Connext: Emerging Nonprofit Leaders

Connext is a group of volunteer leaders that promote the recruitment, development and retention of emerging professionals in the nonprofit sector to support and enhance a strong, dynamic nonprofit community. We offer emerging nonprofit leaders the assistance they need as individuals and as a group to realize their full potential.

Since our inception in 2007 as the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Kansas City, we’ve hosted over 100 programs for professionals growing in their nonprofit careers. Our group has evolved over the years with new events, new board members, and new goals, but we’ve always aimed to support and empower emerging nonprofit professionals in Kansas City.

We’ve been successful in large part to the tremendous support of Nonprofit Connect, who shared their resources, staff support and vision.

Now Accepting Applications for the Connext Board!

Lead. Grow. Make an Impact in Kansas City.

Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level and help shape the future of Kansas City’s nonprofit community? Connext: Emerging Nonprofit Leaders is now accepting applications for our Board of Directors!

As a Connext board member, you’ll:

Develop real-world leadership and governance skills
Expand your network with passionate, mission-driven professionals
Gain insight into nonprofit operations and board service
Give back by supporting emerging leaders and the broader KC nonprofit sector

This is more than a resume booster—it's a chance to be at the table, make meaningful contributions, and grow alongside a community of changemakers.

No prior board experience? No problem. We’re here to support and guide you as you grow into your role.

Apply now and be part of something bigger.

Click Here to Access the Application: https://forms.gle/sEvvYo5pWA9SiVS17

Connext Mini-Grant Application

Ready to take your career to the next level? The Connext Mini-Grant Fund is here to support emerging nonprofit professionals (less than 7 years of experience) in the Kansas City metro who are pursuing growth through professional development. Whether it's a conference, certification, or workshop—grants from $50 to $250 are available to help you achieve your goals and strengthen our nonprofit community. Applications due August 30^th.

Invest in yourself today and shape the future of Kansas City’s nonprofit sector. Apply today!

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Connext Programs

We typically offer one program per month. Connext programs include:

- All-Access Tours of local nonprofit organizations

- Skills Sessions on professional development topics

- Coffee Talks with local nonprofit CEOs and experts

- Happy Hours and social events

Join us at our next program!

Stay Connected

Subscribe to Connext Emails

The best way to get involved with Connext is to sign up for our emails.

We typically send one to two emails per month with information on upcoming events and how you can join in.

Click the button above and select "Connext: Emerging Nonprofit Professionals" for your mailing list preference.

Membership

All you have to do to get involved with Connext is join us for an event!

We have no membership fee, and we offer both free and paid social and professional development programs. You do not have to be a member of Nonprofit Connect to attend. Connext welcomes people of all ages, although most of our attendees are in their 20s and 30s and are working in the nonprofit sector.

Connext's Inclusion Statement

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are important, interdependent components of everyday life and professional careers. Connext’s aim is to foster a culture where every member of Connext feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals with an uncommon will. This includes providing opportunity and access for all people across race, gender, religion, identity, and experiences.

Board Member Commitment to Inclusion

Raise my personal awareness about challenges and opportunities related to DEI in the nonprofit industry and in Kansas City, and work to raise awareness in others.
Work to increase opportunities for women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities to be nonprofit professionals and leaders and to be actively involved with Connext and join the Connext board.
Partner with Nonprofit Connect and other local organizations to create/advance programs that aim to expand opportunities and eliminate the barriers for students and professionals from underrepresented populations interested in the nonprofit industry.

2025 Connext Board of Directors

The Connext Board of Directors is a working board of dynamic, diverse leaders that help steer the course of Connext's program and activities.

To contact the board, send an email to connextkc@gmail.com.

Email the Board

Chair
Dajaun Hindsman, Community Capital Fund

Vice Chair

Treasurer

Ian Boyd, Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City

Secretary

Briana Reed, Kansas City G.I.F.T.

Inclusion Officer

Chanelle Zak, Lents Mazur & Associates

Past Chair

Alix Carruth, Woodruff

Directors

Athaviah Barker, Jewish Vocational Services

Kyle Boeher, Ability KC

Maigan Bridgette, Sporting Kansas City

Akiyaa Depusoir-Cochrane, Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City

Shannon DuBose Peery

Dave Gardner, Children’s Mercy Kansas City

Blaise Heckman, CAPTRUST

Helen Krause, Operation Breakthrough

Tish Sjuts, Midwest Innocence Project

Anna Vobejda, Connections to Success