Nelson Lewis McConnell | Nelson's Flavorades
Nelson Lewis McConnell is the son of Adorian Lewis and Lonnie McConnell III and an 11-year-old entrepreneur. He is a student at Gloria Willis Middle School in Kansas City, KS and the face and owner of Nelson‘s Flavorades. Nelson’s vision of being a business owner started when he was 8 years old and came to life at his church’s flea market in 2018.
Nelson is a graduate and MVP of the 2020-2021 E-Ship Rising Cohort. He has gained national attention from KSHB 41 News interviews. Placed 2nd during the Kansas Virtual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge hosted by Camp Destination Innovation in Wichita, Kansas, in the middle school division and took 1st place in the JuneteenthKC Pitch Competition. Along with being the youngest member of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, awarded the 2021 Young Entrepreneur Excellence Award from Kansas City Community Church, Kansas Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Kansas Department of Commerce, 2021 W. Hamilton Consulting Achievement Award recipient; in addition to being selected as an alternate for the Velocity Pitch Pub Crawl. Most recently, he partnered with Hy-Vee in Mission, KS as a store vendor.
When Nelson is not in school or conducting Nelson’s Flavorades business, he loves spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, football, and video games.
Cynthia Fails | Founder & CEO of LaunchCrate
By day, C. L. Fails is the Founder & CEO of LaunchCrate Publishing - a company created to help writers launch their work into the world while retaining the portion of profit they deserve.
By night, C. L. is the author and illustrator of the Ella Book Series, The Christmas Cookie Books, and the Raine the Brain Series. Additionally, she is an accidental educator, having served preschool through college students in her hometown of Kansas City. Always an agent for equity, she has dedicated her career to helping others learn to follow their internal compass, and thrive despite challenge.
Outside of LaunchCrate she is an active advocate for education, serving as a current member of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, former Board Member for the Children’s Campus of Kansas City, as well as Chair Emeritus of the Multicultural Alumni Council at Kansas State University and former a Girls on the Run Coach.
When she’s not working on a book, you can find her doodling on whatever object may be nearby.
By night, C. L. is the author and illustrator of the Ella Book Series, The Christmas Cookie Books, and the Raine the Brain Series. Additionally, she is an accidental educator, having served preschool through college students in her hometown of Kansas City. Always an agent for equity, she has dedicated her career to helping others learn to follow their internal compass, and thrive despite challenge.
Outside of LaunchCrate she is an active advocate for education, serving as a current member of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, former Board Member for the Children’s Campus of Kansas City, as well as Chair Emeritus of the Multicultural Alumni Council at Kansas State University and former a Girls on the Run Coach.
When she’s not working on a book, you can find her doodling on whatever object may be nearby.
Jennifer Mills | American Family Insurance
I am proud to say that Kansas has been my home most of my life. I was born in Dodge City. We moved to central Kansas right before starting grade school. We lived in Hoisington until graduated high school. Life took me on many journeys and then I moved back to Dodge City where I met my husband. When the opportunity to move to Kansas City so he could be at the corporate headquarters, we jumped at it.
I have worked for American Family Insurance for the past 8 years. I started out in the corporate offices, but left that to join the sales force. I opened our branch office here in Kansas City KS in Fall, 2020. It has been exciting to be one of the first captive insurance agencies to return to the inner city. I have a passion to educate and support. That is why I enjoy my profession so much.
Joseph Straws III | 2 The MAAXE
DJ Joe (Joseph Straws III) is focused on providing DJ services with the highest levels of satisfaction, no matter the event, no matter the style. He is an open format DJ born and raised in Kansas City. A classically trained jazz drummer at a young age, DJ Joe evolved his love of music to become a DJ. For more than 20 years, he has been the Midwest’s premier mobile entertainment provider, and continues to bring smiles, dancing, and fun to every event he touches.
Throughout his DJ career, DJ Joe has entertained crowds for the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, rocked college crowds for Missouri University (MU) during football season, and entertained school districts across the entire Kansas City Metro – from grade school on up. His ability to master almost any genre of music has even seen him be a unique go-to DJ during Diwali festivals throughout the city, and his list of corporate clients includes some of the KC Metro's top organizations, locally and abroad. As the resident DJ for the Nelson Atkins Museum’s Third Thursday events, DJ Joe brings creativity, fun, excitement and more to the graceful halls of Bloch Lobby each month – all via his favorite art form, music.
