Meet our communications team
Communications Manager - Emily Tharp
Emily Tharp Manager of Communications, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Emily, a lifelong resident of Highland, Kansas, is dedicated to fostering strong connections within her community. She graduated from Highland Community College in 2013 with an associate’s degree in graphic design, laying the groundwork for her successful career in communications and marketing. In 2014, Emily began her professional journey at Golden Eagle Casino as a graphic designer. Over nearly 11 years, she progressed to leadership roles, spending six years in marketing and one year as marketing manager. Her work at the casino sharpened her strengths in communication, guest services, and strategic marketing. Now serving as the Manager of Communications for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Emily is committed to enhancing communication between the Tribe, its citizens, and the surrounding community. With a focus on collaboration and impactful messaging, she strives to build bridges that strengthen relationships and foster growth. She resides in Highland, KS, with her daughter, cherishing the balance between her professional ambitions and family life.
Aha, relatives!
Learn about the contractors who are helping provide necessary support to the ITKN Communications Department. Each of these contractors works with the Tribe in their spare time when not working their day-jobs. Their dedication and excitement to improve our communications is appreciated.
Wenawine ki!
David Weaver
David Weaver is a proud member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and serves as the Vice Chairman of the White Cloud Health Center, where he worked with the late Lance Foster to name health facilities in Báxoje Ich'e as well as create recipes for the White Cloud Health Center's Waruje Mąnka (Food as Medicine) Program. David Weaver is an alumnus of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, a four-year intensive leadership development program that offers dual enrollment at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). He graduated from Duke and UNC with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Certificate of Ethics associated with a written publication on the ethics of using blood quantum in Native American citizenship determination, and extensive training in the Spanish language. He hopes to use his degree and research experience to one day become a licensed medical doctor to provide medical services to the tribe and other indigenous communities. David Weaver is enrolled in the tribe through his mother, Michelle Weaver, who is preceded by his G grandmother Betty Plemmons Merrell, GG grandmother Ethel Sponamore Plemmons and his GGG grandmother Emma Jane Franklin Sponamore.
Karlee Liberty
Karlee Liberty is an enrolled ITKN member. Her great-grandmother was Ethil Liberty. She earned a Master's degree in English Literature and currently works as a data analyst. She enjoys reading in her spare time.
“I have been raised always knowing I was Ioway, and the tribe has always had a special place in my heart; so I'm delighted to be helping out now.”
Michelle Weaver
Michelle Weaver is an ITKN Tribe Member. In addition to being on the Communications team for the Tribe she has owned Unifour Natural Pet Foods, LLC since 2012. Michelle has experience in photo and video editing, branding, print design, web design and maintenance, and digital marketing. She is certified in Google Analytics, Google Ads, Email Marketing, and proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workplace, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Her biggest accomplishments are being married to her husband Scott for 30 years and her three adult children who are also ITKN Tribe Members (Bryanna, 27, David, 23, who is also the Vice Chairman for the White Cloud Health Center, and Conner, 21).Michelle's GG Grandmother was Emma Jane Franklin Sponomore, her G Grandmother Ethel Sponomore Plemmons, and Grandmother Betty Plemmons Merrell. While living in North Carolina has limited her in-person connection with the Tribe, her work with the communications team has been an immensely rewarding experience, fostering a deeper connection to her culture.
Contact Information
Emily Tharp
Manager of Communications
3345 B Thrasher Rd.
White Cloud, KS 66094
785-595-3258
communications@iowas.org
