Nonprofit Career Pathways: A Virtual Summit | A Connext Event
Nonprofit Career Pathways: A Virtual Summit is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to begin or change their career in the nonprofit sector in Kansas City. Taking place virtually over the Thursday and Friday lunch hours, this event provides a flexible opportunity for attendees to learn from experienced nonprofit professionals about six different career pathways in the sector:
- Fundraising & development,
- Marketing,
- Operations,
- Direct service,
- Volunteer management, and
- HR/finance.
Breakout Session Details
- Administration/Operations
- HR/Finance
- Marketing & Communications
Friday, February 28th
- Fundraising/Development
- Programming/Direct Service
- Volunteer Management
Meet the panelists:
Sidney Smith - Chief Operating Officer, Nonprofit Connect
Sidney Smith is a Kansas City native who serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Nonprofit Connect, an association of 800+ nonprofit organizations and nonprofit-serving businesses. He brings over a decade of executive leadership experience serving in roles as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. Sidney’s education is rooted in business with a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an Executive MBA from Rockhurst University. He consults with many nonprofits on strategic planning, board governance, and business operations. He enjoys spending his spare time traveling, bowling, and rooting on our beloved back-to-back Super Bowl Champion, Kansas City Chiefs.
Jill Beck, CPA - Chief Financial Officer, Cornerstones of Care
Jill Beck is the Chief Financial Officer of Cornerstones of Care. Responsible for the strategic development of finance and accounting initiatives, Jill works closely with executive leadership and board members to support the organization's mission through strong financial stewardship, risk management, and compliance.
Prior to Cornerstones of Care, Jill's 24-year nonprofit career includes serving as the vice president of finance/controller for the YMCA, the CFO for both reStart and El Centro, and nine years at Forvis Mazars auditing not-for-profit and governmental entities. In 2016 and again in 2024, the Kansas City Business Journal recognized Jill's work in the nonprofit sector by naming her CFO of the Year. Jill also serves the metropolitan area as the Ward II Alderman in Riverside, Mo and a board member of Nonprofit Connect.
Lauren Schaumburg - Community Engagement Manager, MARC
Lauren Schaumburg is the Community Engagement Manager for Mid-America Regional Council's department of Aging and Adult Services. Lauren manages external-facing initiatives for the department including the Communities for All Ages Age-Inclusive City program, the Give 5 Volunteer Matching program, annual events, and other special projects. Lauren’s background includes coordination of food access and nutrition programs, local food advocacy and promotion, and community organizing.
Colin Bennett - Digital Marketing Manager, Starlight
From running social media pages, creating visual content, to executing full campaigns and more, Colin balances the art and science of nonprofit marketing. Currently, Colin serves as the Digital Marketing Manager for Starlight where he manages the digital presence of KC’s oldest outdoor performing arts venue. Colin previously served as the Marketing Manager for Nonprofit Connect and has worked for nonprofits ranging from the KC Zoo to the Boy Scouts. Colin holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Arkansas with a focus on advertising and public relations.
Lauren Clifton-Thompson - Development Director, Northeast Community Center: Home of Harmony Project KC
Lauren Clifton-Thompson is a dedicated nonprofit leader and fundraising professional based in Kansas City, MO. As the Development Director for Northeast Community Center, she is committed to advancing the organization’s mission through strategic fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement. A Kansas City native, Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She further strengthened her expertise in the nonprofit sector by earning a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Park University. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lauren is a devoted wife and mother of three. She and her family enjoy traveling, cheering on their hometown teams, and exploring the beauty of Kansas City.
Minah Chapell - Program Coordinator/Executive Director, Livable Neighborhoods
Minah Chapell is a lifelong Wyandotte Countian passionate about fostering human connection and community care. She serves as the Executive Director of Livable Neighborhoods Taskforce, a not-for-profit that empowers and supports residents in actualizing the change they would like to see in their neighborhoods through partnerships with Kansas City, KS neighborhood groups and local government.
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Date and Time
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST
11:30 | Welcome & Introductions
11:35-12:15 | Speaker Panel
12:20-1:00 | Breakout Sessions
Location
A virtual summit
Fees/Admission
$15.00
Members and Nonmembers
*Fee covers both sessions*
Contact Information
Nicole Primm
Send Email
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