DJ Joe is also a huge supporter of the community. From parades to rallies, from charity events to fundraisers, if it’s a good cause and will help the community, consider him there. He is proud to have worked with Make-A-Wish, the American Heart Association, Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City, the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes and many more! DJ Joe continues to gain respect and recognition for his efforts not only in music, but also in philanthropy.
Veronica Alvidrez | Startland, Experience Manager
Veronica is the experience manager at STARTLAND. Her expertise in working with Kansas City youth has led her to new opportunities along her career yet one thing remains true, Veronica strongly believes in the power of education. At STARTLAND she combines her passion for education with her entrepreneurial background by handling MECA Challenge -- one-day innovation competitions for high school students.
Veronica spent 10 years in Kansas City Kansas Public Schools providing post-secondary support through the Migrant Education Program and deepening her connection to under-represented faces in KC. In 2018, she joined Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy as strategist and lead recruiter for the first all-girl public charter school in the metro. With a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, Veronica is a proud graduate of UMKC’s Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Veronica’s passion is working with urban youth to inspire them to seek the many opportunities our city has to offer.
Edgar J. Palacios | Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC), President & CEO
Edgar J. Palacios is the President & CEO of the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC), an organization that dutifully works to increase and retain the number of quality Latinx education professionals in K-12. Edgar previously owned a nonprofit consultancy (EJPKC, LLC) and has had the privilege of working with organizations such as Community Builders of Kansas City; Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City; El Centro, Inc.; Show Me KC Schools; and the Kauffman Foundation.
A bilingual nonprofit executive, Edgar served as Executive Director of Blue Hills Community Services (BHCS), a community development corporation situated in the heart of Kansas City’s urban core and led BHCS through a merger with Swope Community Builders. Prior to his time at Blue Hills, Edgar also served as Senior Director of Resource Development & Community Engagement at Connections to Success and Chief Engagement Officer at Central Exchange. Edgar is an MBA graduate of Rockhurst University. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Awards and recognition include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City 2016 Most Wanted honoree; Kauffman Scholars' 2015 Volunteer of the Year; In 2014, Guadalupe Centers' I. Pat Rios Award for ‘outstanding contribution by an individual to the Latino community of Kansas City’; 2014 KC Chamber Ace Award; and 2012 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year Candidate. Edgar is a 2017 graduate of Centurions, the KC Chamber’s premier leadership development program where he earned the 2017 Centurions Mentor of the Year award.
Edgar was also a member of the 2017 Class of the United Way Governance Academy. Edgar’s commitment to improving education led him to co-found School Tours KC in 2016; a program designed to bring business and civic leaders into local public schools. Additionally, he was a 2017 Visiting Fellow with Education Pioneers. He is a recent graduate/fellow from Surge Institute’s Kansas City Academy. Passionate about his community, Edgar has served as president of both Young Latino Professionals (YLP) of Greater Kansas City and the Kansas City chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. He serves on the Teach for America - Kansas City Champions Board; SuitsForHire Board; and the Board of the Family Conservancy.
A bilingual nonprofit executive, Edgar served as Executive Director of Blue Hills Community Services (BHCS), a community development corporation situated in the heart of Kansas City’s urban core and led BHCS through a merger with Swope Community Builders. Prior to his time at Blue Hills, Edgar also served as Senior Director of Resource Development & Community Engagement at Connections to Success and Chief Engagement Officer at Central Exchange. Edgar is an MBA graduate of Rockhurst University. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Awards and recognition include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City 2016 Most Wanted honoree; Kauffman Scholars' 2015 Volunteer of the Year; In 2014, Guadalupe Centers' I. Pat Rios Award for ‘outstanding contribution by an individual to the Latino community of Kansas City’; 2014 KC Chamber Ace Award; and 2012 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year Candidate. Edgar is a 2017 graduate of Centurions, the KC Chamber’s premier leadership development program where he earned the 2017 Centurions Mentor of the Year award.
