Kansas Recreation & Park Association - Women's Leadership Summit

Women's Leadership Summit

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Women's Leadership Summit

Women's Leadership Summit

Growth doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when you create space for it. Join us for a day designed to help you bloom — personally, professionally, and as a leader within your community. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Wichita's Botanica Gardens, this year’s Women’s Leadership Summit invites you to step away from the day-to-day and invest in yourself alongside a network of inspiring professionals. Through engaging conversations, meaningful connections, and intentional moments of reflection, you’ll walk away with fresh perspective, renewed energy, and ideas you can put into action right away. Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or looking to grow in new ways, this summit is your opportunity to nurture what’s next.

Register Here: Women's Leadership Summit 2026
Date: August 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Botanica Wichita Gardens
Includes: Lunch and 0.3 CEUs

Schedule:

8:30 AM Registration Open

8:30 AM- 9:00 AM Networking Breakfast

9:00 AM- 9:15 AM Welcome

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Session I: Bloom into your Role
Speaker: Vanessa Rugg
Whether you're new to parks and recreation or a seasoned professional, this session offers practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately. Vanessa combines experiences from Disneyland and the Derby Recreation Commission to share strategies for growing your confidence, strengthening your impact, and thriving in your current role.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Session II: Bloom into your Best Self
Speaker: Brenda Dietzman
So many people are busy checking items off a to-do list that they never pause to ask if they're creating a life they truly love. Days turn into weeks, weeks into years, and before long, we find ourselves waiting for "someday" to pursue our goals, passions, and dreams. Using the LEAF Concept, we will explore what you want to Learn, Experience, Accomplish, and Feel in different areas of your life. You will be inspired to live with greater intention and purpose. Through engaging stories, practical insights, and encouraging challenges, participants will discover how small, intentional choices can lead to meaningful growth, greater fulfillment, and a life that reflects what matters most. You’ll leave energized, inspired, and equipped to stop waiting for someday and start intentionally creating a life you are excited to live today.

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Break

11:15 AM– 12:00 PM Session III: Bloom your Confidence
Speaker: Amy Conkling
Learn how confidence develops over time through four key stages of growth. Amy Conkling will share relatable experiences and actionable takeaways to help you strengthen your confidence, unlock your potential, and thrive in your leadership journey.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Lunch

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM Roundtables

1:30 PM – 1:45 PM Group Photo

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM Walking Groups

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM Desserts and Final Activities

Speakers:

Brenda Dietzman
Colonel Brenda Dietzman (Retired) is an internationally recognized speaker and trainer specializing in resilience and wellness. Drawing on over 28 years of experience as a first responder, Brenda brings practical, evidence-based strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive under pressure. Her engaging, relatable approach empowers people to build resilience, foster psychological safety, and create sustainable well-being. When she’s not speaking, she enjoys traveling, photography, and exploring the outdoors. She is married and is absolutely owned by two rescue dogs.

Amy Conkling
Amy Conkling has spent nearly 20 years growing her career at Hutchinson Recreation Commission, where her journey first began as a 15-year-old lifeguard getting her feet wet - quite literally - in parks and recreation. She’s a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in mass communications and print journalism and a minor in leadership studies. Amy began her professional recreation career as Hutch Rec’s Marketing and Special Events Director in 2007. Since then, Amy has helped lead a major agency rebrand, shaped organizational vision and mission, managed community events and races, and advanced into development and executive leadership. She currently serves as the agency’s Assistant Executive Director, a role she assumed in 2022. Originally from Hutchinson, Amy now calls Moundridge home, where she lives with her husband, Jack, and their two children, Mackie (17) and Brax (14). When she's not at work, you'll likely find her running or cheering on her kids either in a basketball gym or on a baseball field.

Vanessa Rugg

Vanessa Rugg is the Director of Programs with the Derby Recreation Commission. From an early age, sports, health and wellness, and an active lifestyle have been an important part of her life. She was a competitive swimmer and soccer player throughout her youth and went on to play collegiate volleyball. Vanessa studied Sport Management at the University of Kansas and earned her master’s degree from Wichita State University. Shortly after graduating, she had the opportunity to work at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort. That experience played an important role in shaping her passion for creating exceptional experiences, providing outstanding service, and cultivating a strong and positive work culture.

Vanessa’s life motto is to live outside of your comfort zone and take risks to pursue your dreams. Inspired by Walt Disney’s words, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them,” she strives to bring that mindset to both her personal and professional life. Today, Vanessa feels she is truly living her dream—leading programs that make a difference and continuing to provide exceptional service to the members of the Derby Recreation Commission and the Derby and surrounding communities.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!