Assistant General Counsel Jennifer Cocking was selected as a member of the 2025 class of Leadership Kansas, a statewide program to enhance and motivate future leaders from various organizations across Kansas. Each year, more than 500 individuals are nominated to apply for the program with only 40 selected.
Jennifer captured unique insights from each session through in-depth case studies. Explore her firsthand accounts of innovation, leadership and community from each session, and discover how these experiences are shaping Kansas, and its future leaders, for the better.
Case 1: Leadership Kansas takes on Wichita
Facts: From the cutting-edge Wichita Biomedical Corridor to Textron Aviation's brand new Career and Learning Center, this year's Leadership Kansas class saw innovation, collaboration, and workforce development in action. We were energized by local visionaries whose entrepreneurial spirit is driving Kansas forward and wowed by the WSU Innovation Campus and its solutions-oriented approach to research and commitment to educating the next generation of aviation and technology leaders. We explored the arts and learned about the community's commitment to ending homelessness and were inspired to think big for our state. And, of course, we stocked up at Nifty Nut House.
Conclusion: Building a stronger Wichita — and a stronger Kansas — takes all of us, working together.
Case 2: Leadership Kansas gets the heck into Dodge—and Garden!
Facts: This month, the Leadership Kansas Class of 2025 explored the heart of our state's ag economy in Dodge City and Garden City — where cattle operations, dairy farms and food processors power both the local economy and our global food supply. Did you know that Royal Farms Dairy milks 6,500 cows a day? Or that Hilmar Cheese produces 850,000 pounds of cheese every day? Or that Boot Hill Distillery's spirits are distilled from grain grown exclusively on its founder's family farm? From the Finney County Feedyard to Tyson Fresh Meats, this session showcased how Kansas continues to grow its legacy as a leader in feeding the world.
Conclusion: An “udderly" unforgettable experience in Southwest Kansas!
Case 3: Leadership Kansas takes a bite out of the Little Apple!
Facts: Our North Central Session kicked off with an unforgettable Black Hawk flight with the Kansas Army National Guard, followed by a warm welcome at the Museum of Art + Light, home of the immersive Renoir: A Luminous Evolution exhibit. We dove deep into Kansas agriculture and biosecurity with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and Biosecurity Research Institute. We explored innovation and collaboration in K-State's Edge District, toured K-State Athletics' cutting-edge facilities and spent an evening on the Konza Prairie. We capped the experience with hands-on training at Fort Riley and conversations with soldiers over lunch—an inspiring reminder of the leadership, service and resilience that define our state.
Conclusion: Big things are happening in the Little Apple!
Case 4: Leadership Kansas - Full Throttle in Kansas City
Facts: The Leadership Kansas Class of 2025 charged into Kansas City for another dynamic and inspiring session. We kicked things off with a visit to Sporting KC, where local leaders told us how professional sports drive the region's economy and what Kansas City is doing to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. From there, we stepped onto the field and then had a timely discussion about the possible relocation of the Chiefs and Royals across the state line. The next day, we took a deep dive into workforce and technical education at Johnson County Community College, followed by lunch and laps at Kansas Speedway and a visit to Children's Mercy Hospital. The week wrapped with a visit to historic Fort Leavenworth, where we learned how the faculty at the Command and General Staff College are developing military leaders both here at home and abroad.
Conclusion: From policy talks to community impact, our Kansas City session reminded us that there are so many incredible leaders who are committed to moving Kansas forward.
Case 5: Leadership Kansas - Swayed by Rural Rhythms
Facts: The 2025 Leadership Kansas class again headed west of I-135 to experience Hays and Plainville. From exploring water conservation innovations and rural healthcare solutions to hands-on experiences in manufacturing and agriculture, this session highlighted the strength and resilience of Northwest Kansas.
Highlights included:
- History of Hays at the Sternberg Museum
- Insight into water conservation innovations with the City of Hays
- Tours of FHSU Nursing, Hess Services, Palmer Hargrave Lighting, and Brant's Meat Market
- Rural healthcare discussions at Rooks County Health Center
- Farm demonstrations at Carrico Implement
- Entertainment from the Hays Community Theater and local bluegrass legends 80 Proof Alice
Conclusion: Rural Kansas is full of innovative and dedicated leaders who are driving innovation and excellence in our state.
Case 6: Leadership Kansas Experiences the power of community in Salina and Lindsborg.
Facts: The Leadership Kansas Class of 2025 gathered in Salina and Lindsborg for a session full of exploration, insight and connection. Highlights included a mission briefing at the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, a tour of Crisis City, and behind-the-scenes looks at Schwan's Red Baron Pizza production line, the Great Plains Kubota plant, and the Salina Airport. We also learned about efforts to reconnect the community to the Smoky Hill River (Friends of the River), strategies for revitalizing downtown streets (Salina Downtown, Inc.), and some unique development projects driven by JRI Hospitality. The session wrapped with a trip to Lindsborg, where we learned about our state's Swedish heritage at Bethany College's Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery and even picked up some new moves from the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers!
Conclusion: With innovation, collaboration and a strong sense of place, Salina and Lindsborg show how local leadership shapes our state's future.
Case 7: Leadership Kansas heads to Southeast Kansas
Facts: The Leadership Kansas Class of 2025 explored the heart of Southeast Kansas, where innovation, education and community pride are driving regional growth. The session began with a tour of Crossland Construction in Columbus, where we learned how local investments are fueling opportunity across Kansas and beyond. We heard from Watco about the company's global success as a short-line rail leader and from Pittsburg city officials on how collaboration with Pittsburg State University and other creative partnerships are revitalizing downtown.
At Pitsco Education, we flew drones and experienced hands-on STEM learning in action before exploring Pittsburg State's Crossland College of Technology and School of Nursing to see how education and industry are connecting to strengthen the region's workforce. The session concluded with a visit to Mpix, where a once small Main Street photo lab has grown into a nationally recognized imaging leader that still proudly calls Pittsburg home.
Evening highlights included a Southeast Kansas fried chicken dinner hosted by local alumni and fireworks courtesy of Jake's Fireworks—a fitting celebration of SEK's energy and spirit.
Conclusion: Southeast Kansas is powered by innovative and collaborative leaders who are making the region a true hub of progress and pride.
Case 8: Leadership Kansas Experiences the Capitol City
Facts: The Leadership Kansas Class of 2025 spent three days in Topeka exploring innovation, public service and the partnerships that power our state's capital. The session kicked off at the newly expanded Kansas Children's Discovery Center and Topeka Zoo, where we experienced the magic of Zoo Lights. At Washburn University, we heard from local business and civic leaders on Topeka's growth, toured the newly renovated Lee Arena—including the Capitol Federal® Champions Suite—and received a briefing from Kansas Bureau of Investigation leaders at their Forensic Science Center. From there, we headed to the Kansas Statehouse where we heard from elected officials and policy experts about the people and processes shaping Kansas. On our final day, we toured Mars Wrigley and Hill's Pet Nutrition before celebrating with the Class of 2025 graduation at Townsite Tower.
Conclusion: That's a wrap on Leadership Kansas 2025! I've learned that Kansas is a place where excellence is on display every single day. Kansas connects each and every one of us, and it's been such a privilege to see the best of what our great state has to offer with the 2025 Leadership Kansas class.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your insights!
These experiences across Kansas highlight the impact of local leaders and communities working together. From innovative industries to rich cultural traditions, each session demonstrates the power of collaboration and community in shaping a brighter future for the state of Kansas. Leadership Kansas continues to inspire and connect those who drive positive change across many industries throughout the state.
Capitol Federal® is a proud sponsor of Leadership Kansas.