Meet Lauren Daniels Judge

Lauren recently joined our staff as Education Manager. She brings a wealth of experience to our team, having held previous roles in education programming with ECHO International and KVC Health Systems.

We sat down with Lauren to learn more about her background and what she has in store for programs in the year ahead.

Q: What intrigued you about this position and ultimately inspired you to join Nonprofit Connect?

A: I’ve admired the work of Nonprofit Connect from afar for some time. The organization has provided essential support to the vibrant nonprofit sector in Kansas City for decades. I’m passionate about leadership development and supporting grassroots organizations that are changing lives in our communities, and it’s an honor to support the incredible people doing this work in Kansas City.

Q: What do you see as the emerging educational themes for the year and beyond?

A: Now more than ever, our sector is working to navigate the political and social climate with intentionality and clarity. Many of our partners are seeking intentional fundraising and donor development training—anchors for stability amid changing trends and priorities. Ultimately, our mission remains the same: supporting nonprofits in building foundations of excellence that can weather change and remain resilient in an evolving world.

Q: We are all eager to see what’s in store for 2026. Can you give us a peek behind the curtain?

A: In 2026, we’re looking forward to hosting our keystone programs, including the Nonprofit Managers Institute (with our first session starting Feb. 10), the Mission Marketing Institute and the Executive Directors Institute. We’ll also offer programs focused on essential topics in today’s climate, such as grantwriting and fundraising boot camps. We have more than 100 programs in the queue for the upcoming quarters, and Nonprofit Connect has an exciting year ahead supporting the Kansas City nonprofit community.