DENISE HOUSTON
Director of Integrated Job Seeker Services, Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas
What has been your career path? I began my career in banking after college, then spent several years in victim advocacy, supporting individuals through challenging situations. That work led me to discover a passion for workforce development, where I’ve now spent 20 years. My focus has been primarily on staff training, processes, and management and I truly enjoy helping both teams and job seekers grow and succeed.
Who are your mentors and how have they influenced your career?
I’ve been fortunate to have a close group of women in leadership roles who have mentored and supported me throughout my career. Their insight, encouragement, and willingness to share their experiences have shaped how I lead today.
Best advice for a woman wanting to enter your field?
Workforce development is a rewarding field that combines helping others with building stronger communities. My best advice is to start by learning as much as you can about the different areas—career services, training programs, employer partnerships, and policy work. There’s room to grow in many directions, so find what excites you most.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the variety and meaningful impact. Every day brings a different set of challenges, and I find it rewarding to help staff navigate those challenges and deliver effective solutions. I also enjoy supporting my team through new programs, policy changes, and partnerships. Watching staff grow professionally and seeing our collective efforts lead to real progress for individuals and communities is what makes this work fulfilling.