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.
Upcoming Events
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
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.
2026 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.
Chair
Dajaun Hindsman, Community Capital Fund
Vice Chair
Briana Reed, Kansas City G.I.F.T.
Treasurer
Ian Boyd, Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City
Secretary
Anna Vobejda, Connections to Success
Inclusion Officer
Kyle Boehr, Ability KC
Directors
Akiyaa Depusoir-Cochrane, The Nia Project
Alejandro Dergal, Veterans Community Project
Blaise Heckman, CAPTRUST
Blake Peterson, Support KC
Brie Monetti, American Red Cross
Dave Gardner, Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Helen Krause, Operation Breakthrough
Jenna Gerdes, Angel Flight Central
Kristen Pettibon, Catholic Charities
Kyley Ast, Literacy KC
Maigan Bridgette, Sporting Kansas City
Maya Tilmon, University Academy Foundation
Sarena Weatherspoon, SchoolSmartKC
Shannon DuBose Peery
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous series sponsors for 2026!
