Talia Penn

The eldest child of two Army Officer parents, Talia Penn was raised in a loving household marked both by a commitment to service and travel throughout the U.S. and Western Europe.  Developing an early appreciation for various cultures, languages, and love of country, Talia volunteered to wear the uniform in her own right.  Her distinguished record of service to the nation, community, and home epitomize her core values of faith, family, and hard work.

While serving her country in the US Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Talia graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in Mass Communications and Social Issues.  Receiving her Officer’s Commission upon graduation, Talia served at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington.  When she deployed in support of the Global War on Terror as a 1st Lieutenant, Talia was hand-selected to lead the meticulous mortuary operations to receive and honor our nation’s fallen at Dover AFB.  Respected and loved, she received the Air Force Achievement Medal before honorably discharging from the Air Force and later attaining the rank of Captain in 2012. 

Starting her family with her husband while they served in an Army Company Command assignment, Talia also began earning her Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Hawaii.

Continuing her commitment to our nation, Talia leveraged her several years of military service and education when she went to work at the Fort Belvoir, VA Barton Education Center, leading a $1.5M contract serving the educational development plans and testing needs for our nation’s Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine students and their families.

Talia is a registered Republican in Sedgwick County, Kansas, as well as a contributing member of the Kansas Republican Party, the Kansas Black Republican Council, the Sedgwick County Republican Party, and the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council.

A Christian Conservative, Talia is a trusted Sunday school co-teacher and volunteer at Central Christian Church.

Mrs. Penn is a dedicated wife to Patrick, and mother to Jaden, Josiah, Amariah, and Gabriella.  Her family is proud to call northeast Wichita home.