Emporia becomes first Kansas community to earn Certified Welcoming designation
Emporia, KANSAS —Emporia has earned the 1-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America, becoming the first community in Kansas to achieve this recognition through the work of Kansas Spanish Speakers (formerly known as Emporia Spanish Speakers), in partnership with the City of Emporia, and local organizations, affirming the community’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to fully participate in and contribute to the community.
The certification evaluates communities across seven areas of the Welcoming Standard: Government Leadership, Equitable Access, Civic Engagement, Connected Communities, Education, Economic Development, and Safe Communities.
LeLan Dains, Founder and Managing Director of Kansas Spanish Speakers, said: “This recognition is not just an award, it’s a reflection of who Emporia is and who we aspire to be. Becoming a Certified Welcoming community shows that we are committed to building a place where everyone belongs, contributes, and thrives.”
Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “Emporia proves that inclusion drives prosperity, showing how communities can meet challenges head-on when everyone has a seat at the table. As the first Certified Welcoming community in Kansas, Emporia leads by example.”
What sets Emporia apart
Emporia earned this designation through partnerships between Kansas Spanish Speakers, the City of Emporia, and local partner organizations. When the Tyson plant closed, the Rapid Response Team worked with community partners to connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities.
Other standout efforts include the Chamber of Commerce’s Mi Negocio Academy, which supports Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs through a five-class business development program. The city provides multilingual outreach through newsletters, website, and informational brochures, and an annual mayoral address in Spanish. Public schools offer bilingual staffing, and the library provides culturally responsive programming.
Emporia joins 28 other Certified Welcoming communities nationwide and leads Kansas in demonstrating how communities can create belonging for everyone.
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About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.
About Certified Welcoming
Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage, and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national, and global stage. Learn more at certifiedwelcoming.org.
About Kansas Spanish Speakers
Kansas Spanish Speakers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building bridges between English and Spanish-speaking communities across Kansas. Through language instruction, cultural programming, and community initiatives, the organization works to foster inclusion, expand opportunities, and strengthen connections that build stronger, more resilient communities for all. Learn more at emporiaspanishspeakers.com.
Media Contacts
Welcoming America: Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, leslie@welcomingamerica.org
Kansas Spanish Speakers: LeLan Dains, lelan@emporiaspanishspeakers.com
