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.
Board Recruitment - Fall 2019
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!
Board Member Expectations
- Fulfill at least one 2-year term (second and third term possible)
- Attend a monthly meeting (currently 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month
- Serve on a committee for growth: Marketing, Community Engagement, Recruitment, Board Engagement
- Be (or become) an active member of Nonprofit Connect
- Assist with planning events and attend as possible
- For more details, please review the Board Member Position Description.
Application Instructions
The deadline to apply for the Connext board has passed. We will communicate all applicants after applications are reviewed.
Connext Board of Directors 2019
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
Cassie Pikarsky, Truman Library Institute
Vice Chair
Ashley Williamson, Women's Employment Network
Treasurer
Kristen Wright, Goodwill of Western MO and Eastern KS
Secretary
Bri Hopkins, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City
Nonprofit Connect Liaisons
Jackie Baker, Nonprofit Connect
Jen Newell, Nonprofit Connect
Directors
Nicole Eubanks, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Leslie Hernandez, Unbound
Rachel Hodgson, Children's Mercy
Stephanie Lankford, Kansas City Sports Commission
Mackenzie Lutz, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City
Birju Solanki, Kansas City Free Eye Clinic
Kristine Vainovska Twidwell, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Kerri Voyles, Central Exchange
Evan Woods, American Red Cross
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous series sponsors for 2019!
Questions about Connext?
Contact the Board of Directors.