ABOUT US
Create Campaign, Inc. is a business development nonprofit
that is advancing economic impact through entrepreneurship.
The nonprofit has evolved from a half-day entrepreneurship forum in 2015
to a leading and trusted innovator providing relevant business training,
technical assistance and microlending funds to emerging entrepreneurs.
With a sole focus on building strong businesses,
Create Campaign and its partners are closing gaps and removing barriers of entry
to ensure that entrepreneurs have access to resources and knowledge
to experience the fullness of business ownership in ways that can
lead to generational wealth and sustainability.
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Together, we make the difference.
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Our Mission:
Activating urban entrepreneurs in the Midwest to launch, innovate and grow
Our Vision:
To serve as a hub of business development, growth and innovation in the Midwest
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THE CONTEXT THAT FRAMES OUR WORK
EMERGING FOUNDERS
HISTORICALLY OVERLOOKED.
SYSTEMICALLY, UNDERVALUED.
African-American and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs
do not have the same business start and growth experience as their peers
in the Kansas entrepreneurship community.
The impact of historic and systemic factors have created barriers that
have delayed the full development of robust firms across the spectrum.
Create Campaign commits to developing sustainable pathways and solutions to help emerging entrepreneurs gain access to information, capital and resources that can lead to upward economic mobility while breaking the cycle of poverty.
OUR FOUNDER
CHRISTINA M. LONG
President/CEO, Create Campaign, Inc.
Christina Long is an entrepreneur and community-builder who is passionate about inclusive economic impact through entrepreneurship.
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Long is a native of Wichita, Kansas; Wichita State University graduate and owner of CML Collective, LLC, a strategic communications and design firm. She is the Founding President/CEO of Create Campaign, Inc., a tax-exempt, business development nonprofit she established to help urban entrepreneurs in the Midwest to launch, innovate and grow.
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Long serves on the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and its Honors Night Committee, serves as an advisor for the Center for Public Policy and Management at Wichita State University and leads Network Kansas’ Wichita Urban Entrepreneurship Community. Her numerous honors include being named among 50 Kansans Who You Should Know by Ingram’s Magazine; earning the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Exceptional Young Leader Award, among other accolades.
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Long is married to Jonathan and the couple has three brilliant children, Amarah, Malcolm and Jordyn and their first grandchild, Riley.
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Connect with Christina | via email and on social at @cmlcollective
OUR STAFF
Cassandra Enlow
Director of Programs & Partnerships
Cassandra Enlow serves as the Director of Programs and Partnerships overseeing the A La Carte Commercial Kitchen Incubator and entrepreneurial skill-building workshops with partners.
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She began her professional career in education at Hamilton Middle School in 2015 where she served as a Family Engagement Liaison, helping to close the gap between school and family. She was also an active member of USD 259’s Family Engagement Leadership Workforce. This group collaborated, through intense research, to develop today’s Family Engagement Standards for Wichita Public Schools. In 2020, she pivoted and began her entrepreneurial journey with The Goodt(Good) Services, a luxury assistance organization. Under this company, she offered premium child care assistance at an affordable price, virtual administrative assistance, and on set/staging assistance. She is also the CEO of All Angles 360, a 360 event photo booth company.
Cassandra attended Wichita East High School in Wichita, KS and graduated in 2009. Pursuing a career in Mortuary Science, Cassandra attended Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, MO and Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, KS in 2010. She has received state recognition for several written publications and district recognition for her informative and transformative customer service training.
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Connect with Cassandra via email.
Ti'juana hardwell
Spark Program Director, Create Campaign, Inc.
Ti'Juana Hardwell, an accomplished entrepreneur and communications expert, is the Spark Program Director at Create Campaign. In this role, Ti’Juana is focused on expanding the program’s reach and impact by supporting entrepreneurial growth within Wichita, Kansas, and beyond. Serving as Program Director builds on Ti’Juana’s experience with Spark since the program’s inception in Wichita in 2022. Ti’Juana provided instruction and coaching as part of the Spark teaching team helping Spark participants launch and grow their businesses.
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Ti’Juana began her own entrepreneurial journey in 2011 with the launch of an independent magazine. In 2015, she connected with Create Campaign through the organization’s signature Forum gaining valuable resources and opportunities that ultimately led to Ti’Juana launching Mamarazzi Communications, LLC, a strategic marketing and communications company. Through her company, Ti’Juana has served hundreds of small businesses and organizations. Mamarazzi Communications has earned numerous awards and distinctions, including being certified with the City of Wichita and the State of Kansas.
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Ti’Juana’s leadership extends to the Public Relations Society of America’s Kansas Chapter, Visit Wichita’s DEIA Advisory Council and ICT SOS. With all of her accomplishments, among her greatest, is being the mother of Tiana Hardwell.
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Connect with Ti'Juana via email.
SANA CHRISTMANn
Spark Program Coordinator, Create Campaign, Inc.
