The Wichita Community Journalism Lab is grounded in The Beacon’s vision of communities that are well-informed and actively involved. Our strategic approach to community engagement brings our newsroom directly to the people through guided listening sessions, reviewing story idea submissions, and collecting updates from public meetings around ICT.
Wichita Community Representatives
Araceli Amador loves to be informed and involved in her community. She is passionate about building lasting relationships through community advocacy and business.
Mai-Nhanh Dao loves to listen and participate in conversations that help communities overcome any challenges they might face.
Arionna Tull loves Wichita! She currently works as a Community Connector and Health Care Associate. They are continually learning skills and using them to work to support community development. Passionate about justice for all, she looks forward to engaging with the community and ensuring their voices are shared through The Beacon.
Marquan Teetz, or MT, is passionate about motivating youth to utilize their voices for the change they want to see in the world. He began his journey advocating for justice for his little brother Cedric “CJ” Lofton, who was killed while in the foster care system.
Jeanette Harding is connected with the MacDonald neighborhood and the artistic community of Wichita. She loves learning from different cultures.
Michelle Leo likes to connect diverse communities and is particularly connected in Delano and Riverside. She prides herself in making sure everybody has a seat at the table.
Kara Billie is the owner of Shop Risky, a clothing store, and has collaborated with celebrity stylists to see her work on artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Karrachue Tran and DaniLeigh. She created the Risk Taker Social Club, hosting events promoting diversity and entrepreneurship. Kara now uplifts local businesses through PR, marketing and project management.
Kimmie Pahdocony is a Native American who wants to see underserved communities represented in local news.
Rommy Vargas is rooted in Wichita’s Spanish speaking community. She has committed her life to sharing information that strengthens the Wichita community.
Tracey C. Mason Sr emerged from 10 years in prison and became a mentor for at-risk youth. After returning to his hometown of Wichita, Tracey opened CHD (Condition Heart Discipline) Boxing Club, a safe place for kids and adults, and began promoting his “gloves over guns” philosophy. He also advocates for justice in the case of Cedric “CJ” Lofton’s in-custody death.