Brie Engelken-Parks
2021-2022 President
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Seneca, KS – about 70 miles North of Topeka. My family lived in Topeka until I was seven, when we moved to be closer to family but I always felt like Topeka was home. When all my friends and I were graduating college – they were KC or bust and I was Topeka or bust. I just was not interested in any other options.
What do you do for a living?
I’m the Senior Director of Marketing for AE Wealth Management, LLC. (AEWM), an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm where I help create strategies and plans to recruit and retain financial advisors for AE Wealth Management while also building tools to help financial advisors across the country grow their business and help serve their clients’ financial goals.
The Junior League of Topeka and AEWM are not affiliated.
How long have you been involved with the Junior League?
I joined the Junior League of Topeka in 2017 making this my 5th year. It’s been a whirlwind and I am so thankful for the strong women that help me grow and better myself every day. I always learn something new from their experiences.
What positions or roles have you held in League?
I’m currently serving as the President of the Junior League. Previously I’ve served as President-Elect, Vice President of Fund Development and a member of the Funding Council (a team I wanted to be on the LEAST but ended up learning so much and LOVED it!!).
What do you love most about League and what keeps you coming back year-after-year?
Junior League has provided me with a safe space to develop new skills and a place to share my talents. It’s also been a tremendous way to connect with other women in our community and I love having the ability to collaborate with others, be it members or those in our community, for the betterment of Topeka – the place I live, work and am choosing to raise my family. But I stay for the women I get to serve beside. They are strong, bold, compassionate, and intelligent women and they each have different and unique life experiences that I have had the great privilege of learning from. I couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better group of women.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to join the Junior League of Topeka?
I joined the Junior League at a time when I felt lost. I was looking for community and the opportunity to find myself again after having kids. I got that and so much more. If you identify as a woman, join Junior League – you will NEVER regret it!
What are you involved in outside of the League?
Outside of work and League, I’m actively engaged in our community. I’ve previously held board positions with the Race Against Breast Cancer and the American Advertising Federation of Topeka. I have spent time volunteering with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, Let’s Help, Project Topeka and Harvesters. But more often than not you can find me chasing around my two daughters, Audra & Ryann, alongside my husband, Matthew, reading, watching the latest binge-worthy show or indulging my Target obsession with a pick-up run.
Capital Impact 