Three “Kansas Trailblazers” honored during Women’s History Month – Newstalk KZRG

TOPEKA – As a part of a ‘Ladies’s Historical past Month’ celebration, Governor Laura Kelly has honored three ladies who’ve made important contributions to Kansas.

They’re Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, former Secretary of Administration; Julie Lorenz, former Secretary of Transportation; and Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Faculties. Governor Kelly additionally offered every honoree with letters of recognition and formally proclaimed March ‘Ladies’s Historical past Month.’

“Too typically, we consider ‘ladies’s historical past’ as being within the distant previous, failing to acknowledge that there are ladies making Kansas historical past proper now,” Governor Laura Kelly stated. “As we speak, throughout Ladies’s Historical past Month, I wish to shine a lightweight on three of my favourite present history-makers, robust ladies leaders who’re paving the best way for the subsequent technology.”

As Secretary of Administration, Chief Info Know-how Officer, and director of the Workplace of Restoration, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace performed a vital position in strengthening state operations in any respect ranges and broke limitations in state authorities for girls. She departed the Kelly administration in January 2023 after over three years of service.

Dr. Burns-Wallace has been acknowledged nationally for her achievements, together with receiving the Orbie Award for the 2022 Excellent CIO of the 12 months in Authorities. She was additionally elected to the Stanford College Board of Trustees in 2020 and have become a member of the Council on Overseas Relations in 2022.

“The 2023 Nationwide Ladies’s Historical past Month theme is Celebrating Ladies Who Inform Our Tales,” Dr. Burns-Wallace stated. “I’m honored and humbled at the moment to face with these two superb ladies as our tales, our journeys, our triumphs and even our failures replicate the richness, range, and the depth and breadth of ladies leaders throughout our nice state and nation.”

As Secretary of Transportation and chair of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, Julie Lorenz navigated the passage of the 10-year bipartisan infrastructure program and repaired KDOT’s relationships with stakeholders throughout the state. She departed the Kelly administration in December 2022 after 4 years of service. She now serves as Principal Guide for 1898 & Co., the enterprise and know-how consulting arm of Burns & McDonnell.

Like Dr. Burns-Wallace, Lorenz has been acknowledged throughout the nation for her management, together with with the distinguished George S. Bartlett Award.

“All through our historical past, Kansans have benefitted from robust ladies leaders in companies, colleges, authorities, and at residence – and our work isn’t completed,” Lorenz stated. “We all know poverty disproportionately impacts ladies and youngsters.  As we speak’s celebration of ladies additionally underscores the necessity for us to work tougher collectively to make the long run brighter for individuals who observe us.  I prefer to say Advert Astra Simul – to the celebs, collectively!”

Dr. Tiffany Anderson is the primary African American feminine superintendent of Topeka Public colleges. She has been a passionate public college educator for 28 years, working to remodel the lives of scholars and put together them for all times after commencement. Along with her position as superintendent, Dr. Anderson serves on the Postsecondary Technical Training Authority (TEA), and as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Kansas Fee on Racial Fairness and Justice.

Her dedication has been acknowledged by President Obama and on the Academy Awards. She just lately acquired the 2023 Lady Superintendent in Faculty Management award from the American Affiliation of Faculty Directors.

“Ladies have modified the world and proceed to paved the way to a greater, extra affluent way forward for hope which may be seen in our girl leaders in politics, healthcare, and within the public training system which helps all different careers,” Dr. Anderson stated. “It’s a privilege to affix Governor Kelly and the various ladies throughout Kansas in celebrating the numerous contributions of ladies.”