TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Judge Monique Centeno, Wichita, District Court Judge – Division 11 of 18th District Court, to the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. Governor Kelly previously appointed Centeno to fill the term of retiring Chief Judge James Fleetwood in August 2019.
Judge Monique Centeno is the presiding judge of Division 11 of Sedgwick County District Court. Judge Centeno graduated from the University of Kansas and graduated with a juris doctorate in 2005 from Washburn School of Law.
Judge Centeno worked as an associate at Williamson & Ohaebosim for several years before becoming an assistant public defender for the Sedgwick County Public Defender’s Office. She also worked as a trial attorney for Wall Huntington before being appointed as a district court judge in 2019.
“Judge Centeno’s long career in public service has given her a deep understanding of civil and criminal litigation, as well as the firsthand knowledge of the imbalances that exist within our of law enforcement system,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I know she will bring an important perspective to this Commission as they work to create a more equitable system for all.”
The Commission will study racial equity and justice in Kansas, and hold listening sessions with Kansans across the state with experience and expertise in the topic. The Commission will make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and local governments on concrete and immediate steps that can be taken to increase racial equity and justice in Kansas.
For more information on the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice, and its members click here.
###