Cindy Miles ’09 was recently appointed CEO and president of the Urban League of Kansas in Wichita — an organization that provides solutions to help the urban community achieve economic self-reliance and an improved quality of life through access to education, resources and opportunities.
Miles brings more than 20 years of experience managing nonprofit organizations and leading impactful community initiatives to her new role, which she began on Dec. 1, 2025.
“Cindy has been an invaluable asset to our affiliate,” said the organization’s Board of Trustees in a press release. “Her dedication and leadership have positioned the Urban League of Kansas for a strong future. We are confident she will continue to advance our mission and show the community that the Urban League of Kansas is here to stay.”
Tackling priorities
In her role, one of Miles’ top goals is to build and deepen partnerships with other organizations.
“Collaboration is essential to meeting the complex needs of the communities we serve, and strong partnerships will allow us to expand resources, increase reach and enhance the effectiveness of our programs,” she said.
Through these partnerships, Miles believes the organization can continue to grow initiatives aligned with seven priority areas: strengthening families, safe and stable housing, financial literacy, health equity, education, career and workforce, and leadership and civic engagement.
One partnership Miles sees as a tremendous opportunity is with Newman. A key area for collaboration is workforce training, partnering to align education with real-world career pathways so individuals are better prepared to enter or advance in the workforce.
“By working together, we can bridge the gap between learning and employment, creating stronger outcomes for students and community members alike,” Miles said.
Additionally, she’s excited about opportunities to engage Newman students and community members through volunteerism, internships, practicums and leadership development. The Urban League offers multiple pathways for involvement, including serving on committees or even the board. These experiences not only support the organization’s mission but also help cultivate the next generation of leaders.
“At the core of it all is a belief that we are stronger together,” Miles said.
In addition, Miles is prioritizing the development of a HUD Counseling Center. This initiative will play a critical role in expanding access to affordable housing, supporting individuals and families on the path to homeownership and helping stabilize and strengthen communities.
Another key priority is empowering individuals to become effective advocates.
“At a time when many organizations are scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, it is more important than ever that people understand their voices, their rights and their ability to influence change,” Miles said. “We want to ensure that our community members are not only supported but also equipped to speak up and lead.”
A role built for impact
What initially drew Miles to the Urban League of Kansas was how deeply it aligned with both her lived experiences and personal sense of purpose.
“Growing up and navigating my own journey, I saw firsthand the barriers that can stand in the way of opportunity, especially in urban communities,” she said. “Those experiences didn’t just shape my perspective but they also fueled a passion to be part of meaningful solutions.”
When Miles encountered the Urban League’s commitment to helping individuals and families achieve economic self-reliance and an improved quality of life, she immediately connected with it.
“Their mission mirrors my own: to instill hope, inspire others and empower people to reach their goals,” she said. “It’s not just about providing services — it’s about creating pathways for transformation and long-term success. That alignment made my connection to the organization feel natural and deeply rooted, not just professional.”
Their mission mirrors my own: to instill hope, inspire others and empower people to reach their goals.
Cindy Miles
Miles initially stepped into the organization as a consultant, focused on helping stabilize and rebuild in the wake of the pandemic. That experience gave her a unique perspective.
“I was able to see both the challenges and the untapped potential,” she said. “Now, stepping into this leadership role, I’m energized by the chance to continue that momentum and guide the organization into its next phase. I’m especially passionate about building systems and programs that truly impact people’s lives.”
Newman shapes
Looking back on her time at Newman — where she received her Master of Business Administration in 2009 and later served as vice president and president of the National Alumni Board of Directors — Miles feels several experiences played a major role in shaping her leadership style.
“Professors weren’t just instructors but mentors who modeled integrity, accountability and service,” she said. “Those relationships helped me develop a leadership style grounded in authenticity and strong values.”
Another key influence was the emphasis on service and community engagement. Opportunities to volunteer and give back reinforced the idea that leadership is rooted in serving others.
“That perspective shifted my mindset from leading for recognition to leading with purpose and impact,” she said.
Miles’ continued involvement with Newman as an alumna has played a powerful role in refining and deepening her leadership over time as well.
“Staying connected to the university community kept me grounded in the values that first shaped me — service, integrity and purpose-driven leadership,” Miles said. “Whether through alumni events or supporting university initiatives, I’ve been consistently reminded that leadership is not a destination, but a lifelong practice of growth and giving back.”
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