Mayor Garner Honors Seven Local Women for Women's History Month

Cindy Cash’s story is an inspiring example of dedication, community service, and leadership. Starting with her move to Kansas City in 1988, Cindy immediately made a lasting impact on Wyandotte County through her efforts to build relationships and improve the quality of life for its residents. As Manager of Indian Springs shopping center, together with 600 community members created the Indian Springs Walkers Club in partnership with Bethany Medical Center. This partnership promoted health, wellness, and companionship in a safe environment.

Her involvement extended far beyond that, from serving on numerous boards and committees like the YMCA finance committee, Downtown Kiwanis, KCK Friends of the Library, Wyandotte County Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast, Leadership 2000, Leadership Kansas, and United Way of Wyandotte County. Cindy’s leadership and vision were instrumental as one of the founding members of the Downtown Shareholders in 2006 which created a Downtown Master plan, downtown events and eventually created a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement district.

She served as a member of the board of the KCK Chamber, and she was a member of the economic development committee of the County-wide planning effort that took place in 1989 and 1990. One of the committee’s successes was the formation of what is now known as Wyandotte Economic Development Council, a county wide economic development organization. She also worked on the campaigns to bring gaming to Wyandotte County, and to raise a sales tax to keep first responders funded.

Serving as the president of the KCK Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2013, Cindy was at the Chamber during the opening of Kansas Speedway and Village West.  Cindy’s work helped lay the foundation for key developments.  She worked to give local businesses the opportunity to engage with the new developments in the county.  She was known for creating a welcoming environment for new businesses, turning ribbon-cutting ceremonies into celebrated community events. And with her board renovated the 727 Minnesota Building known as the home for the KCK Chamber and WYEDC

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cindy’s personal life also reflects her commitment to service and family. Her marriage to Wayne, a proud Army veteran, brought her into active involvement with the American Legion Post 370, where they both continue to give back through various volunteer activities. She also values the monthly Girls Club, which brings together women from diverse backgrounds in the metro area.

Cindy's success is also deeply rooted in the guidance and mentorship she received from women like her mother, Dolores Riley, and local community figures like Pat Gaunce and the late Pat Sedlock. But also, two men in her life, Cindy’s dad, Gordon Riley, and her husband, Wayne, have been pillars of support, all teaching her the values of hard work, patience, and persistence that have driven her throughout her career and personal life.

Cindy stands out as a woman who not only shaped her community but also inspired many others through her tireless efforts and devotion to service. Her legacy in Wyandotte County, particularly in the areas of economic development, community engagement, and business growth, was expressed by someone as Cindy left her role at the Chamber, Cindy “Your fingerprints have been on so many of the things that have happened in Wyandotte County for the last 25 or so years.”

Loretta Colombel is a remarkable woman whose contributions to the Kansas City, Kansas community span decades of dedication, activism, and leadership. As an original Dotte, Loretta's life has been intertwined with the growth and change of her hometown, and she has played a key role in shaping the community through her work as a business owner, activist, and elected official.

After returning to KCK with her two young sons, Loretta found a job at Faegan’s Café, where her mother also worked. Over time, she became a beloved fixture at the café, and in the late 1980s, she purchased the business, renaming it Loretta’s Café. Loretta’s Café became a local staple for breakfast and lunch, offering both excellent home-cooked meals, tasty warm rolls, and a welcoming atmosphere for workers and businesspeople. Loretta even created a meeting room for special events, with her personal collection of vintage glassware adding to the restaurant’s charm.

Loretta’s deep commitment to her community extended beyond business ownership. She witnessed firsthand the struggles in her St. Peter’s neighborhood, where crime and neglect were affecting the quality of life. In response, she co-founded Wyandotte Countians Against Crime (WYCAC), an organization focused on promoting safe, drug-free neighborhoods and improving life skills for local youth. WYCAC's work was so impactful that it was featured in a chapter of Hillary Clinton’s book It Takes A Village, and Loretta and other neighborhood leaders from across the county made a memorable appearance with Oprah and Hillary.

Her activism didn’t stop there. Loretta served as a neighborhood organizer for the Regional Prevention Center and worked with the Livable Neighborhoods Task Force. She also became an influential leader on the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Public Utilities, serving from 1998 to 2013. Loretta was instrumental during her time on the board, holding the position of president in 2008 and 2009, and represented the board on the American Public Power Association, where she was elected chair in 2007–2008.

In her personal life, Loretta found love with the late Bill Epperheimer, the former president of Wyandotte Health Foundation. Together, they enjoyed 20 years of marriage, traveling and supporting each other in their community involvement. Bill's passing in 2023, shortly before Loretta's diagnosis of lung cancer, was a heartbreaking moment in her life. However, Loretta’s strength and resilience shone through as she successfully battled cancer with the support of KU Hospital’s exceptional healthcare providers.

