organizations and share success stories from their communities.

During lunch, the Symposium Planning Committee announced the 2023 CHW of the Year, Monalynn Decker. Monalynn was nominated as a CHW that exemplifies the Kansas CHW Core Competencies and exemplary CHW qualities.

After lunch, attendees participated in the CHW Café that allowed the opportunity for attendees to choose 3 different roundtable discussions with subject matter experts in the following areas in either English or Spanish:

Chronic Disease Training Opportunities
Mental Health First Aid
KDHE Peer Groups
Breastfeeding Support

The day wrapped up with a facilitated planning session, “Next Steps: Planning our Way Forward”. At attendee tables, attendees discussed where we are in terms of creating an infrastructure for CHWs in Kansas and where we want to go in the future.

We are so thankful to the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition Symposium committee for all their hard work planning the event and to our sponsors for their support:

We look forward to starting the planning process for the next symposium and look forward to seeing everyone again!

2022 Symposium

Health Equity 360º

Symposium Recap

After several years of connecting virtually, the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition was excited to put on an in-person event that brought attendees from across the state together to collaborate, network, and learn. To kick off the start of the month, Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation designating the month of June as Community Health Workers Month which was an amazing kick-off to the symposium. The 7^th Annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium took place on June 9, 2022, at the Wichita State University Rhatigan Student Center in Wichita, KS. An overwhelming 139 Community Health Workers and their allies attended the event, and it was buzzing with exciting energy.

The agenda was jam-packed with speakers, breakout sessions, and panel discussions, all focused on topics chosen by the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition surrounding the symposium theme of Health Equity 360.

Dr. Ximena Garcia, Senior Advisor for COVID Vaccine Equity in Kansas, kicked off the symposium with a warm welcome to all of the Community Health Workers and allies in attendance. This year’s featured keynote speaker was Edward P. Ehlinger, MD, MSPH, the former Minnesota Commissioner of Health and Past President of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Dr. Ehlinger’s presentation focused on the vital role of Community Health Workers in addressing the social and environmental issues facing communities and helping to create a more socially just society. Those who were present in the room also got to experience Dr. Ehlinger’s musical talent as well!

Attendees were able to choose several breakout sessions that covered a variety of topics such as:

Making Yourself Indispensable: CHWs as Members of the Healthcare Team, presented by Justin Moore, MD
The Role of Community Health Workers in Health Equity, presented by McClain Bryant Macklin, JD, MBA, Treva Smith, BA, and Katie Schoenhoff, BS
Enjoy Life, presented by Paula Correa
Health Equity in Sex and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations, presented by Tori Gleason, DC, DACBSP
Hope Mapping, presented by Stefanie Olson, MA

Throughout the day attendees also had the opportunity to visit vendor booths from supporting organizations, get a professional headshot taken by WSU Community Engagement Institute Strategic Communications staff, and share success stories from their communities. Giveaways were provided by Johnson’s Garden Center, Unite Us, and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. Sarah O’Keefe from the Center for Public Partnerships & Research provided a graphic recording of several of the sessions which gave a visual representation of key points and takeaways of each presentation.

The day wrapped up with a Community Health Worker panel where panelists shared a brief presentation and answered questions and opened discussion on different methodologies that worked in their communities. The featured panelists were:

Jacob Williamson and Christina Mitts, Community Health Workers from USD 445
Guadalupe Treadway, Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee, University of Kansas Medical Center and Community Health Council of Wyandotte County
Callie Dyer, Executive Director, Finney County Health Coalition/Live Well Finney County

We are so thankful to the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition Symposium committee for all of their hard work planning the event and to the following sponsors for their support:

- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment
- The Sunflower Foundation
- Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE)
- Sunflower Health Plan
- United Healthcare Community Plan
- United Methodist Health Ministry Fund

We look forward to starting the planning process for the next symposium and look forward to seeing everyone again!

Presentation Slides

Click below to download the presentation slides: