Topeka is a city rich with remarkable women who lead, inspire, and uplift those around them. In this special Ladies’ issue of Topeka City Lifestyle Magazine, we celebrate the women who make a lasting impact on our community. Whether through business, philanthropy, advocacy, or leadership, these changemakers embody strength and generosity. Join us as we introduce five extraordinary women who are shaping Topeka’s future—one act of service, innovation, and empowerment at a time.
KRISTINA DIETRICK, President and Owner of HR Partners, LLC
With over 30 years of experience in Human Resources, Kristina Dietrick has dedicated her career to helping businesses and organizations build strong, people-centered workplaces. As the President and Owner of HR Partners, LLC, she provides essential HR support to over 200 nonprofits and for-profit organizations annually, allowing them to focus on their missions while she ensures their teams thrive.
Beyond her professional impact, Kristina is deeply committed to giving back. She serves on the CoreFirst Bank and Trust Board, is involved with Washburn Women Venture Partners, and recently became a Legacy member of the Women’s Fund with the Topeka Community Foundation.
“Influence, for me, is to create positive change for others within my sphere,” Kristina says. “It’s a ripple effect - one action can inspire someone else, and that inspiration can spark more change.”
One of Kristina’s proudest moments was helping a nonprofit employee secure hearing aids, enabling her to succeed professionally and pursue higher education. For Kristina, influence is about creating opportunities for others and empowering future generations to lead. “We rise by lifting others,” she says, a philosophy that continues to shape her work and legacy in Topeka.
DR. JULIANN MAZACHEK, President of Washburn University
As the 15th and first female president of Washburn University, Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek is shaping the future of education in Topeka. With over 30 years of leadership at Washburn, she has dedicated her career to ensuring students have access to affordable, high-quality education. Her leadership has driven initiatives like Shawnee County Thrives and the Promise Scholarships, making higher education attainable for students who once thought it was out of reach.
Beyond her impact on education, Dr. Mazachek is a dedicated community leader, serving on numerous boards, including CoreFirst Bank and Trust and the Greater Topeka Partnership. Recognized for her leadership, she was awarded the Athena Award in 2023 and recently received the prestigious Wolgast Award in 2025.
“I am passionate about using people’s gifts, talents and knowledge to support others and help create the very best community possible,” she says.
For Dr. Mazachek, influence means leading with integrity and shaping decisions that ensure a thriving future for Topeka. “Together, we are creating our best and brightest tomorrow,” she says. Her unwavering commitment to education and community development continues to transform lives, proving that leadership isn’t just about guiding institutions—it’s about empowering people and strengthening the place they call home.
JUDGE RACHEL PICKERING
Judge Rachel Pickering has dedicated her career to service, leadership, and mentorship. Joining the Court of Appeals in March 2023, she made history as the first Hispanic judge to serve in that role. Her path to the appellate bench included years as a district court judge in Topeka’s 3rd Judicial District and earlier roles in the Attorney General’s Office, the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, and as a criminal defense attorney.
Since practicing in Topeka in 2005, she and her husband of more than 30 years have become deeply involved in the community. Judge Pickering is passionate about mentoring students and young attorneys, encouraging them to pursue higher education and legal careers.
“I’ve been helped by so many on my journey—I think it’s important to give back,” she says.
She regularly speaks to students on Constitution Day and serves on local boards supporting the arts and education. Inspired by her parents’ example of volunteerism, Judge Pickering continues to uplift others through teaching, mentoring, and community service.
“I’ve taken on new challenges that required growth,” she says. “My proudest moments come when I help others push their limits and strive for their dreams.”
LORI RUPP, Rupp Urology Office Assistant
For Lori Rupp, influence isn’t about recognition—it’s about action. As the office manager at Rupp Urology, she dedicates her days to ensuring patients feel seen and cared for. But her impact extends far beyond the office. A devoted mother, grandmother, and community volunteer, Lori has spent years serving on PTO boards, supporting local schools, and giving her time to Harvesters, fighting food insecurity alongside her children by volunteering for the food bank.
Her commitment to service took a temporary pause when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, forcing her to shift her focus to health and family. However, even amid her battle, she finds ways to give back, including by walking the runway at Couture for Cancer, an event benefiting the American Cancer Society. Now, as she nears the end of her treatments, she is already finding new ways to re-engage in volunteer work with her kids.
Lori believes that kindness is the most powerful form of influence. “If kids see it in action, they’ll keep it going,” she says. Through her quiet strength and unwavering generosity, she continues to inspire those around her, proving that the greatest impact often comes from the simplest acts of care.
VICKI SCHMIDT, Kansas Insurance Commissioner
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt never imagined that her journey from pharmacy delivery girl to state-wide elected official would unfold the way it has. But at every step, her passion for helping others has guided her. From working as a pharmacist for over 40 years to leading the Kansas Department of Insurance, where she has returned over $145 million to Kansans, Vicki has built a legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership.
“If more people got involved, imagine the problems we could solve!” she exclaims.
Vicki’s deep commitment to community involvement is evident in the extensive list of organizations she has supported—from the Greater Topeka Partnership to Meals on Wheels. But for Vicki, influence isn’t about titles or recognition.
“I don’t see myself as a woman of influence—I see myself as someone trying to make a difference in my corner of the world,” she says.
One of her proudest achievements? Helping secure seed funding for the KU Cancer Center, a project that has transformed cancer care in Kansas. With humor, humility, and an unwavering dedication to Kansans, Vicki continues to show that true leadership is about showing up, rolling up your sleeves, and making a difference—one person, one cause, and one decision at a time.