Generation Lead Kennedy Rogers

For today’s podcast, Leading in Distress, we’re going to be taking a deeper look at literally the distress of leadership and all the wear and tear it brings. The definition of distress, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is the pain and suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind. When you hear the word distress, some might even think about a pair of jeans or maybe even furniture. However, the wear and tear of leadership distress can often be not so pretty. Today, Shelly is here today to give us a little bit of background about her leadership journey through obstacles and trials that have caused some distress. Shelly has excelled through the obstacles and has truly shown great strides while building her leadership journey through her field.

Featuring - Shelly Walker, Community Health Member & Partner 

Featuring Yasas Vithanage - In a nutshell, Yasas describes himself as a Rocket Scientist, Student Affairs Professional, and a Nerd.

Yasas was born in Sri Lanka and came to the United States to earn a Bachelors's in Science in Aerospace Engineering and pursue the American Dream. During his 4 years, Yasas served in multiple leadership roles on campus including as an RA, Senator for SGA, and International Student Union, and both participated and mentored in SLI and 3E leadership programs from Student Involvement. Yasas was inspired by how these leadership positions served students and how they helped him find a home in the US and wanted to give that experience back to students. Yasas completed his Master’s Degree in Counseling in Higher Education and Leadership at WSU working on leadership and anti-bias programs on campus.

In the past 2 years, Yasas has worked for the University of South Florida and Stetson University as a Residential Life Coordinator, working to develop holistic safe, inclusive, and service-oriented environments for students through a curricular approach.

Generation Lead Podcast series takes an inside scoop with the leaders behind the podcast. 

Featured Guest: Kennedy Rogers -  Wichita, KS 

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Twitter: @wsu_involvement

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Leadership & Loyalty:  With the recent cultural climate, former BSU President Jadyn Stutey made a decision she felt was necessary for her growth and development as a leader in her community. She took a risk but utimately it paid off for herself and those she represents. We will discuss the boundaries she faced, tough decisions she's made, and how it has affected her emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Learn a little about our guest: Jadyn is a Wichita, KS native and student at Wichita State University. In her collegiate career, she has been a member of 10 organizations, served in 5 executive positions, and has founded her own multicultural organization with the help of three friends. When she's not busy with school, she's taking care of events with her freelance event planning business, J Eliz. Designs.

Recent accomplishments:


nominated for Homecoming court
won the first-ever RSO President of the Year Award

The Creator of Change: We’re going to learn and discuss more the ICT Community Fridge Project.  The ICT Community Fridge Project has launched and received an abundance of support from the local Wichita community. This initiative and movement have been giving back in the form of providing mutual aid. The fridge serves as a resource to reduce food insecurity in targeted areas across the city. Tajahnae has developed a program that precisely acknowledges the disparities and provides relief to the barriers and challenges that folks are faced with daily. Being a current student, we will explore the creation of her recent idea and discuss what leadership capabilities it’s taken to develop such a viable resource in such a short amount of time.

Learn more about our guest: Tajahnae Stocker is a senior at Wichita State University and an involved community member in Wichita. Being from Wichita, Tajahnae has developed a sense of identity through her engagement and involvement on and off-campus.