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Shawnee Tomorrow

Shawnee Tomorrow is a professional development program with a goal to continuously develop individuals with the willingness, desire and capabilities to assume leadership roles within the Shawnee community, Johnson County and the State of Kansas and beyond.

Shawnee Tomorrow, a program of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, is a professional development program that provides participants first-hand exposure to the inner workings of Shawnee, Johnson County and the Kansas City Metro Area. This program is designed to:

  • Make connections through personal and professional growth to engage, inspire and strengthen our community
  • Broaden participant knowledge of the community
  • Encourage contribution to the betterment of Shawnee
  • Equip participants to tackle current and future community challenges
  • Facilitate direct contact with influential individuals, businesses and organizations

Since 1989 the program has graduated over 475 community members. Tuition covers all meals, session materials and graduation recognition.

Scholarships may be available to participants who are a Chamber Member and either a non-profit, sole proprietor or company with a staff under 5 employees.  Contact Amy Niemann for scholarship information.

For additional information please contact Amy Niemann.

Participants in Shawnee Tomorrow are selected after consideration of the following qualities:

  • A commitment to develop new skills
  • A genuine interest and willingness to be involved in the community
  • A record of community involvement
  • The ability to commit to all class sessions
  • Living and/or working/doing work in the City of Shawnee

The Shawnee Tomorrow class includes 18-22 individuals living and/or working/doing work in the City of Shawnee. Candidates may be nominated by an organization or may nominate themselves. Those selected will represent people from a cross-section of the community, representing diversity in occupation, age and perspectives.

 

Nominations for the 2026 session are open. To nominate yourself or another interested party please complete the nomination form. All nomination forms are to be submitted by September 26, 2025. Application forms will then be emailed to all nominees and are due by 5 PM on October 24, 2025. The Shawnee Tomorrow Class of 2026 will be announced on or before December 12, 2025.

An applicant’s willingness to invest the time required for active participation in the program is a requirement of selection. Eligibility for graduation from Shawnee Tomorrow is contingent upon attendance at all sessions. The program also emphasis team building and offers the opportunity to engage in a class project, as well as attend a civic meeting.

 

The program runs from January to June with 10 sessions. Session times will typically run from 8 AM to 5 PM. Sessions are designed to be interactive and stimulating. Participants will be introduced to decision makers, creating an awareness of sources of information and materials. On-site visits and small group discussions will be utilized.

    • Session 1 Orientation/Team Building
    • Session 2 City Day
    • Session 3  Health& Social Issues Day
    • Session 4  State Day
    • Session 5  Education Day
    • Session 6  County Day
    • Session 7  Regionalism Day
    • Session 8  Quality of Life Day
    • Session 9  Session Overview/Class Project
    • Session 10  Program Wrap-Up/Graduation
Nominate Today!

What Almuni Say

"I was thrilled when I found out that I was selected to be part of the Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership class for 2023 and I learned more than I could have imagined. As a business leader and as someone who has been involved in local politics, what I learned throughout the course of this program was invaluable and will help guide me through my career and political aspirations. The access that we had to local leaders throughout Shawnee, Johnson County and the State of Kansas was an incredible experience, and the bond that my classmates and I formed over the 6-month program will be long lasting. I cannot recommend this program enough!"

Eric Persson
Class of 2023

"The Shawnee Tomorrow program was a wonderful experience! With different days focusing on different topics there is something for everyone to gain. Not only is Shawnee Tomorrow a great way to learn more about community you live or work in, it is a great way to make connections. My Shawnee Tomorrow class introduced me to peers who are now friends in other industries that I would likely have never met if not for the program. My time in Shawnee Tomorrow has inspired me to take a more active role in the community that I am a part of and raising my family in. I would highly recommend Shawnee Tomorrow to anyone interested in getting more involved!"

Weston Elder
Class of 2022
Director of Neuroscience at AdventHealth Mid-America Region

"It was such a privilege to be able to participate in the 2023 Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership program! Amy Niemann did a phenomenal job of leveraging the relationships that have been made through the Shawnee Chamber to develop a truly impactful view of our community. While leadership is the driving force, knowledge, service, and connection are the tributaries. Pairing the quality content with the ability to forge relationships with other engaged members of the community, I left feeling inspired, educated, and so grateful for this experience!"

Jamie Greer, SHRM-SCP  
Class of 2023
Sr HR Generalist  – City of Shawnee

Shawnee Tomorrow Alumni

If you are an alum of Shawnee Tomorrow, please stay in touch by letting us know where you are and what you’ve been doing since your Shawnee Tomorrow Graduation.

Click here to update your contact information.

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