05/07/2026
Leadership is more than a title, it’s choosing to step forward so others know they can too! ✨
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This week, I had the incredible privilege of attending the very first Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Emerging Leaders Conference hosted at the inspiring Kansas Leadership Center. Surrounded by passionate professionals, advocates, and future leaders, I was reminded just how powerful collaboration and vision can be when it comes to shaping the future of behavioral health care in Kansas!
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As a first-generation student and future psychologist, it was especially meaningful to attend as the first student in my program to receive support from the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. Opportunities like this are exactly why these initiatives matter. By investing in students, mentorship, and leadership development, we are building a stronger future for behavioral health care and helping close critical gaps in access across our state (especially in rural and underserved communities)! 🌾🌻
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Another great honor was being featured as the story tied to the initiative in an article highlighting the mission and impact of the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and the work being done to support the next generation of behavioral health providers. To know that my story may help encourage future students to pursue this path, and aid in gathering continued support, is something I will never take lightly!
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The Miss America Crown is built on Scholarship, Success, Style, and Service, and this experience reflected every one of those values! Kansas has incredible leaders rising up to meet the moment, and I am so grateful to play even a small role in that future! 💙
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Here’s to being one step closer to making a difference and one step closer to taking this all to the Miss KS Stage! 👑
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