Edgar was also a member of the 2017 Class of the United Way Governance Academy. Edgar’s commitment to improving education led him to co-found School Tours KC in 2016; a program designed to bring business and civic leaders into local public schools. Additionally, he was a 2017 Visiting Fellow with Education Pioneers. He is a recent graduate/fellow from Surge Institute’s Kansas City Academy. Passionate about his community, Edgar has served as president of both Young Latino Professionals (YLP) of Greater Kansas City and the Kansas City chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. He serves on the Teach for America - Kansas City Champions Board; SuitsForHire Board; and the Board of the Family Conservancy.
Teresa McGarry | Moneytalk Financial Foundation, Founder
Teresa McGarry holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master's degree in Project Management. She worked as a computer programmer, project leader, and subject matter expert at DST Systems Inc for 15 years. In February 2012, Teresa learned about the multitude of individuals and families who are struggling in large part due to a lack of basic financial literacy skills. This is when Teresa founded the non-profit Moneytalk Financial Foundations. The organization received approval of their 501(c)(3) status on their first attempt in June 2014. Teresa has developed the organizations curriculum which is presented through financial life-skill workshops, coaching, and academy formats. Teresa has worked with and taught almost 5,000 students and adults in area schools, non-profits, and in the community across the Kansas City Metro area.
Shelley Paasch| Network Kansas, Manager Rural Entrepreneurship
As Manager, Rural Entrepreneurship, Shelley has direct oversight for the Entrepreneurship (E-)Communities in the eastern region of Kansas and also manages and provides oversight to the E-Community coaching staff. Shelley began her involvement, engagement and understanding of economic development, entrepreneurship and community outreach in 2007 as the founding Executive Director of the Coffeyville (KS) Main Street program, and was in that role for 7 years. Shelley continued her passion for entrepreneurship by becoming a licensed facilitator of the Ice House, Entrepreneurial Mindset program in 2015 and worked as an independent contractor for NetWork Kansas, focusing on business growth & retention, strategic planning and ecosystem building. Shelley became a full time employee of NetWork Kansas in January 2017. Shelley originates from Ohio by way of Florida and California; moving to Kansas from San Francisco in 2002. Recently giving up lake-life in southeast Kansas, she resides in the unique town of Lawrence, assisting with ecosystem building throughout the state of Kansas.
Rachel Russell | YouthBuild KCK, Service Learning Coordinator
Rachel is a fierce community representative with an intentional focus on the power of elevating student and parent voices to positively transform family-school-community impact. She believes that when students and parents are not only at the table but a part of the decision-making powers our community can truly see growth and success hand in hand.
Professionally, Rachel is a case manager and service-learning coordinator for YouthBuild KCK, a program of United Way of Greater KC. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the Rosedale Development Association Board of Directors, Field Service Representative for Kansas PTA, and serves on the executive committee for both of her school-aged children school PTAs.
Rachel is a fierce community representative with an intentional focus on the power of elevating student and parent voices to positively transform family-school-community impact. She believes that when students and parents are not only at the table but a part of the decision-making powers our community can truly see growth and success hand in hand.
Professionally, Rachel is a case manager and service-learning coordinator for YouthBuild KCK, a program of United Way of Greater KC. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the Rosedale Development Association Board of Directors, Field Service Representative for Kansas PTA, and serves on the executive committee for both of her school-aged children school PTAs.
Gabe Munoz | Forward Cities, EShip Kansas City Local Director
Gabe has been actively involved in the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem for over 13 years. Gabe works to create a unified community vision to best serve entrepreneurs, while creating a welcoming and inclusive culture that places the needs of entrepreneurs front and center.
Prior to coming to Forward Cities, he served as the Director of Sales and Small Business Advising for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. In his role, he was responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with startups, government/non-profit agencies, community leaders, and corporate America. During his 12 years at the HCC, he assisted over 1,000 micro-enterprises in getting licensed, certified as M/WBEs, and connected in the community.
Gabe is the second oldest of nine children and an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and KU basketball. In his free time, you can find him playing soccer and spending time with his wife Julia and their four children, Devin, Diego, Daisy, and Desiree.
Prior to coming to Forward Cities, he served as the Director of Sales and Small Business Advising for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. In his role, he was responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with startups, government/non-profit agencies, community leaders, and corporate America. During his 12 years at the HCC, he assisted over 1,000 micro-enterprises in getting licensed, certified as M/WBEs, and connected in the community.
