07/04/2026
In January of 2025, I started Committed Kansas Activists (CKA) because I was tired of waiting for someone else to do something.
I never imagined where that decision would take me.
Over the last year and a half, I’ve met some of the most incredible people, stood beside complete strangers who became family, helped organize protests and community events, had conversations that changed lives, and watched ordinary Kansans realize just how much power they actually have when they stand together. CKA became so much more than an organization to me. It became one of the greatest, most impactful, and most meaningful journeys I’ve ever taken in my entire life.
I’m unbelievably proud of what we accomplished together. Every person who ever showed up, volunteered, donated, marched, shared a post, held a sign, or simply believed in what we were building… you were CKA. None of this would’ve happened because of one person. It happened because hundreds of people decided our community was worth fighting for. As some of you know, I stepped away from CKA back in May.
After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided that chapter of my life has officially come to an end.
This isn’t because I stopped caring. If anything, I care more now than I ever have. The truth is, my health has completely changed my life. Between everything that’s happened over the last several months, I have to put my healing and my family first. As hard as that is for me, it’s the right decision. That doesn’t mean I’m disappearing. You’ll absolutely still see me around. I’ll still be speaking up. I’ll still be advocating. I’ll still be supporting causes and showing up where I can. I don’t think I’ll ever be the kind of person who stays quiet when people need someone to stand beside them. That’s just not who I am. Maybe once my health is in a better place, I’ll start another project. Maybe I won’t. I honestly don’t know yet, and I’m okay with that.
As I close this chapter, I’m leaving CKA in the hands of some truly phenomenal organizers: Becky, Miranda, Zi, Nyki, Bronson, Jesseka, and Mary. They all care deeply about this community, and I know they’ll continue fighting for the people of Kansas. I hope you’ll continue showing up for them the same way so many of you showed up for me.
To everyone who believed in CKA… thank you.
Thank you for trusting me.
Thank you for standing beside me.
Thank you for believing that a handful of ordinary Kansans could make a difference, because we did. I’ll always be proud that I started CKA, and I’ll always be proud of everything we built together. No one can ever take that away.
This isn’t goodbye to activism.
It’s just goodbye to this chapter.
Here’s to whatever comes next. ❤️
-Shelby Hermosillo