Sana Christmann, a Texas native, joined Create Campaign as the Spark Program Associate and is now serving as the Spark Program Coordinator. In this role, she'll provide supportive and instructional services to all Spark Community Business Academy cohorts and Spark related programming in Wichita and expansion markets.
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Sana, who graduated from Spark's third cohort, is the owner of The Whitening Bar and has served other Wichita-area small businesses including The Hive and Xclusive Events. She is an avid traveler and athletic enthusiast, having played prep volleyball, softball and soccer for North High. She also plays co-ed sports as an adult. She's interested in pursuing touch/flag football in the near future.
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Sana is the mother of two beautiful children and is looking forward to helping other minority businesses find and foster the support that is needed to be successful in business in her role with Create Campaign, Inc.
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Connect with Sana via email.
KARINA CASTAÑEDA
Administrative Coordinator, Create Campaign, Inc.
I am Karina Castañeda, an immigrant originally and proudly from Mexico, where I was born and raised. When I was in high school, I was passionate about sports. I was the volleyball team captain for a couple of years and a few years later I decided to join the track and field team of Pioneers based in Tijuana B.C. where I discovered my skill in javelin throw. I proudly represented my native country in the Central American and Caribbean Games, held in El Salvador, San Salvador, in 1996. Later, I moved to California and I lived there for twenty years. I recently moved to Wichita to be close to my siblings. I am a mother of four beautiful children and enjoy being around them in my spare time.
My professional career started four years ago due to my passion for math. I attended Santa Ana College where I earned my certificate in general accounting and bookkeeping. At the beginning of this year, I was introduced to this great organization, Create Campaign, where I found a new opportunity to develop myself in the administrative area. As an administrative assistant, I see myself assisting entrepreneurs to develop, launch, and accomplish their goals by connecting them to resources that this wonderful organization provides. I want to ensure that all minority business owners get connected and informed about strategies that make their businesses successful.
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Connect with Karina via email.
briaja tucker
Communications Associate, Create Campaign, Inc.
Briaja Tucker is a Communications Associate at Create Campaign. She leverages her experience with graphic design and communications to develop and infuse the organization’s brand through content for a diverse array of digital and print mediums. Prior to joining the Create Campaign team in late 2024, she served as communications coordinator at Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center. A Wichita native, Briaja studied communications and received the Honors Baccalaureate from Wichita State University, where she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in innovation and design.
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Connect with Briaja via email.
Zoe Stone
Outreach Associate, Create Campaign, Inc.
Zoe Stone is the Outreach Associate at Create Campaign. Through her work with the A La Carte Commercial Kitchen Incubator, Zoe is helping food entrepreneurs in Wichita to grow thriving brands through entrepreneurship education, technical assistance, shared commercial kitchen space access and networking with industry experts.
Zoe's culinary expertise is anchored in her years as the Owner and Creative Director of Charcutistry, an all-inclusive catering brand that specializes in creating unforgettable dining experiences where quality, hospitality, and care come first. Inspired by her own journey with food allergies, Zoë built Charcutistry on the values of inclusivity and thoughtful preparation—ensuring every guest can enjoy the occasion without compromise.
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Amarah Gilmore
Spark Program Instructor, Create Campaign, Inc.
At the intersection of brand, innovation, and community impact, Wichita native Amarah Gilmore is a purpose-driven entrepreneur. From launching her first business at a young age to founding Zalu: The Recall App, she has demonstrated a strong ability to move ideas from concept to execution and scale them into purpose-driven ventures. Her strategic pitching and business acumen were recognized in October 2025, when she earned grand prize for her business pitch. In addition to her work in technology and entrepreneurship, Amarah is a licensed Realtor, bringing strengths in negotiation, market analysis, and client engagement. She has also played an active role in youth entrepreneurship programs, contributing to curriculum support, mentorship, and hands-on guidance for emerging young founders.
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Amarah is a long-time Create Campaigner having volunteered with the organization since its founding in 2015. As a Cohort 10 graduate of the Spark Community Business Academy, Amarah aims to create a nurturing learning environment filled with practical application to catalyze the next cohorts of Spark participants.
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Connect with Amarah via email.
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Shaunita Phillips
Spark Program Instructor, Create Campaign, Inc.
Shaunita Phillips is a holistic spa owner, certified doula, and women’s wellness advocate based in Wichita, Kansas. She is the founder of Sensual Selections & Spa, a sacred wellness space dedicated to womb healing, postpartum restoration, and holistic self-care for women.
With more than 15 years of experience in education through Wichita Public Schools and Wichita State University, Shaunita brings professionalism, compassion, and community-centered care into her wellness practice. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Friends University, supporting her ability to deliver structured, ethical, and client-focused services.
Shaunita strengthened and expanded her business through the Spark Community Business Academy, where she sharpened her pricing, financial management, and marketing strategies. The program helped her formalize operations, clarify her value proposition, and position Sensual Selections & Spa for sustainable growth while remaining rooted in purpose-driven care for women.