Gabe is the second oldest of nine children and an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and KU basketball. In his free time, you can find him playing soccer and spending time with his wife Julia and their four children, Devin, Diego, Daisy, and Desiree.
Shonda Bradley | Motivational Speaker
Shonda Bradley is an inspirational speaker, corporate trainer, author and certified life coach.
She is a believer, wife, mother of 4 and grandmother. Mrs. Bradley walked the path of living in a shelter and being a teen aged single mother. Taking responsibility for her life, Shonda went from receiving assistance, then working white and blue collar jobs for several years, excelling as a high achiever.
Mrs. Bradley discovered her passion when she retired from a fortune 500 company at the age of 40. She found herself inspiring and coaching others in the direction of greatness. Moving forward, Shonda received her speaking and life coaching certification from renowned motivational speaker Les Brown. Now, Shonda Bradley impacts diverse audiences by sharing ways to shift their mindset for maximum performance for success. During her free time, she enjoys being with family, encouraging friends, and serving the community
Kathryn Golden | Enterprise Center of Johnson County, Program Manager
Kathryn Golden joined the Enterprise Center in Johnson
County in January 2018.
She oversees the Growth Mentor Service (GMS) program,
Pitch Perfect boot camp, and entrepreneur workshop series while seeking to expand educational and growth programing for entrepreneurs.
Originally from northern Missouri, Kathryn has lived on both coasts. She has worked for a number of startup organizations, both locally and in the Bay Area, and managed projects and teams across multiple industries. While in San Francisco, she also owned a small retail business and co-founded a non-profit jazz performance space in Berkeley, CA. Since returning to Kansas City in 2012, she has launched several arts events, notably PorchFestKC, a community music festival, and The Flame, a storytelling series.
Kathryn received her undergraduate degree from Truman State University
(Northeast Missouri State) and lives in Kansas City, MO.
County in January 2018.
She oversees the Growth Mentor Service (GMS) program,
Pitch Perfect boot camp, and entrepreneur workshop series while seeking to expand educational and growth programing for entrepreneurs.
Originally from northern Missouri, Kathryn has lived on both coasts. She has worked for a number of startup organizations, both locally and in the Bay Area, and managed projects and teams across multiple industries. While in San Francisco, she also owned a small retail business and co-founded a non-profit jazz performance space in Berkeley, CA. Since returning to Kansas City in 2012, she has launched several arts events, notably PorchFestKC, a community music festival, and The Flame, a storytelling series.
Kathryn received her undergraduate degree from Truman State University
(Northeast Missouri State) and lives in Kansas City, MO.
Joe Pippins | Owner of The Fishing Caddy
Joseph Pippins Sr. A Kansas City native was born in Kansas City Kansas. Attended Harmon High School and graduated in 2000. A 2 sport athlete and excelled at playing soccer being the first freshman in Kansas City to be selected as All Kansan 1st Team. Leading his team in scores under his mentor Curt Robertson at Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
A life long entrepreneur since a kid selling his toys out of his window while on punishment to get the things he needed outside the walls of his room. Quickly built a reputation for being “the deal maker” brokering deals between classmates and retaining profits by selling candy and his artwork. Along with selling Mortal Kombat codes to his peers and hired his friends to he’ll grow his booming business.
Joseph being no stranger to hard work maintain just about any job that would build a profit. Cutting grass, shoveling snow, dishwasher and ultimately ended up polishing his communication skills and overcome his timidity by interacting with customers as a waiter. Using his natural ability to solve problems he invented a host of items that now are selling in several major retailers and featured in over 500 publications worldwide. Including Wall Street Select, Kansas Business Journal, Kickstarter, ABC/Disney MGM, Fox News and The National Black Archives.
Now as a consultant and business coach he aims to help other entrepreneurs and inventors bring their products to market using his years of experience and success.
