Creating Impact Together: Q&A with Karey Padding on Collaborative Giving

Leader of the Wichita Women for Good Giving Circle

Our Giving Circles are powered by people—thoughtful, generous changemakers who lead with heart. This month, we’re shining a light on Karey Padding, a champion of community and connection through the Wichita Women for Good Giving Circle. Karey brings her whole heart to the work of collaborative giving—and the impact she’s helping create is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is one you won’t want to miss.

Meet Karey Padding: A Heart-Forward Leader, Advocate, and Mom of Four

Karey Padding brings compassion, grit, and lived experience to everything she does. She currently serves as the Associate Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Heart of America Chapter, and the Chairwoman of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, a parent advocate on the Kansas Newborn Screening Advisory Council, and a proud leader of Wichita Women for Good.

Recently, Karey celebrated a bucket-list milestone: becoming a published author of Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening: A Systematic Review-Driven Consensus Guideline from the United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a multi-year effort helping to improve newborn screening and advance better health outcomes for all babies born with cystic fibrosis—no matter their background.

As a proud mom of four—including her eldest son, who lives with cystic fibrosis and autism—Karey’s advocacy is deeply personal. She proudly describes herself as a “mama bear,” using that fierce love to fuel her fight for health equity, disability rights, and brighter futures for families like hers.

Whether she’s cheering on her favorite football teams, relaxing by the pool with her family, or helping shape national policy, Karey leads with heart and purpose.

Q & A with Karey Padding

Q: What inspired you to join a Giving Circle?

Karey: I joined because I was inspired by the idea of an affordable and inclusive giving circle. The belief that a collective effort could create significant and positive change in my community every quarter was motivating. Being a member of Wichita Women for Good has been a truly fantastic experience. I have had the chance to meet many remarkable women who have joined and brought several friends along. I've also learned a great deal about the numerous amazing nonprofit organizations operating in Wichita. Most importantly, I've witnessed firsthand the significant impact that our donations have made.

Q: What has been the most meaningful part of your Giving Circle experience?

Karey: The reason why Wichita Women for Good resonated so deeply with me is that it was an initiative created exclusively for women, offering a space where I could focus on my own interests and personal growth. Unlike many of my other commitments, which often revolved around advocating for my special needs child or volunteering for various school activities and events, WWFG has allowed me to step away from those responsibilities and focus on local nonprofit impact. It was also a refreshing opportunity to connect with other women, share experiences, and participate in projects that emphasized empowerment and community engagement, all while nurturing my individual passions and aspirations.

Q: What made you want to become a leader?

Karey: Shortly after I joined Wichita Women for Good, a leadership transition created an opportunity for renewal and fresh perspectives within the organization. As several long-serving members stepped away, a new team began to take shape—composed largely of individuals, myself included, who were just beginning to learn the organization’s unique dynamics. A small group of us saw this as a chance to step up and volunteer for leadership roles, united by a shared commitment to supporting the group’s continuity and stability through this period of change.

Having spent over half of my career in various leadership positions, I felt a sense of responsibility to assist in the guidance of our ever-changing and newly diverse team. This experience not only reinforced my belief in fostering collaboration and innovation but also provided an opportunity to grow our membership and help integrate fresh perspectives into our shared mission. I found this endeavor to be both a natural extension of my skills and a fulfilling way to contribute to the future of WWFG.

Q: How has being part of a Giving Circle changed the way you think about philanthropy or giving back?

Karey: One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved with Wichita Women for Good is undoubtedly the incredible community of women I've had the pleasure of meeting. These remarkable ladies come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the group. It's fascinating to think that without Wichita Women for Good, our paths would likely never have crossed. The connections I've forged here have not only enriched my life but have also fostered a sense of camaraderie and support that’s truly inspiring. Whether it's through engaging in thoughtful discussions or collaborating on meaningful volunteer projects, the relationships cultivated within this organization have become invaluable to me.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering joining a Giving Circle?

Karey: Regardless of whether you are just starting your career or are a veteran in your field, seeking out a local giving circle that aligns with your shared beliefs and values can be a transformative experience. By joining such a group, you not only contribute to meaningful causes but also connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the community. Engaging in these circles allows for the pooling of resources, sharing of ideas, and collaborative decision-making, ensuring that your efforts are focused and effective. Finding the right group for you will enhance both your professional journey and your commitment to social responsibility—it's a decision you won’t regret!