Wendy Hummell | LEADERSHIP WICHITA
What is the most important part of your work?
While all of my work is important, knowing I can help someone who may be struggling is by far the most meaningful.
What should one never take for granted?
Family. As a career detective, I was on call for 15 years, worked countless weekends, and overtime hours. As much as I love the work I do, my husband and two daughters are my number one priority.
What do you do for fun or to recharge?
Yoga and time in nature.
What book are you reading now? Why?
One of them currently is “Master Mentors: 30 Transformative Insights from Our Greatest Minds.” The author [Scott Jeffrey Miller] has highlighted those he interviewed on his podcast and shares an important message he took away from their conversation. As a podcast host, I found this concept interesting, and our wellness team is currently working to create and launch a mentoring program at our agency, with our wellness unit deputy taking the lead.
What led you to this career?
As a retired Detective from the Wichita Police Department, I understand and have experienced both the acute and long term impact the career can have on mental, emotional, and physical health. I have seen too many of my friends and co-workers struggle in silence because they didn't get the help they needed. First Responders are exposed to an average of close to 200 critical incidents throughout the course of a 20-year career, compared to 1-3 for the general population. Trauma exposure, disrupted sleep, and organizational stressors such as mandatory overtime and low staffing put first responders at a higher risk for developing mental health issues, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and decreased life span. For the past decade, I have committed myself to learn as much as I could and advocate for first responder holistic wellness. Stigma and not understanding the effects of trauma exposure and chronic stress have been barriers to seeking help. Those who sign up for these careers deserve to live a healthy and vibrant life. They need resources, support, and training throughout their careers given what research tells us about potential impact this job can have. The Sheriff created my position, Health and Wellness Manager, four years ago and we have since added an in-house therapist and wellness deputy.
If you could choose one superhuman ability, what would it be?
I would definitely fly. Seeing the world from a new perspective and experiencing the freedom of boundary-less travel would be amazing.
What are you grateful for?
I practice gratitude as a daily habit. It is now a crucial part of my well-being. Even on my worst days I can always find something to be grateful for. Some repeats from my list are: My people; my husband and two daughters. My husband is my best friend, and I don't know what I would do without him. My girls are my most important reason for being here, and although I am their mom, they teach me so much and inspire me to want to be better. My growth; I am in a far different place today than I was when I retired from my law enforcement career five years ago. I have intentionally put myself in uncomfortable situations, am committed to learning new things, and surround myself with those that are uplifting and encouraging. My Yoga practice; I practice yoga every day. It has truly been a game changer for me. My practice keeps me grounded and mindful.
Curious. A detective at heart, I am genuinely interested in learning, hearing other's stories, and to hearing new perspectives.
