Ricki Ellison, Director for Talent, Workforce Development, & Community Engagement
Greater Wichita Partnership
In her job, Ricki Ellison works to align organizations’ talent strategies with business goals, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped with the right skills, engaged, and connected with the community to contribute to its regional economic growth and success.
Ricki, a Wichita native, is married to Kyle Ellison and they have one daughter, Paris.
Share a piece of wisdom you received or learned that substantially changed your work-related path.
Embrace the power of your lived and unique perspective. As a Black woman from the Midwest, my experiences are a rich blend of resilience, adaptability, and insight. The advice I received was to use those experiences to your benefit. Lead confidently in the space you lead, speak up when you know something is wrong, and do your research to inform your decisions.
What are some of the criteria you consider when making a career move?
I look at how the change will impact my overall life. I consider all aspects of the transition — whether it’s a new job, joining a board, adopting a new hobby, or learning a new skill — to understand its true ability to integrate into my current life. This approach helps me prioritize and make necessary adjustments to create space for new opportunities. It also allows me to reflect on my current commitments, ensuring they align with my personal and professional goals. By taking stock of what I’m doing now, I can make informed decisions that support my growth and well-being.
Luck, hard work, and connections, what role did each of these play in getting you to where you are today?
All three have played a significant role in my career journey. For me, it boils down to: hard work builds credibility, connections create access, and luck can turn effort into opportunity. My dad always says, “I would rather be lucky than good any day.”
What advice would you give a young professional starting out on their career?
My advice is to work on your mental outlook because your perspective can make all the difference. It’s tough to spot opportunities when your view is blocked by doubt or negativity. Building mental strength will carry you through whatever comes your way. Focus on keeping your mental game strong — it’s something that’ll serve you well, not just in your career but in life.
What organizations and in which ways do you give back to the community?
Ricki currently serves on the United Way of the Plains Board of Directors, Wichita Festivals Board of Directors, Steve Clark YMCA Board of Directors, and LGBT Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and is a member of the City of Wichita Arts and Culture Taskforce.
Complete the following sentences:
Be open to … uncomfortable experiences.
As a kid I wanted to be … Professional bowler or game show host.
In five years I’ll be … Ordering another pair of prescription eye glasses.
Wichita or Kansas needs … To take more risks. We are a great community that just needs to know and believe how amazing and smart we are. We are true problem solvers in the Midwest.
I’ve been known to binge watch … “Love is Blind” on Netflix.
What do you do for fun?
For fun I love to travel, work out, eat and go on adventures with my family and friends.