Human Relations Commission (HRC/THRC)

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https://www.topeka.org/government/boards-commissions/human-relations-commission/ (a lot of inconsistencies but it looks like this page had better information from what I could tell so I mostly went with it)

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• Contact HRC
• HRC Facebook Page

Purpose

The mission of the Topeka Human Relations Commission (HRC or THRC) is to conduct outreach and educational activities that promote justice and cultural understanding, and improve relationships among all citizens of the City of Topeka.

Mission Statement

The mission is to conduct outreach and educational activities that promote justice and cultural understanding, and improve relationships among all people of the City of Topeka.

Vision Statement

The THRC is the key educational and services connecting resource for the city to its people to help eradicate inequality, provide cultural education and create a diverse, accepting community that assists, adapts to and upholds every member in its midst with fairness, kindness and a path to a stable and prosperous future.

Meetings

Meetings are held every 2nd Monday of each month at 5:30pm on the first floor of City Hall – 215 SE 7th St., Topeka, KS 66603 – 1st Floor Conference Room

Membership

The Topeka Human Relations Commission shall consist of nine members to be drawn from individuals with disabilities and from diverse gender, racial, ethnic, commercial, and industrial segments of the community. The commissioners shall reside within the corporate limits of the city. The commissioners shall be appointed by the mayor from council nominations, and such appointments shall be confirmed by the council.

Current Members/Terms

Chair Carmen Romero-Nichols (Term: 06/24-06/26)

Carmen Romero-Nichols joined the Human Resource Commission in May 2022.She is originally from Mexico City, though Topeka has been her home for the majority of her life.
Carmen moved to Kansas with her family over 20 years ago. She graduated from Topeka High School, received her undergrad from Washburn University, and an MBA from Baker University.
The City of Topeka as well as the State of Kansas hold a special meaning to Carmen. She understands the importance of being involved in the community and decided to get involved in being a part of shaping our community for her two daughters.

Vice Chair Carol Roberts (Term: 02/24-02/26)

Carol Roberts was born and raised in Topeka. She is a wife, mother to seven children and grandmother to six grandchildren. Carol attended elementary through high school in the Seaman School District. Upon graduation from high school she attended Washburn University where she graduated in 1988 with a degree in court and conference reporting. Carol has been a freelance court reporter, worked in the Johnson County District Courts as an official reporter and now owns a transcription company that serves law enforcement agencies, courts and a variety of other clients. Carol also owns a health and wellness business dedicated to the science and study of nutrition and genetic expression with regard to the prevention or treatment of disease.
Carol has served in various capacities in city and community groups such as the Law Enforcement Partnership Panel established under Police Chief Ron Miller. She has served also in Kansans for Life as well as been involved in radio and newspaper ministries. She is active in her church and serves in several roles there. Carol is involved with Trash Mountain Project which serves people living in trash dump communities worldwide. Carol is passionate about her faith and encouraging others. She believes that all lives are precious and every human should be treated with dignity and respect.

Commissioner Luc Bensimon (Term: 07/24-06/26)

I am a 48 year old man of Trans experience born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. I was born with 3 strikes against me being assigned female at birth, being Afro-American and born with a disability all of which I have been discriminated against in different areas of my life. I have two degrees in Human Services youth and children emphasis and a BA in Criminal Justice. I wear a few different hats when it comes to activism. I am the current president and one of the founding members of Kansas statewide transgender education project (K.S.T.E.P), current chairperson of Equality Kansas Topeka chapter, and the president of Capital city equality center (The Mott House), the president and founder of the Black Transmen Inc. Kansas chapter (BTMI Kansas). Mr. Black Trans Kansas 2019-2020, ward captain and ward 1 precinct 3 precinct committee Man I am an activist for the LGBT community but my true passion Trans people of color.

Commissioner Marisol Marcelo (Term: 02/23-02/25)

Marisol Estrella Marcelo is a distinguished professional dedicated to making a difference in her beloved Topeka community. Though not native to Topeka, she has embraced it as her home and actively contributes to its vibrancy. Marisol's educational journey has been diverse, spanning studies in Music Education, Mortuary Science, and culminating in her recent graduation in Marketing and Business Administration.

Marisol's involvement in community-building extends to various organizations, including her role as a graduate of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2023. She also serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and is an engaged member of Mana De Topeka. Her dedication is further exemplified through her active participation in the Kansas Funeral Director Association, her volunteer work with Hospice, and her commitment to Fiesta Topeka. Additionally, Marisol is engaged in her church community.

She is an advocate for supporting local businesses and charities, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community. In her role as Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Preplanning Specialist at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, Marisol's compassion and dedication shine through as she guides and supports families during their most challenging moments, helping them honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Her mission is deeply rooted in her faith and a commitment to personal growth, striving daily to be the best version of herself and making a positive impact in her community.

Commissioner Alexis Simmons (Term: 07/24-07/26)

Alexis Simmons is a graduate of Washburn University (Go Bods!) where she majored in political science and served as student body president. After graduating from Washburn, she obtained a masters degree in American politics and government from American University’s School of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.
While in D.C. Alexis helped train women to run for office and wrote a weekly newsletter about women in politics for the Women & Politics Institute. After joining a boutique consulting firm, Alexis and a small team advised Fortune 500 companies on creation and implementation of forward-thinking, socially responsible policies.
After moving back to Topeka in 2020, Alexis returned to work where her love for public service started: the Kansas Legislature. She serves as the Communications Director for Vic Miller, Kansas House Minority Leader, and the Kansas House Democrats. As a former intern, her favorite part of the job is helping coordinate the internship program for the House of Representatives.
Alexis is a graduate of the 2021-2022 Kansas Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Leaders program, Democratic precinct committeewoman, EMILY’s List Ignite Change Fellow, National Organization of Women (NOW) scholarship recipient, Bryce Harlow Foundation honoree, and adjunct professor in Washburn University’s political science department.

Commissioner Zachary Surritt (Term: 02/23-02/25)

Zachary Surritt is a native of the Greater Topeka area. Born in Topeka, raised in Meriden, and has lived in the Capitol City since he started his college career in 2015. Zachary graduated from Washburn University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration in 2020. While at Washburn, he served as a leader in a number of student organizations, including a term as the Student Body President in 2018-2019. Zachary has also served as a City Council member for the City of Meriden and is the current Chair-Elect of Forge Young Talent where he is dedicated to making Topeka and Shawnee County a place where young people want to live, work, play, and belong. Zachary is also the Business Development and Marketing Director for R&S Maintenance Services, of which he is part of the third generation of family leadership. Zachary has a passion for public service and looks forward to working with our community to create an environment for positive change.

Commissioner Jaron Balderes (Term: 05/24-05/26)

Jaron is a lifelong public servant who has varied experience in many governmental agencies. He served as a Forward Observer in the United States Army from 2006-2009 before beginning his academic studies and civilian civil servant duties. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Washburn University in Topeka, KS and he also has an MPA from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. He has served in civil servant positions with the State of Kansas and various local governments, including the Cities of Topeka, KS, Wichita, KS, and Kansas City, MO. Aside from his work in local government, Jaron now works for the Environmental Protection Agency’s central budget office. His areas of experience include public budgeting, ordinance writing, public engagement, and organizational development. Jaron is also a Co-Chair for Topeka Pride's Event Committee. In his spare time, he enjoys sipping a nice light roast, trying new spots for pho, working out, and catching up on reading.

Vacant

Troy Scroggins Award

Stephanie Mott Award