Meet the Panelists for Beyond the Backyard: Travel Near and Far Panel Discussion
- Headmistress Jill Miller
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Thanks to these travel enthusiasts for agreeing to share their travel adventure tips in our Beyond the Backyard: Travel Near and Far panel Discussion on June 3rd at Flying Pig Improv's new location at 2320 E. Douglas at Grove in Wichita, Kansas. (Parking and entrance in back.)
About the event: From scenic Kansas trails and hidden small-town gems to unforgettable adventures across the country, this lively panel explores what it means to travel near and far. Join a group of adventurous travelers as they share stories, tips, lessons learned, and the joy that comes from saying yes to new experiences.
Whether you love road trips, hiking, group travel, national adventures, or are simply curious about traveling on your own, this conversation will inspire you to explore more confidently — wherever the journey may lead.
Sponsored by Optometric Billings Solutions, optometricbilling.com, (316) 722-2021,
and Flying Pig Improv, flyingpigimprov.com, (316) 833-1889
This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome.
The registration fee is $10 at the door or in advance.
We are meeting at Flying Pig Improv's new location at 2320 E. Douglas Ave. at Grove, 6 to 8 PM.
Panelists:
Cindy Coughenour and Jeri Brungardt
Cindy Coughenour and Jeri Brungardt are the co-founders of Women Hiking KS and Beyond, a thriving women’s hiking community that began just before the COVID pandemic and quickly grew into something far beyond a hiking group. What started as two friends exploring trails in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma soon inspired dozens of women to join them in adventure, connection, and community.
After posting photos from their hikes on social media and hearing women repeatedly say, “I want to do that!” and “Take me next time!”, Cindy and Jeri organized their first official group hike. Seven women attended. The next hike drew 46 women — confirming they had tapped into a strong desire for friendship, outdoor adventure, and shared experiences among women of all ages and backgrounds.
Today, Women Hiking KS and Beyond continues to bring women together through hiking, travel, encouragement, and connection. Cindy and Jeri are passionate about helping women step outside their comfort zones, experience the beauty of nature, and discover the confidence that comes from trying something new — whether close to home or far beyond Kansas.
Sue Ann Spencer
Sue Ann Spencer believes life is meant to be lived in chapters — each one bringing new opportunities to learn, create, and explore. Over the years, she has built a career path as varied and adventurous as the places she loves to travel.
Her professional journey began as a radiologic technologist, a career she dedicated herself to for 20 years before pursuing her creative side and earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College of Graphic Design. She later founded and operated Prairie Magic Design, where for two decades she combined creativity and entrepreneurship through graphic design, website development, and custom apparel design.
Now retired, she happily embraces a slower pace filled with coffee, travel, curiosity, and life’s everyday adventures. She is also active with Air Capital Active People (ACAP), a Wichita-based social club that encourages connection and adventure through group travel, tours, luncheon programs, and social outings that help members stay active and engaged in the community.
Whether discovering a new destination or simply appreciating the beauty close to home, she believes there is always something new to learn, experience, and explore.
Jeff Tuttle
Jeff Tuttle is a Kansas native from Augusta and a journalism graduate of Kansas State University. Jeff spent more than 20 years as a staff photographer for The Wichita Eagle, following an earlier role with the Dubois County Herald in Jasper, Indiana. Throughout his career, he has captured stories, people, and places through the lens of photojournalism, documenting moments both close to home and across the country.
Now working as a freelance photojournalist, Jeff continues to combine his love of storytelling, travel, and adventure. He and his wife, Laura, an interior designer, have two children, Erin and Zach, and two grandsons, Calvin and Hank. When he’s not behind the camera, Jeff enjoys camping, fishing, bluegrass music, and exploring the outdoors.
Moderator:
Jill D. Miller is passionate about helping people grow – professionally and personally. Her consulting company, Creative Solutions, has helped fledgling and seasoned entrepreneurs launch and grow out-of-the-ordinary and sometimes quirky ventures since 1998. Jill found her gift for teaching as a corporate trainer and loves influencing young minds as an adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship in the Arts at Wichita State University.
As Headmistress of the Finishing School for Modern Women, Jill has worked with thousands of women, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and move toward their goals. She founded the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance in 2021 with weekly gatherings to build community, promote nonprofits, and develop “badassery.”
After writing a blog for the Finishing School for seven years, Jill was inspired to compile her favorites into her first book, “Never Finished: Practical advice for Modern Women to inspire your fierce, authentic self she published in October 2022.
Active in the Wichita community, Jill leads cultural and women's organizations and is a zealous volunteer. In her spare time, she likes to attend artistic events and relax at home with her miniature rescue poodle, Jack.
This panel is sponsored by Optometric Billings Solutions, optometricbilling.com, (316) 722-2021 and Flying Pig Improv, flyingpigimprov.com, (316) 833-1889
Thank you to our sponsor, Optometric Billing Solutions!
Because of their sponsorship, we're able to keep the prices for our Badass Women of Wichita Alliance events at only $10, including panel discussions.
At 10501 W. Hampton Lakes in Maize, OBS is a woman-owned, nationally recognized insurance billing company for optometrist clinics in 43 states. It was named by Wichita Business Journal as one of the best places to work in Wichita, based on confidential employee job satisfaction surveys.
If you’re ready for a career in an employee-centered company with flexible hours and options to work at home after training, OBS wants to talk to you! Go to https://bit.ly/OBSBadass for more information.
Sending a resume to BWWA@obsteam.com and letting OBS know the applicant is referred by the Badass network automatically guarantees them an interview. Make sure they drop your name when they apply! OBS rewards your referral with $150 cash each time the person you sent gets hired!
Did you know I've published a book? Learn more about it here!
Because We’re Never Finished
The Finishing School for Modern Women, located in Wichita, Kansas, offers classes to help women find their authentic selves, not because we need finishing, but because we’re never finished. We bring together women of all ages to learn from experts and each other how to claim our power in business, finance, communication, and life.
To learn more about what we do:
https://www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com for our classes and free social membership.
Contact Us
Phone: 316-841-8927 Email: jill@finishingschoolformodernwomen.com
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