Joseph Pippins Sr. A Kansas City native was born in Kansas City Kansas. Attended Harmon High School and graduated in 2000. A 2 sport athlete and excelled at playing soccer being the first freshman in Kansas City to be selected as All Kansan 1st Team. Leading his team in scores under his mentor Curt Robertson at Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
A life long entrepreneur since a kid selling his toys out of his window while on punishment to get the things he needed outside the walls of his room. Quickly built a reputation for being “the deal maker” brokering deals between classmates and retaining profits by selling candy and his artwork. Along with selling Mortal Kombat codes to his peers and hired his friends to he’ll grow his booming business.
Joseph being no stranger to hard work maintain just about any job that would build a profit. Cutting grass, shoveling snow, dishwasher and ultimately ended up polishing his communication skills and overcome his timidity by interacting with customers as a waiter. Using his natural ability to solve problems he invented a host of items that now are selling in several major retailers and featured in over 500 publications worldwide. Including Wall Street Select, Kansas Business Journal, Kickstarter, ABC/Disney MGM, Fox News and The National Black Archives.
Now as a consultant and business coach he aims to help other entrepreneurs and inventors bring their products to market using his years of experience and success.
Dell Gines | Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Senior Community Development Advisor
Dell Gines is the Senior Community Development Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. He is committed to helping empower economically distressed communities through innovative economic development strategies. He is a national thought leader in entrepreneurship led economic development and ecosystem building. He has authored four guides and one eBook on the subject. His most recent work is a research report on Black Women Businesses. Dell also is a well traveled speaker, speaking in over 18 states and 45 cities during his ten years at the Bank including serving as the keynote at the National Economic Gardening Conference and the the International Community Development conference.
Dell is one of less than 5,500 Certified Economic Developers (CEcD) and holds a Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Finance and will complete his PhD in public administration Fall of 2020.
During his career he has received numerous commendations for his work in the community, including receiving the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President’s award two times, the Community Healing Network Award for grassroots community service, the Kansas City Top 100 Influencers in Technology, The Ten Outstanding Young Omahans Under 40 award, University of Nebraska Omaha Chapter National Council of Negro Women Award for Outstanding Community Service . In 2020 he was inducted into the Kansas City Black Achievers Society.
Dell is one of less than 5,500 Certified Economic Developers (CEcD) and holds a Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Finance and will complete his PhD in public administration Fall of 2020.
During his career he has received numerous commendations for his work in the community, including receiving the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President’s award two times, the Community Healing Network Award for grassroots community service, the Kansas City Top 100 Influencers in Technology, The Ten Outstanding Young Omahans Under 40 award, University of Nebraska Omaha Chapter National Council of Negro Women Award for Outstanding Community Service . In 2020 he was inducted into the Kansas City Black Achievers Society.
Chante Keller | Network Navigator, KC Source Link
As a KCSourceLink Network Navigator, Chanté Keller has a rich understanding of the more than 240 organizations that support Kansas City’s entrepreneur community and the programs they offer. She connects entrepreneurs and small businesses to the resources they need to start and grow, while also facilitating a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Chante graduated from Drury University with a bachelor’s of criminology and psychology, with plans to help youth who suffer from mental illnesses. But like most businesses, she decided to pivot once she realized her strengths. A natural facilitator and listener with a knack for tending to the heart of the community, Chanté has helped facilitate youth programs, such as Campfire USA. She also managed Stage 773—a small nonprofit theater in Chicago—and currently performs with a local small business theater the KC Improv Company. Her passion to see small business and organizations thrive led her to KCSourceLink.
Spencer Martin | Owner of VanLifeKC
I live and work in Kansas City, KS right now but I am originally from Lubbock, TX. I am married and have an almost 7 year old, and 2 dogs and two cats. My full-time job is as the Secondary Science Curriculum Instructional Coach for KCKPS. Basically that means that I support all the secondary science teachers in the district with coaching, curriculum, and anything else they might need.
On the side I have several different businesses. Spence Creative Design in which I do web and graphic design for small businesses. And VanLifeKC where I rent camper vans and trailers to people who want to take them out for a camping trip all over the US.
Daniel Holliday | Real Estate Agent & Author
Daniel is a licensed real estate agent in Florida, Kansas and Missouri. His career in the industry began as a real estate investor 6 years ago. He currently manages his own properties as well as provides management services to both new and experienced investors. In Daniel’s free time, he enjoys going to the beach, driving speedboats, and spending time with his black lab Dozer. Daniel is also a recent author with the release of Business Credit Builder, which teaches business owners how to strategically build a business credit profile and fund their startups.
