Meet Our Team: Abigail Hammack

Get to know our team member: Abigail Hammack. Abigail joined the PPMC full-time in February 2021 after serving as a Graduate Assistant. 
 
1. What excites you most about joining the PPMC?
 
The PPMC has a fantastic reputation for serving clients with expertise in order to advance public good. I've seen the center's commitment to enabling communities and organizations to make data-driven decisions and I'm excited to help further this work. I'm glad I could join the team and help enhance both internal and client-facing communications efforts.  
 
2. Who in public service inspires you?
 
There are so many trailblazers both locally and internationally that inspire me, so it's very hard to keep this answer short. One organization that's important to me is She Should Run, a nonpartisan nonprofit that helps women run for office. This year I've also been reminded of the amazing public school teachers and staff who are caring for the future of our community. Finally, I also want to shout out just one of the friends/mentors I gained through the PPMC, LaShonda Garnes, especially for her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion and the passion and care she has for others. My foundation of passion for public service was built by watching strong women go before me and work hard to change the world. 
 
3. Why is public service important to you?
 
Public service and the amazing individuals that decide to serve (full-time, part-time, or volunteer) keep our communities running. There is no doubt that public service affects everyone, everywhere, every day. When a public servant is facing a problem, their instinct is to try and solve it. It can't always be done, but the spirit of problem solving and servanthood remains. Public service is not always easy, but by nature it is important. I've seen it's pervasive importance firsthand and that makes me responsible to help too. I just can't see myself doing anything else. 
 
4. What’s your favorite place to eat in Wichita?
 
Piatto, Ziggy's, or Little Saigon
 
5. What are 5 #hashtags that describe you?
 
#BringSnacks #DowntownICT #ThinkLikeAnEconomist #BookLover #DidYouPrayAboutIt?