Joni is all about grit, grace, and getting things done.
Co-Founder at Wickham James Strategies & Solutions.
Joni Wickham grew up in the tobacco fields of eastern North Carolina, a long way from any government building or high-profile political campaign.
She was the first in her family to receive a college education, which she credits with helping her overcome the barriers of socio-economic hardship.
Joni’s personal story is a fascinating glimpse into generational poverty. Her professional experience is a case study in how women can overcome low expectations and push through feelings of impostor syndrome to carve out a unique place in leadership.
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Joni, and her indisputable southern accent arrived in Kansas City almost 10 years ago after leading initiatives within state and federal government as well as advocacy organizations.
In her eight years with the mayor’s office—the majority of them spent as Chief of Staff—Joni has proven herself as an accomplished political strategist, communications expert, and organizational leader.
Joni Wickham directed public policy initiatives, communications tactics, and administrative decision-making during her tenure, all while promoting women’s leadership and empowerment issues.
As a negotiator, Joni Wickham helped steer Sly’s major development projects in Kansas City while raising the city’s profile at the national and international levels. Her front-row seat at city hall shed light on how local government is still very much a man’s world, and this motivated her to create a first-of-its-kind women’s empowerment initiative, which has been implemented in several major cities.
Prior to her time at city hall, Joni worked with the American Federation of Teachers, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and in the office of Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.
While a student at Meredith College, where Joni Wickham received her Bachelor of Arts in political studies, she studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia. An accomplished alumnus of the University of Missouri where she earned her Masters of Arts in political science, Joni was the recipient of the 2019 University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs Mel Carnahan Public Service Award.
Joni has authored a LinkedIn series addressing the unique workplace challenges women face surrounding conflict.
The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch : Taking Action, Driving Change, Getting Results
Author Joni Wickham shares her experience navigating gender biases while working in politics, business and government. She also offers guidance to women of all backgrounds and professions to widen the thin line between “cupcake” and “bitch” and achieve results in the process. This guidance can empower women – and insightful men – to recognize and overcome gender biases.
The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch reaches out to empower women and insightful men to recognize and overcome gender biases. It’s for a recent graduate from college or the school of experience. It is a book for anyone who is working toward leadership or is already there. The book offers practical advice and steps to take action, drive the change that is desired, and obtain results.
You can get the book right here:
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