Yolanda Clark | Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Board of Education Member
Yolanda Clark has been in the financial industry with over 20 years' experience. She has worked in various places within the financial industry and currently manages several teams within Operations Compliance.
Yolanda is a mother of 3; two students enrolled within District 500 and her oldest son is active duty in the Navy. She's married to her high school sweetheart for nearly 20 years. In Yolanda's free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and having girlfriend time at least once a month.
Yolanda attends Roswell Church of Christ and very active in a variety of roles. She currently serves on the Kansas City Kansas Public School board and loves serving our community. Being a lifelong resident of Wyandotte County, she a firm believer in "to whom much is given, much is required."
Brandy Wells | Manager of Office and Community Affairs (MOC), WYCO District Attorney's Office
Brandy currently manages the operations and finances of the Wyandotte County’s District Attorney’s Office. Her core responsibilities to the DAs office include management of staff, budgeting, grant administration, project management, oversight of community projects and working with the leadership team to move this community and office forward in a positive manner.
Brandy was born and raised in Kansas City, Ks. and is a graduate of Wyandotte High School. She went on to pursue her secondary education at Park University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Finance. Brandy has a diverse background in areas included but not limited to finance, contract management, grant administration/compliance, supplier diversity and project management. In her tenure with the Unified Government since 2004 Brandy’s responsibilities have included working as a Budget Analyst, Finance Supervisor, Contract and Compliance Manager and currently serves as the Manager of Office and Community Affairs for the District Attorney’s Office.
When Brandy is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music and writing poetry.
Brandy was born and raised in Kansas City, Ks. and is a graduate of Wyandotte High School. She went on to pursue her secondary education at Park University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Finance. Brandy has a diverse background in areas included but not limited to finance, contract management, grant administration/compliance, supplier diversity and project management. In her tenure with the Unified Government since 2004 Brandy’s responsibilities have included working as a Budget Analyst, Finance Supervisor, Contract and Compliance Manager and currently serves as the Manager of Office and Community Affairs for the District Attorney’s Office.
When Brandy is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music and writing poetry.
Jessica Kinsey | Marketing Director for Legends Outlets
As a professional with 10+ years of marketing and sales experience, Jessica has spent most of her career within the Retail Real-Estate industry and specializes in the shopping center vertical (which is good because she really, really, really likes to shop).
Although Jessica has always had a passion for fashion and retail, it was her internship with the Kansas City Sports Commission that really fueled her interest in marketing. Working directly under the National Events Director, she assisted with the coordination of major sporting events such as the Big 12 Championship, WIN for KC Triathlon and Royals Fan Fest. Jessica’s experience at KCSC helped earn her a highly competitive job with one of the largest RRE companies in the country, Simon Property Group.
In 2012, Jessica began her career with SPG as a Marketing Administrative Assistant for West Ridge Mall in Topeka. Within a year, she was promoted to Director of Marketing & Business Development and then relocated to Independence Center in 2014.
In her current role at Legends Outlets, Jessica consumes large quantities of coffee and then manages the center’s marketing and communications program which includes advertising, social platforms, digital assets, campaign development, budgeting, tenant relations, special events and PR.
Jessica holds a BA in Communications from the University of Kansas where she also minored in Psychology. Originally a New Englander, she now resides in Shawnee with her family but is still a Patriots and Red Sox fan at heart.
Although Jessica has always had a passion for fashion and retail, it was her internship with the Kansas City Sports Commission that really fueled her interest in marketing. Working directly under the National Events Director, she assisted with the coordination of major sporting events such as the Big 12 Championship, WIN for KC Triathlon and Royals Fan Fest. Jessica’s experience at KCSC helped earn her a highly competitive job with one of the largest RRE companies in the country, Simon Property Group.
In 2012, Jessica began her career with SPG as a Marketing Administrative Assistant for West Ridge Mall in Topeka. Within a year, she was promoted to Director of Marketing & Business Development and then relocated to Independence Center in 2014.
In her current role at Legends Outlets, Jessica consumes large quantities of coffee and then manages the center’s marketing and communications program which includes advertising, social platforms, digital assets, campaign development, budgeting, tenant relations, special events and PR.
