Greater Topeka Partnership to Honor Local Leaders at Annual Awards Gala

The 42nd annual Leadership Greater Topeka Graduation & Gala will celebrate outstanding community members and organizations.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life featuring a glass trophy, a leather-bound journal, and gold pens arranged on a clean white background, symbolizing the prestigious Leadership Greater Topeka awards.The annual Leadership Greater Topeka awards celebrate the region's most impactful community leaders and the organizations that support them.Topeka Today

The Greater Topeka Partnership announced the winners of its annual Leadership Greater Topeka awards, which recognize emerging leaders, empowering individuals, legacy builders, and supportive organizations in the Topeka and Shawnee County community. The awards will be presented at the Leadership Greater Topeka Graduation & Gala on May 15, 2026, an event that celebrates leadership, community, and the vibrant spirit that connects the region.

Why it matters

The Leadership Greater Topeka program has empowered over 1,000 leaders since 1984, and these award recipients represent the continued impact of the program in developing talent and driving progress in the Topeka area. The awards honor a diverse range of leaders and organizations that are making a difference through their passion, dedication, and collaborative efforts.

The details

The 2026 award recipients include Dr. Lauren Edelman and Johnathan Sublet for the Activator Award, Michael Padilla for the Marsha Sheahan Legacy Award, and Security Benefit for the Partnership Award. The Rising Star Award will honor two emerging leaders. The awards will be presented at the 'Bollywood Nights: A Celebration of Leadership' gala, which will feature live entertainment, community celebration, and recognition of the honorees' contributions.

  • The Leadership Greater Topeka Graduation & Gala will be held on May 15, 2026.
  • The Greater Topeka Partnership announced the 2026 award recipients on April 15, 2026.

The players

Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield

The Greater Topeka Partnership's senior vice president of strategy and Leadership Greater Topeka program director.

Doug Wolff

CEO of Security Benefit, a longtime supporter of the Leadership Greater Topeka program.

Dr. Lauren Edelman

Director of Aleshire Center for Leadership & Community Engagement at Washburn University, recipient of the Activator Award.

Johnathan Sublet

Executive Director and Founder of SENT Inc., recipient of the Activator Award.

Michael Padilla

Former Mayor of Topeka, recipient of the Marsha Sheahan Legacy Award.

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What they’re saying

“This year's awardees are an incredible representation of the leadership and talent we have here in Topeka and Shawnee County. Since 1984, Leadership Greater Topeka has empowered over 1,000 acknowledged and aspiring leaders, and these honorees are a testament to how LGT continues to prepare them for impactful work in our community.”

— Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, The Greater Topeka Partnership's senior vice president of strategy and Leadership Greater Topeka program director

“We are honored to be recognized for our decades-long support of the Leadership Greater Topeka program. Our graduates have raved about the enduring relationships they've developed with their LGT classmates and the insights they've gained about collaborative efforts under way to move the capital city forward. Many of our participants continue to fill leadership roles through board service, committee work, coaching and other means to keep the momentum going.”

— Doug Wolff, CEO of Security Benefit

What’s next

Tickets for the Leadership Greater Topeka Graduation & Gala on May 15, 2026 are on sale now at the Topeka Partnership website.

The takeaway

The Leadership Greater Topeka program continues to cultivate and celebrate impactful leaders in the Topeka and Shawnee County community, recognizing a diverse range of individuals and organizations that are driving progress and making a lasting difference through their passion, dedication, and collaborative efforts.