Where she’s from
Kay, the second of six children, was born at the University of Minnesota (“The U”) in Minneapolis while her father attended school on the GI plan. The family then lived in Kansas City, Iowa and Milwaukee before moving to Johnson County, where Kay attended kindergarten and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School.
About her family
Kay’s parents were active community volunteers. She has five sisters, 13 nieces and nephews and two great nieces and nephews. She and her husband Bill Roush have two sons, Skylar and Logan. Skylar and his wife Fabiola teach at Olathe East High School. Their 14-month-old daughter, Alessandra is the light of their lives. Son Logan is Executive Director of Heartland Conservation Alliance and an OP City Council member, and his fiancé (also named Logan) is a city planner. She notes that her family likes to celebrate when they can!
Why she joined the League
Kay joined about eight years ago because she felt that protecting voting rights and educating voters are a citizen’s two most basic civic duties. Now with a granddaughter, she notes that what the League does takes on even more importance!
What she thinks the League does well
So many things! Voter information, candidate forums, voting rights lawsuits, voter registration including new citizens, networking on issues like defeating the recent Constitutional Amendment and studying issues based on facts and research.
Where she would like to see the League focus in the future
Kay would like to see the League continue all the above! She is especially proud of our League’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and our efforts to develop a more diverse membership and multiple community partnerships.
What she does to strengthen our democracy
Kay votes in every election and works to elect candidates who expand rights and opportunities for all. As a WaterOne elected Board member, in her second 4-year term, Kay can use her passions for public health and equity to provide safe, affordable, reliable and delicious water for every member of the community, as well as increasing community engagement with our precious water.
Fun Fact
Kay is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. She spent her time in a small village clinic in rural Liberia, West Africa. She notes that the area was like any small U.S. town--everyone is related, and everyone knows everyone’s business.
