Finding Home in the Heart of the Midwest

When Rebecca Adams thinks about home, a few places come to mind. She was born on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Pascagoula and spent much of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. About a decade ago, Adams found herself drawn somewhere unexpected: Wichita, Kansas.

“I needed a change,” Adams said. “I wanted to be closer to family, and the cost of living here made it possible to start a new chapter.”

Rebecca moved to Wichita in November 2015, and what she discovered surprised her. One of the first things that stood out was the city’s history.

“I was impressed by how many historic buildings Wichita has,” she shared. “It’s not all new construction. There’s character here.”

Over time, Wichita revealed something else that kept her here: its unique balance of scale and connection.
“It’s a big city with a small-town feel,” she said. “And the sunsets, ten years later, I’m still in awe of them!”

Growing a Career in Hospitality

Adams works as a Front Desk Supervisor at the newly opened AC Hotel Wichita Downtown.

Unlike tourism-heavy markets she’s worked in before, Adams said Wichita’s hospitality industry is more consistent year-round. That stability has opened doors.

“I’ve had opportunities to grow here and meet so many people,” Rebecca said. “The pay is better than in a tourism town and being able to grow in a field that’s truly my passion is priceless.”

Community That Shows Up

What Adams appreciates most about Wichita is the sense of community.

“There’s a real respect and loyalty to local small businesses here,” she said. “People show up for one another.”

That sense of belonging has helped shape her life outside of work, too. She enjoys spending time with friends, going to church, trying new restaurants, visiting museums and the zoo, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. She loves spending time with her grown daughter and happily admits she spoils her grand dogs whenever she can.

“I’ve met some of my closest friends here,” she said. “There are so many unique opportunities as well. We aren’t far from the mountains or Kansas City.”