A note from Macaela Stephenson, our new 2021 Board President.

Nonprofit Connect community,

I am so honored and delighted to be writing this today as the newly appointed board president. My history with Nonprofit Connect is a long one and I truly owe so much of my career path to the programs, services and connections provided by this incredible organization. Serving in this role truly means the world to me.

I still remember my first YNPNkc (now Connext: Emerging Nonprofit Leaders) happy hour! I was exploring new opportunities in the workforce, had found a love for the nonprofit sector while volunteering and was interested to learn more about what roles were available and what might be a good fit for my interests and talents. I scoured the Nonprofit Connect job board and, at the time, had no idea what a Director of Development did; let alone if I was even remotely qualified for that role (spoiler alert, I was not!). Meeting other professionals who were also at the start of their careers and had a passion for helping others was invaluable. I built friendships, business connections and learned what this sector is all about.

Through the years I have remained closely connected to Nonprofit Connect. I truly believe that our community is so lucky to have this resource and it is unlike any other. It helps to bring us together, to learn from each other (and the expert speakers!) and to give us a place to build upon our skillsets in order to better perform in our roles that support our community. The work of the nonprofits in this city is awe inspiring. Because of your work our neighbors have access to food, affordable childcare, quality education and safer neighborhoods.

To say this is a pivotal time would be a massive understatement. We have seen things in the past year that I don’t know if any of us could have imagined. I am excited to move forward with the Nonprofit Connect staff, with our incredible Board of Directors, with our amazing members and with the Kansas City community to work to achieve our missions and make Kansas City (and beyond) an even better place to live, work and play.

Macaela
 
Macaela Stephenson
Nonprofit Connect Board President, 2021 – 2022
Manager of Community Relations & Investment at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City