Jessica holds a BA in Communications from the University of Kansas where she also minored in Psychology. Originally a New Englander, she now resides in Shawnee with her family but is still a Patriots and Red Sox fan at heart.
Rebekah Baughman | Community Engagement Manager for Visit Kansas City, Kansas
A native of Wyandotte County, she graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with an Emphasis in Strategic Communications in December of 2014. She began working for Visit KCK as the Visitors Services Coordinator & Marketing Assistant in January 2015. She was then promoted to Marketing and Events Coordinator in 2017, and then to her current position in October 2020.
During her time at Visit Kansas City Kansas, she has managed the organization’s social media accounts and helped grow their audience through creative strategy, content creation and consistent marketing. As an advocate for Kansas travel and Kansas City tourism, Rebekah has leveraged her influence to develop several marketing partnerships, including those with Kansas Tourism, Visit Topeka, and several local restaurants and attractions. Earlier this year she was accepted into the Destinations International 30 Under 30 program.
Philip Gonsher | Instructor, UMKC Bloch School
Phillip Gonsher has responsibilities in the nationally acclaimed Entrepreneurship Scholars program, extending to Coordinator of Curriculum for the undergraduate Entrepreneurship academic programs. He a full time instructor at UMKC Bloch School, teaching courses in the Entrepreneurship and Marketing Departments with a focus on Entrepreneurial Marketing, Creativity and Innovation and survey entrepreneur courses. Phillip holds a BA in Management from Ottawa University, a M.L.A. from Baker University, M.A. in Business from Webster University and a M.A. in Marketing from Webster University. He completed a 24-year career with Sprint in leadership marketing positions. Phillip started his career as an entrepreneur in Phoenix, Arizona in the retail soft goods clothing industry.
Laura Moore | Program Coordinator, Regnier Institute
Laura Moore joined the Regnier Institute in June 2018 as the Program/Project Coordinator. She earned her earned her M.P.A. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Bloch School and a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Laura previously spent 11 years at the Girl Scouts in various positions related to program & training development/delivery and operations management.
Rodney Fager | R.R.F. Architect
Mr. Fager is a graduate of Kansas State University, licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma with 30 years’ experience as an Architect. After graduation he spent 22 years with Mantel & Teter Architects in Kansas City Missouri. He was a principal and partner for 16 years, as lead designer and project architect on over 100 significant projects.
Upon Mr. Teter’s retirement he joined HMN Architects as a senior associate. For 6 years he provided design and leadership in project administration for their special projects division. Additionally, Mr. Fager obtained a Masters in Architecture and was an adjunct professor for the Department of Architecture at the University of Kansas. He taught classes in organizational behavior and dispute resolution.
In 2013 he founded RRFA LLC and continues to serve select clients that value his specialized, comprehensive attention and skill on a broad variety of project types. Over his career Mr. Fager has developed an extensive network of professional relationships with engineers (civil, structural, MEP, acoustical, etc.), contractors, fabricators, suppliers, testing agencies, municipalities and other architectural firms to benefit his diverse clients. Commitment, Knowledge, Integrity and Insight are the cornerstones in his practice of Architecture.
Upon Mr. Teter’s retirement he joined HMN Architects as a senior associate. For 6 years he provided design and leadership in project administration for their special projects division. Additionally, Mr. Fager obtained a Masters in Architecture and was an adjunct professor for the Department of Architecture at the University of Kansas. He taught classes in organizational behavior and dispute resolution.
In 2013 he founded RRFA LLC and continues to serve select clients that value his specialized, comprehensive attention and skill on a broad variety of project types. Over his career Mr. Fager has developed an extensive network of professional relationships with engineers (civil, structural, MEP, acoustical, etc.), contractors, fabricators, suppliers, testing agencies, municipalities and other architectural firms to benefit his diverse clients. Commitment, Knowledge, Integrity and Insight are the cornerstones in his practice of Architecture.
Daniel Holliday | Business Credit Builder
Daniel is a licensed real estate agent in Florida, Kansas and Missouri. His career in the industry began as a real estate investor 6 years ago. He currently manages his own properties as well as provides management services to both new and experienced investors. In Daniel’s free time, he enjoys going to the beach, driving speedboats, and spending time with his black lab Dozer. Daniel is also a recent author with the release of Business Credit Builder, which teaches business owners how to strategically build a business credit profile and fund their startups.