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Connect with Shaunita via email.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mitch Binns
Chair
Business Unit Leader,
McCownGordon
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JENNI HEARTFIELD
Vice Chair
Investment Operations Associate
6 Meridian
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zach wiggins
Secretary
Attorney
Martin Pringle
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Shawn whisenhant
Treasurer
VP, Business 360 Banker
Fidelity Bank
michele valadez
Director
Customer and Community Specialist
Evergy
Owner, City Girlz Liquor
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Fabrice metan
Director
Owner/Lead Accountant
Simplify My Numbers
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OLIVIA S. DEMPSEY
Director
Attorney
Martin Pringle
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Shawn BAUMAN
Director
Founder
Bauman Advisory Group
SOPHIA DROUHARD
Director
Venture Investment Coordinator
eGrowth Ventures, Network Kansas
Steve Feilmeier
Director
Managing Director
Feilmeier Family Office
OUR
ADVISORS
Aaron Bastian
President
Fidelity Bank
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GARY OBORNY
Director
President/CEO
Occidental Management
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STEVE RADLEY
CEO
Network Kansas
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JAY SMITH
Retired, President
INTRUST Bank
FRANKIE KIRKENDOLL
Director, Operations and Community Engagement,
Urban League of Kansas
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Darrius Wright
President
Kansas Business Services, LLC
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DAVE SEILER
Retired VP Operations and Compliance
Koch Minerals and Trading
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dr. alicia thompson
Associate Vice Provost for PreK–12 Engagement
Wichita State University
sheryl wohlford
Owner
Automation-Plus, Inc.
Mike RAmsey
Manager and Vice President
Bokeh Development, LLC
WHAT ENTREPRENEURS
ARE SAYING ABOUT CREATE CAMPAIGN
The Wichita Cheesecake Company
AB&C Bilingual Resources
- I am so grateful to have had an opportunity to attend a Create Campaign forum. I discovered several valuable resources and it was comforting to know that there is a great support system for small business owners here in Wichita.
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- When I hear the words Create Campaign I think small business empowerment; small business information; build your network. I have learned the difference between a small business and a hobby. I have several new contacts and ideas on how to create my new small business when I'm ready. Knowledge is power. I had no idea there was so much help here for small business development!
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- I look forward each year because it inspires me to set goals and follow my dreams.
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- I must find funding. It's time for me to take off. I am grateful for the access of information.
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- ...it helped me really understand the next steps I need to take to grow my business.
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- Our company would not exist without Create Campaign!
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WHAT OUR PARTNERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CREATE CAMPAIGN
“The Create Campaign has been a tremendous source of support for the Center for Entrepreneurship’s efforts to bring early stage ideas into the innovation ecosystem being built in this community.
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The Create Campaign helps identify and develop these entrepreneurs and make them aware of the resources available to them. “
MARK TORLINE - BUSINESS LEADER, FORMER DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
“We have found the Create Campaign to be one of the most effective ways to connect African American and other under-served entrepreneurs with resources that help them start or grow their businesses."
STEVE RADLEY - PRESIDENT/CEO, NETWORK KANSAS
“Working with Christina and the Create Campaign has allowed us to better understand the needs of the minority business owner community and while there is still work to be done by professional service firms in the business community, the Create Campaign continues to be a guiding light and inspiration for all of us.” – Richard Stevens, Attorney at Law
RICHARD STEVENS - ATTORNEY
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OUR LEAD PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
NetWork Kansas is growing an entrepreneurial environment in Kansas by cultivating resources to start and grow small businesses. We are a statewide network of non-profit business-building resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners startup and grow successful businesses. ​
Fidelity Bank is committed to providing exceptional service to all of our customers. As the second largest locally owned financial institution in Wichita, Kansas and a growing presence in Oklahoma City and Overland Park, we provide customers with a wide array of quality financial services.
Koch Industries
Our life’s work is to help people improve their lives by making and innovating products and services our customers value. Our focus is on delivering mutual benefit: Win-win outcomes that make life better for customers and employees alike.
INTRUST Bank
At INTRUST Bank, we place our values at the center of everything we do.
It's a philosophy we've followed for more than 140 years.
This principled approach to business is encapsulated into three words:
Tradition for Today. These three words embody who we are and how we are different.
The Kansas Health Foundation
At the Kansas Health Foundation, all of our work centers on our mission: To improve the health of all Kansans. We envision a culture in which every Kansan can make healthy choices where they live, work and play.
BMO is a leading North American bank driven by a single purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. Our Purpose informs our strategy, drives our ambition, and reinforces our commitments to progress: for a thriving economy, a sustainable future and an inclusive society.
The City of Wichita is a leading-edge organization serving a dynamic and inclusive community. As an exceptionally well-run city, we will keep Wichita safe, grow our economy, build dependable infrastructure and provide conditions for living well.
Our purpose at Meritrust is to create financially healthy members
and employees.
our partners
The Create Campaign enjoys a strong partner network.
Some of our partners include:
