Sheyvette Dinkens hails from Liberal, KS, but currently calls the Kansas City Metro home. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Human Services from Washburn University, a Master of Business Administration from Baker University, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Fort Hays University. Ms. Dinkens is a published author, a community advocate, a licensed real estate agent, an innovative thinker, doer, and an award-winning educator. She founded and served as the Executive Director of Women Empowerment, Inc., a non-profit organization. She then owned and operated a consulting firm for several years and currently works as the SchoolAppKC Manager for Show Me KC Schools in Kansas City, MO. She created the first co-working space in a high school in the State of Kansas. Ms. Dinkens partnered with Royale Cohesive Network to bring E-Ship Rising to KCK, which supports entrepreneurship for youth residing in Wyandotte County. In 2022, she founded Thula B., a company that aims to provide affordable and second-chance housing opportunities and build legacy through homeownership. Currently, she is on the staff of Kansas City, Kansas Community College, Metropolitan Community College, and Park University. She has also been working as a Licensed Addiction Counselor for almost 15 years. She serves her community as an advisory member for Wyandotte County’s DA Office’s Community Liaison Board and Eliza B. Conley House, member of the Juneteenth Planning Committee, Precinct Committeewoman for KC11-03 and is the Wyandotte High School PTSA President. Ms. Dinkens has received many honors and awards, including being inducted into the Hall of Fame at Seward County Community College and Leadership Kansas, winning the 2023 Wyandotte High School Teacher of the Year, Arvest Bank Teacher Award, 2021 InnovateHER Educator of the Year, and Fox 4 Pay it Forward recipient. She was named Women Who Rock by Seveneightfive Magazine, Woman of Excellence by the YWCA, Topeka Top 20 Under 40, Yes She Can Award, United Way of Greater Kansas City Volunteer of the Year Nominee, Kris Illum Emerging Leader Award, KC Current Golden Ticket recipient and is an alumnus of Leadership 2000 and Leadership of Greater Topeka. Through her experience with her non-profit and her work in education, Ms. Dinkens has demonstrated a strong dedication and understanding of youth, community, and leadership that is highly regarded throughout the Midwest area. Ms. Dinkens is an avid reader and international traveler who embraces experience as she walks with purpose and faith. She is currently working on the sequel to her book, Bruised but not Broken, and is running for a 2025 seat for USD 500 Board of Education.