Young Nonprofit Professionals
We’re thrilled to announce our new name, Connext! This new brand reflects the very reason we exist – to serve the next generation of nonprofit leaders through Nonprofit Connect.
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 young 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. With this new name, we are excited to officially become a program under Nonprofit Connect’s umbrella.
We are proud to re-introduce ourselves to you as…Connext – emerging nonprofit leaders!
About Connext
Connext provides learning and networking for the next generation of Nonprofit Connect.
Connext promotes the recruitment, development and retention of young 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.
Upcoming Events
We typically offer one or two programs per month. Connext programs include:
- All-Access Tours of local nonprofit organizations
- Lunch & Learns 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 below and select "Young 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.
Connext Board Recruitment 2021
Do you enjoy attending Connext events, and maybe have a few great event ideas of your own? Are you interested in building your network? Do you want to get some board experience in preparation for the next step in your service? We are seeking people like you to join the Connext board!
To apply, please send your completed application with resume to connextkc@gmail.com by October 2021.
Connext Board of Directors 2021
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
Kristen Wood, Goodwill of Western MO and Eastern KS
Vice Chair
Dane Sosniecki, Phoenix Family
Treasurer
Evan Woods, American Red Cross
Secretary
Christina Hofer, Cross-Lines Community Outreach
Past Chair
Ashley Williamson, Women's Employment Network
Nonprofit Connect Liaisons
Colin Bennett, Nonprofit Connect
Jen Newell, Nonprofit Connect
Directors
Leslie Hernandez, Unbound
Stephanie Lankford, Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation
Mary Maxine Luber, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
James Maiden, McCownGordon Construction
Kaylee Peile, Linda Hall Library
Cassie Pikarsky, Truman Library Institute
Sydney Slavin, Youth Volunteer Corps
Sarah Taylor, Unbound
Ter'Ranay Teague, Immanuel Lutheran Church
Kristine Vainovska Twidwell, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Kerri Voyles, Flourish Creative
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous series sponsors for 2021!
Questions about Connext?
Contact the Board of Directors.