From 2014 to today, Loretta continues her service as the Business Retention Consultant for the Wyandotte Economic Development Council, where she collects information on local businesses’ well-being and potential expansion needs. She remains deeply involved in her neighborhood association and stays connected with both long-term and new friends in the community.

Loretta’s legacy is one of perseverance, community spirit, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around her. She has touched countless lives through her work in business, activism, and public service, leaving a lasting impact on Wyandotte County.

Annie and Wally Der, came from very humble beginnings, but their story is one of extraordinary perseverance, love, and dedication. Their journey began long before they opened Tao Tao February 12, 1972, at the corner of 13th and Minnesota. It’s a journey that transcends generations and serves as a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and the importance of family.

Annie, at the age of 21, arrived in the United States in 1968, responding to a marriage proposal from Wally. She didn’t speak a word of English, but she was determined to make a life with the man who had won her heart.

You see, In the 1960s, Wally worked at Wong’s Chinese Restaurant, a small carry-out spot, with an ambition to one day run his own restaurant. He didn’t have much, but he had a vision. He told the restaurant owners he wanted to have a family and work alongside his wife in their own business. They mentored him, but there was something missing—he needed a wife.

So, he did what was necessary and wrote to five women in China, eventually choosing Lai Ying (LIE YING), who we know as Annie. They married, had four children, and in 1971, they saved up $7,000 to purchase their first restaurant. Despite the many challenges that came with running a business and raising a family, they built something beautiful and lasting.

They worked side by side every single day, no matter the weather or how tired they were. When their children were old enough to contribute, they put them to work cleaning tables, washing windows, and cutting vegetables. They taught their children what it meant to work hard, to give back to the family, and to do whatever it took to keep the business running.

Today Annie and her son are operating the business. The patrons of Tao Tao to Annie are more than just customers; they became extended family. They were the ones who checked in on her, who showered her with hugs, encouragement, and love. Those relationships are what have kept Tao Tao a thriving business all these years.

After Fifty-three years, Tao Tao remains a cornerstone of the community. Tao Tao stands as a beacon of the strength of the immigrant dream and the deep love for one’s craft. It is a place where the flavors of a rich culture meet the warmth of family and community.

Annie, at 78 years old is slowing down and decreased her work hours from a 131 down to 112 hours a week. She continues to cook and serve with the same passion and joy that she had when she first started. Cooking is her heart and soul—it’s what lights up her world. Annie’s legacy continues to shine in the warm smiles and delicious meals that come from Tao Tao every single day.

Carolyn Wyatt is a true community champion whose dedication to youth engagement and service has shaped the lives of countless individuals in Wyandotte County. After a successful career at Hallmark Cards, the Board of Public Utilities, and Allied Signal (Bendix), Carolyn transitioned her focus to giving back to her community, particularly through her work with local youth.

Her journey in community service began when she saw a need for positive outlets for young people. Carolyn started a boys' basketball team at the JFK Recreation Center during a challenging period for the center and its surrounding community. Determined to make a difference, she didn’t just stop with organizing the team—she took action to revitalize the center itself. Carolyn attended park board meetings, rallied support from neighbors, and worked with local leaders, including Mr. Chester Owens, and then Commissioner Tarence Maddox, to help bring about the center’s reopening in 2014. To celebrate, Carolyn organized a memorable performance by the Harlem Globetrotters and made sure local youth received free tickets to the event, creating an unforgettable experience for the next generation.

In 2018, Carolyn co-founded Unity with Purpose, an initiative aimed at fostering community engagement through forums, meet-and-greets, and voter registration drives. This organization reflects her ongoing commitment to creating a more connected, informed, and empowered community. Her leadership extended further through her service on the Parks and Recreation Board for 10 years and the Wyandotte County Kansas City Housing Authority Board for 8 years. Carolyn’s influence in these roles was marked by her unwavering advocacy for youth, her focus on improving public spaces, and her dedication to promoting positive change in her community.

Carolyn’s tireless work has not gone unnoticed. She was honored with the AARP Andrus Award for community service and the YES, SHE CAN Award as a 2023 Woman of Wyandotte County, recognizing her as a trailblazer and role model for others in the area.

Carolyn has shown the profound impact one individual can have on their community. Her legacy of activism, leadership, and dedication to youth engagement continues to inspire and uplift the residents of Wyandotte County. Carolyn truly exemplifies the power of service and the importance of making a difference where it matters most.