Morgan Perry | Business Outreach Specialist, Mid-Continent Public Library
Morgan Perry is the Business Outreach Specialist for the Mid-Continent Public Library. A founding member of the Square One Small Business Services team, Morgan has dedicated her career to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs. She spends the majority of her time making connections between the Library and resource partners across the Kansas City Metro, as well as developing innovative new programming and events. Her passion is taking the Library out of the branch and right into the heart of the business community. Morgan’s innovative work with food businesses has been featured in two different books, Kansas City Food Trucks: Stories & Recipes and the upcoming American Library Association publication ‘Round the Table: Food Literacy Program, Resources, and Ideas for Libraries.
Aaron Kravish | VISTA, Wyandotte County Museum
Aaron Kravish joined the Wyandotte County Museum as the Museum Community Outreach VISTA in February 2021. He earned his M.A. in History with a concentration in Museum Studies in 2018 and his B.A. in History from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2016. Aaron is an emerging museum professional, having worked in a variety of historical organizations from the Keweenaw National Historical Park to the Lee Jeans corporate archive. He is passionate about helping people connect to the histories of their local communities
Michael Loney | Freedom Hoops
Michael founded Freedom Hoops in 2014 alongside friend and mentor Kevin Kacy of Freedom Fire. Throughout his career, basketball seemed to promise fulfillment but God used basketball to teach Michael to solely boast in Christ. He has a passion to follow Christ, romance his wife each day, point his sons to Jesus, and to use basketball and the gospel to disciple and transform urban youth to know God.
TaNisha Webb | Owner, Urban Chic Travelistas, LLC
TaNisha Webb is an award-winning book club president and the author of The Ultimate Book Club Experience: How to Create & Maintain a Successful Book Club. TaNisha has over ten years of experience as a book club consultant for book clubs and authors. She published the first magazine solely developed for book clubs called Book Club 101 Magazine. She is also the former founder and coordinator of the Fall into Books Literary Conference and Book Club University Online Conference. TaNisha is currently a travel consultant and the owner of Urban Chic Travelistas, LLC.
Amy Loch | Director, Wyandotte County Historical Museum
Amy Loch became the Director of the Wyandotte County Historical Museum in 2019. She came to the museum from the Stillwater History Museum in Oklahoma, where the museum reached record attendance through new programming, exhibit development and increased marketing efforts during her tenure. Previously she served as Director of the Logan County Historical Society in Guthrie where she produced the award winning WPA Tour series and successfully wrote the nomination to list the Excelsior Library on the National Register of Historic Places. Prior to moving to Oklahoma, Amy was the Curator at the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, Kansas and the Registrar at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Maryland. Amy is the current Treasurer of the Mountain Plains Museum Association and has served on multiple local historical society and museum boards. She holds a MA in Public History from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree in History with a minor in Business from Immaculata University. She is married to Dr. Mark Janzen, a fellow museum professional and historian.
Ricky Kidd | Founder, I Am Resilience
Mr. Kidd is an incredibly motivated public speaker, author, and playwright. His sole post-exoneration focus has been to educate and inspire millions of people about resilience in the face of their challenges. Mr. Kidd also has advocated for the wrongfully
convicted all over the country and has even trained prosecutors on how to avoid wrongful convictions as a criminal justice consultant. Because of this, many around the nation continue to be captivated by Kidd’s story of true Resilience. The intensity of the public’s focus on Kidd’s extraordinarily & compelling story has served as fuel for him to continue to share, educate and inspire.
Charon Thompson| Co-Founder, The Porter House KC
Charon provides operational leadership and manages social for The Porter House KC. Raised in Kansas City, Mo, born in Leominster, Massachusetts. Charon graduated from Lincoln College Prep High School, and attended the University of Missouri, Kansas City majoring in engineering. Charon has worked with BNSF rail for 11 years, and operated 4 business during the time, including The Porter House KC. His appreciation for the community of Kansas City is driven by his love for the city. Charon loves to help business owners and startups in KC with providing the tools and resources to efficiently operate their businesses.