Not Your Average Nonprofit: Neighborhood Needs to Community Advocacy | A Connext Event

Join us for an engaging discussion where we’ll dive into the unique stories that shape our communities! We’ll explore how some neighborhoods have naturally evolved into nonprofits, driven by the needs and passions of their residents. Come ready to ask your questions to leaders in the Westside neighborhood, Midtown area, and more!

 

This event will also broaden your perspective on the nonprofit world, highlighting how neighborhoods like yours play a crucial role in the larger Kansas City nonprofit landscape. Get ready to connect, share, and discover how your neighborhood's story fits into the bigger picture of community-driven change!

 

You can submit your questions for the panelists ahead of the event, via this Google Form: https://forms.gle/fHuUq3KwCs25ZECb9

 

We will also have question cards available at the event to fill out.

 

Please note: There is a tour component to this event, and the area has some elevated terrain.

 

Speakers:

With 24 years of experience coordinating and leading humanitarian programs at local, national and international levels, Jorge brings diverse methodologies and resources to his work. As a Guatemala native, Jorge earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications - Professional Journalism, a Master’s Degree in History and Social Sciences from Del Valle University, and a Teaching Degree in Physical Education. During his career, Jorge has established partnerships with organizations such as: KCMOPD, Jackson County Outside Agencies, The City of Kansas City, University Health, Hispanic Nurse Association of KC, Engineer Without Borders and various universities. Jorge volunteered with Westside CAN Center for 11 years before becoming the Director in December 2014. Westside CAN Center unifies efforts with several local social agencies, profit and nonprofit organizations to implement programs like school readiness, Toys for Tots, a community orchard, and the implementation of a community policing program.
 

Alana Henry |Community Advocate & Urban Farmer

Alana Henry is a change catalyst, dedicated to serving the underserved communities through her work as a business leader, mentor, and philanthropist. Her ability to build and strengthen relationships enables her to promote social justice through advocacy and service. Alana began her career as a reporter after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she mastered the art of storytelling in her reports about politics, education, and other critical issues affecting city residents. This was followed by a career pivot as an educator, then entrepreneur and Editor-In-Chief of The Writique. In addition to building a fully functional company, Alana continues to give back and advocate for low-income communities. As a long-time Kansas City resident, she contributes to the local food system and advocates for the eradication of food insecurity by managing operations for her family’s business, Young Family Farm. Most recently, Alana served as interim Executive Director of Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, where she won a six-figure city ordinance request, drove community food security initiatives, and supported a key affordable housing project in the community. Alana currently serves on the board for the Heartland Conservation Alliance and the University of Missouri Extension – Jackson County.

 

Program Policies

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A Connext Program

Connext (formerly YNPNkc) provides learning and networking opportunities for the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We welcome people of all ages and professions, although most of our members are in their 20s and 30s and working in the nonprofit sector.