Cowley Pride Impact Award

2026 Winner - Kaydee and Laura Riggs-Johnson and Ladybird Brewing

Kaydee serves as Vice President for Advancement, Marketing, and Communications at Southwestern College, and Laura is an attorney with Herlocker, Roberts & Herlocker right here in Winfield. 

They were married in 2016, are the proud parents of their daughter Mary, and share their home with a whole pack of beloved pets.

Together, they are also the owners of Ladybird Brewing.

In fact, they began dreaming about opening a brewery almost as soon as they met. That dream became a reality in 2021 when Ladybird Brewing opened its doors. Since then, their mission has remained the same: to inspire connection and build community.

And that is exactly what they have done.

Their impact reaches far beyond the walls of the brewery. They show up for countless community events, support local initiatives, and give back generously to causes that make Winfield stronger. They have created a space where everyone is welcome, and where people can gather, connect, and be themselves.

For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, Ladybird Brewing has become something even more meaningful—a place of safety, affirmation, and belonging.

Kaydee and Laura have been strong supporters of Cowley County Pride and understand the importance of visibility and community, especially for younger queer individuals growing up in our area. They regularly show up, advocate, and provide meaningful support that helps make Winfield a more inclusive place for everyone.

One nominator shared these words:

"I nominated Kaydee and Laura because they created such a welcoming queer environment that was so new to me coming from a small Kansas town. Having such supportive and caring queer role models helped me to come out, and I can't thank them enough."

The impact of Kaydee and Laura isn't measured only by the events they sponsor, the organizations they support, or the business they've built. It's measured by the lives they've touched, the connections they've fostered, and the people who feel more seen, valued, and accepted because of them.