ONWARD TOGETHER
Joseph Shepard is a dedicated community leader, passionate advocate for inclusion, and dedicated public servant committed to driving positive change in Wichita.
EDUCATION
A proud graduate of Wichita State University (let’s go Shocks!), Joseph earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and then his Masters in Public Administration, and is now working on obtaining his Doctorate in Educational Leadership. During his undergraduate studies at WSU, Joseph was actively involved in student leadership, serving as Student Body President, where he gained firsthand experience in navigating complex systems and advocating for 16,000 students.
This education and a commitment of service to the community that gave him so much equipped Joseph with the skills needed to address the complex challenges facing local governments today—specifically in providing a solid foundation for understanding policy, governance, and the nuances of city operations.
SERVICE
Joseph’s commitment to community service extends far beyond his professional career. He is deeply involved in several local organizations, serving on the boards of HumanKind Ministries, Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, and The Kansas African American Museum. He also served as a past Chair of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Wichita Program.
Since age 18, Joseph has also been a steadfast volunteer with Root the Power and Destination Innovation, serving as a facilitator for their workshops, as a panelist, and speaker to the youth. He has also worked with children in USD 259 schools teaching leadership and discipline through stepping and strolling, and as a member of the Kansas Leadership Center Teaching Team. These mentorship efforts to young people in Wichita have been particularly impactful, as he strives to inspire the next generation of leaders by sharing his own experiences and offering guidance.
Joseph also has a long track record of organizing voter registration drives, leading community workshops, and hosting forums on civic engagement. He believes in empowering residents to take an active role in shaping the future of Wichita through education and participation.
Family
Joseph was born and raised in a military family, one that experienced homelessness for a time during his childhood, which made it difficult to settle roots—but Joseph found “home” knew he’d found his new home when he first visited Wichita. He may not have been born here but his love and dedication to our great city is what keeps him here, and Joseph could not be more proud to call Wichita home.
CAREER EXPERIENCE
Joseph currently works for a national nonprofit organization focused on enhacing communities across the country through service. He is dedicated to working alongside individuals and communities to tackle adaptive challenges that impact the quality of life for those overlooked and underserved. Specifically, Joseph’s bridge-building leadership style is rooted in diversity and equity. Previously, Shepard served as the Director of Multicultural Engagement and Campus Life at Newman University building the DEI framework from the ground up.
Shepard is a Kansas Leadership Center alumnus and uses the KLC principles as well as leadership framework to empower audiences to recognize their leadership skills and use them to drive progress. As a leader in bridging intergenerational leaders together for change in communities across the country, Joseph understands the power of bridge-building.
“As a District 1 resident, I’ve witnessed Joseph dedicate himself to our community and beyond. Whether it’s through scholarship programs for our youth or advocating for economic growth and improved living conditions in underserved neighborhoods, he has consistently shown up. I truly believe he will continue this commitment as our next councilmember.”
– Valerie White, District 1 Resident
